
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Domestic Violence can leave scars that aren't visible just as much as the ones that are, according to Sue Wray with BrightHouse.

Most of us think of physical, when we think of domestic violence," Wray said. "That's often what involves law enforcement, but there's a lot of different ways that people can be abusive within a relationship. Trying to demean your partner. Sometimes people do that to keep them in place, to keep them around. Offering that kind of criticism over and over is really hard on people's self-esteem. Sometimes people take paychecks, so there's no financial stability. They can't get away even if they want to."

Unfortunately, it isn't just intimate relationships that can see abusive behavior.

"We have a lot of people come in, because, one right now I think is particularly sad, they have to file a protection order against their child, because they are elderly," Wray said. "They are being abused in different ways. It's any kind of intimate partner or family relationship. We can help you with that."

Brighthouse also sees one of its missions as teaching those early in intimate relationships what they should look like.

"One of the things we've just done is we meet with the HutchCC athletes and talk about consent, what happens if they need some help and healthy relationships and what kinds of things they don't have to put up with in a healthy relationship. We present safe dating curriculum to eighth graders. I think we presented to every eighth grader in USD 308 a week or so ago. In addition, we're just starting to work on a curriculum, it won't be really around dating, but for healthy relationships, for sixth graders."

The idea is, if you feel unsafe, no matter how young or old you are, BrightHouse has resources to help you. It all can start with a call to their 24-hour crisis line. It's at 620-663-2522.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633138305139.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Domestic Violence can leave scars that aren't visible just as much as the ones that are, according to Sue Wray with BrightHouse.Most of us think of physical, when we think of domestic violence," Wray said. "That's often what involves law enforcement, but there's a lot of different ways that people can be abusive within a relationship. Trying to demean your partner. Sometimes people do that to keep them in place, to keep them around. Offering that kind of criticism over and over is really hard on people's self-esteem. Sometimes people take paychecks, so there's no financial stability. They can't get away even if they want to."Unfortunately, it isn't just intimate relationships that can see abusive behavior."We have a lot of people come in, because, one right now I think is particularly sad, they have to file a protection order against their child, because they are elderly," Wray said. "They are being abused in different ways. It's any kind of intimate partner or family relationship. We can help you with that."Brighthouse also sees one of its missions as teaching those early in intimate relationships what they should look like."One of the things we've just done is we meet with the HutchCC athletes and talk about consent, what happens if they need some help and healthy relationships and what kinds of things they don't have to put up with in a healthy relationship. We present safe dating curriculum to eighth graders. I think we presented to every eighth grader in USD 308 a week or so ago. In addition, we're just starting to work on a curriculum, it won't be really around dating, but for healthy relationships, for sixth graders."The idea is, if you feel unsafe, no matter how young or old you are, BrightHouse has resources to help you. It all can start with a call to their 24-hour crisis line. It's at 620-663-2522.

BrightHouse there for victims of all ages


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Nick Hemphill started the KS Garage Sales site as a way for local residents to map out their strategy to get the most value out of their garage sale weekends.

"I try to take out a lot of the guesswork," Hemphill said. "Usually, when you drive around town, you notice a lot of people put signs in front of businesses and stuff like that. What I wanted to do was kind of bring all of that together so that people didn't have to kind of get lucky to find the sale they're looking for."

If there's something specific on your wish list, you can look for it, as well.

"If someone's selling a baby stroller, they can literally type it in there and it will only show the pins of those listing those particular things," Hemphill said. "They can also, even, essentially, click on the address and Google will give them the route to get there, as well."

The idea is to make it easy for sellers to use, too.

"Seeing some of the things that people do list, it's pretty remarkable," Hemphill said. "The site allows everyone to upload photos completely free for their sales. They can essentially take a picture of a particular item and post it so people can visually see what it is they may be looking for and maybe just through that photo they can actually see something else. I have to approve the photos. The reason for that is just to prevent any possible accidental postings of something, not only inappropriate, but also in case someone uploads something that may be a little too revealing of their location or maybe shows off something else in their house for their own privacy."

To get to the site, just click <a href="https://ksgaragesales.com/">Area Garage Sales </a>under the Hutch Post menu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633135237544.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Nick Hemphill started the KS Garage Sales site as a way for local residents to map out their strategy to get the most value out of their garage sale weekends."I try to take out a lot of the guesswork," Hemphill said. "Usually, when you drive around town, you notice a lot of people put signs in front of businesses and stuff like that. What I wanted to do was kind of bring all of that together so that people didn't have to kind of get lucky to find the sale they're looking for."If there's something specific on your wish list, you can look for it, as well."If someone's selling a baby stroller, they can literally type it in there and it will only show the pins of those listing those particular things," Hemphill said. "They can also, even, essentially, click on the address and Google will give them the route to get there, as well."The idea is to make it easy for sellers to use, too."Seeing some of the things that people do list, it's pretty remarkable," Hemphill said. "The site allows everyone to upload photos completely free for their sales. They can essentially take a picture of a particular item and post it so people can visually see what it is they may be looking for and maybe just through that photo they can actually see something else. I have to approve the photos. The reason for that is just to prevent any possible accidental postings of something, not only inappropriate, but also in case someone uploads something that may be a little too revealing of their location or maybe shows off something else in their house for their own privacy."To get to the site, just click <a href="https://ksgaragesales.com/">Area Garage Sales </a>under the Hutch Post menu.

Garage sale site hopes to connect buyers and sellers

Gary Shorman, chairman of and chief development officer of Eagle Communications, has been named the winner of the 2021 Independent Lifetime Achievement award from Cablefax, a broadband trade organization.

“It is an honor to be selected for this national recognition, but the real credit goes to Eagle’s employee owners who have made great things happen for our customers and our company," Shorman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network.

Whether at Eagle or through various philanthropy work, Gary Shorman is a consummate leader

By THERESA MAHER <a href="https://www.cablefax.com/">Cablefax</a> If you thought Gary Shorman would slow his pace after stepping down as president and CEO of Eagle Communications following its purchase by GTCR and Mega Broadband in 2019, guess again. Even on a normal weekday in August when we sat down to talk to him, Shorman was getting ready to put on one of his many hats.

“It seems like summer is at an end and I have a fundraiser tonight that most people never have an opportunity to participate in — a duck derby where plastic ducks race around a water park area, and give away $10,000,” Shorman says.

The event was to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, just one of the many ways the jack-of-all-trades is dividing his time these days.

While his first love and his gateway into Eagle Communications was radio, the company shifted him toward cable early on. He took his position at Eagle as radio manager in 1985 and then moved into a leadership role after a few years that included oversight of the cable television side of its business.&nbsp;<a href="https://eagleradio.net/">The Kansas-based media company still operates 28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri,</a>&nbsp;with Shorman serving as chief development officer and board chair.

He also serves on the board of Mega Broadband and is president of the Schmidt Foundation, which focuses on environmental efforts and education. He’s still a part of the NCTC board and helped the co-op in its recent search for a new CEO. If all that’s not enough, he hosts a radio show and podcast called “Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times,” where he’s interviewed a slate of Kansans, including former senator Roger Marshall and the director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

Shorman brings dedication, energy and enthusiasm with him everywhere in every role. It’s driven him through his career at Eagle, which is employee-owned and operated and thrives on employees’ passion for their work and their community.

“If a call comes in on Saturday, we have the 100-zero rule, whether or not you’re at home with family or have something going on. You’re 100% responsible for what you do and taking care of your line of business, with zero excuses. If something went wrong in the company, that is not an excuse. You just go on your way and get it fixed,” he says.

Don’t take that to mean Shorman is all work and no play. Anyone who has met or worked with the man will agree that it’s his personality that makes him stand out among the industry greats.

“During his tenure on the NCTA Board of Directors, Gary was a tremendous contributor who always looked for solutions and was widely respected for bringing his own ideas to the table. My fondest memories of Gary, though, aren’t about public policy discussions, but sitting around the dinner table and having great conversations about life, family and those things away from work that really matter. Those moments are when you can truly tell the character of a person and Gary is one of the best,” says NCTA president and CEO Michael Powell.

Shorman’s resourcefulness comes in handy at work and at play, as anyone who was on a bus full of NCTC members years ago can attest. The bus stopped for “adult refreshments,” as Shorman phrased it, which the group had forgotten to retrieve before the trip. In addition, no one had a bottle opener, but he produced a pair of pliers to open everyone’s bottles. “So I sort of became the hero of the bus,” Shorman quips.

It’s a humorous anecdote, but it’s also a fitting example of a man who is never afraid to step up. “I’ve always believed that if you’re in any group, you should be willing to lead,” Shorman says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633101245839.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Shorman, chairman of and chief development officer of Eagle Communications, has been named the winner of the 2021 Independent Lifetime Achievement award from Cablefax, a broadband trade organization.“It is an honor to be selected for this national recognition, but the real credit goes to Eagle’s employee owners who have made great things happen for our customers and our company," Shorman said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network.----------------<h2>Whether at Eagle or through various philanthropy work, Gary Shorman is a consummate leader</h2>By THERESA MAHER <a href="https://www.cablefax.com/">Cablefax</a> If you thought Gary Shorman would slow his pace after stepping down as president and CEO of Eagle Communications following its purchase by GTCR and Mega Broadband in 2019, guess again. Even on a normal weekday in August when we sat down to talk to him, Shorman was getting ready to put on one of his many hats.“It seems like summer is at an end and I have a fundraiser tonight that most people never have an opportunity to participate in — a duck derby where plastic ducks race around a water park area, and give away $10,000,” Shorman says.The event was to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, just one of the many ways the jack-of-all-trades is dividing his time these days.While his first love and his gateway into Eagle Communications was radio, the company shifted him toward cable early on. He took his position at Eagle as radio manager in 1985 and then moved into a leadership role after a few years that included oversight of the cable television side of its business.&nbsp;<a href="https://eagleradio.net/">The Kansas-based media company still operates 28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri,</a>&nbsp;with Shorman serving as chief development officer and board chair.He also serves on the board of Mega Broadband and is president of the Schmidt Foundation, which focuses on environmental efforts and education. He’s still a part of the NCTC board and helped the co-op in its recent search for a new CEO. If all that’s not enough, he hosts a radio show and podcast called “Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times,” where he’s interviewed a slate of Kansans, including former senator Roger Marshall and the director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633101176587.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shorman brings dedication, energy and enthusiasm with him everywhere in every role. It’s driven him through his career at Eagle, which is employee-owned and operated and thrives on employees’ passion for their work and their community.“If a call comes in on Saturday, we have the 100-zero rule, whether or not you’re at home with family or have something going on. You’re 100% responsible for what you do and taking care of your line of business, with zero excuses. If something went wrong in the company, that is not an excuse. You just go on your way and get it fixed,” he says.Don’t take that to mean Shorman is all work and no play. Anyone who has met or worked with the man will agree that it’s his personality that makes him stand out among the industry greats.“During his tenure on the NCTA Board of Directors, Gary was a tremendous contributor who always looked for solutions and was widely respected for bringing his own ideas to the table. My fondest memories of Gary, though, aren’t about public policy discussions, but sitting around the dinner table and having great conversations about life, family and those things away from work that really matter. Those moments are when you can truly tell the character of a person and Gary is one of the best,” says NCTA president and CEO Michael Powell.Shorman’s resourcefulness comes in handy at work and at play, as anyone who was on a bus full of NCTC members years ago can attest. The bus stopped for “adult refreshments,” as Shorman phrased it, which the group had forgotten to retrieve before the trip. In addition, no one had a bottle opener, but he produced a pair of pliers to open everyone’s bottles. “So I sort of became the hero of the bus,” Shorman quips.It’s a humorous anecdote, but it’s also a fitting example of a man who is never afraid to step up. “I’ve always believed that if you’re in any group, you should be willing to lead,” Shorman says.Republished with permission

Broadband group honors Shorman with lifetime achievement award


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec told Hutch Post she had a meeting on Thursday as the study of the numbers for Salt City Splash is going forward.

"We've been collecting a lot of data for that," Conkling said. "The key indicators in what we wanted to find out was the attendance trends of Salt City Splash and the Y. There's a lot of questions of, why is the attendance what it is at Salt City Splash. We wanted our facilitator to really research that information. They are doing that."

The meeting was about next steps in getting the data analyzed and into a form that the governing body and the public can understand.

"The goal is for later this year that there is a report made with either recommendations or things that the contractor sees, but the goal is that sometime in November, December, to present that to City Council. That will be about the same time that we're presenting our end of season reports for Salt City Splash. Be on the lookout, but the big piece of this is the community engagement part. We did that in August."

There will be more opportunities for the community to let Hutch Rec and the City Council know their feelings on the issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633100971567.jpeg" alt="Salt City Splash-Photo Courtesy Hutch Rec" />
 <figcaption>Salt City Splash-Photo Courtesy Hutch Rec</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec told Hutch Post she had a meeting on Thursday as the study of the numbers for Salt City Splash is going forward."We've been collecting a lot of data for that," Conkling said. "The key indicators in what we wanted to find out was the attendance trends of Salt City Splash and the Y. There's a lot of questions of, why is the attendance what it is at Salt City Splash. We wanted our facilitator to really research that information. They are doing that."The meeting was about next steps in getting the data analyzed and into a form that the governing body and the public can understand."The goal is for later this year that there is a report made with either recommendations or things that the contractor sees, but the goal is that sometime in November, December, to present that to City Council. That will be about the same time that we're presenting our end of season reports for Salt City Splash. Be on the lookout, but the big piece of this is the community engagement part. We did that in August."There will be more opportunities for the community to let Hutch Rec and the City Council know their feelings on the issue.

Conkling: Salt City Splash study results planned for later this year

LYONS, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation announced Friday that a field survey for improving eight guardrail sites on U.S. 56 in Rice County is expected to begin around Monday, Oct. 4.

The proposed improvements would be at the eight locations on U.S. 56 from Lyons east to the county line.

Property owners and/or tenants will be contacted for permission to enter private property, if needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The survey work is expected to be completed by Oct. 15. The survey is a precursor to making improvements along US 56.

<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/2021/10/1633100525231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LYONS, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation announced Friday that a field survey for improving eight guardrail sites on U.S. 56 in Rice County is expected to begin around Monday, Oct. 4.The proposed improvements would be at the eight locations on U.S. 56 from Lyons east to the county line.Property owners and/or tenants will be contacted for permission to enter private property, if needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The survey work is expected to be completed by Oct. 15. The survey is a precursor to making improvements along US 56.<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;

Rice County US 56 guardrail field survey starts next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Boating and fishing are still somewhat limited but Harvey County East Lake is open for water activities again after the toxic algae warning was downgraded to a watch.

That comes from the latest update from KDHE on blue-green algae. Lake Afton near Goddard and Marion Reservoir are still on the list of warnings along with Colwich City Lake.

Cheney Reservoir is also under watch status for the week. Marion County Lake has been removed from all advisories.

Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. It can also be fatal to livestock and especially pets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588189401552.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Boating and fishing are still somewhat limited but Harvey County East Lake is open for water activities again after the toxic algae warning was downgraded to a watch.That comes from the latest update from KDHE on blue-green algae. Lake Afton near Goddard and Marion Reservoir are still on the list of warnings along with Colwich City Lake.Cheney Reservoir is also under watch status for the week. Marion County Lake has been removed from all advisories.Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. It can also be fatal to livestock and especially pets.<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;

Algae blooms starting to subside in some area lakes


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Community College President Carter File was not surprised by the numbers released by the Kansas Board of Regents this week that show the school up 20 full-time equivalent students this year.

"We expected and hoped to see a bounce from last year, because of the return of students and students not as eager to take off that gap year to let the coronavirus settle down," File said. "We would always love to see stronger growth, but if you look across the system, being up almost 1% is actually probably in the top half to top third of performance across the state."

The calendars of K-12 education getting back closer to normal has also helped a little with dual enrollment situations.

"One of the challenges last year was that our schedules with the USDs, because they started late, our schedules didn't align as well," File said. "We did have some drop in our Excel in Career Technical Education enrollment."

Ultimately, there are demographic challenges with the rural parts of the state losing population that Hutchinson Community College must overcome.

"We recruit in the entire state," File said. "We have great programs. Hutchinson's a wonderful place for students to come and experience their first two years. We think we're positioned very well to weather that demographic decrease. A more troubling trend has been over the last five years, that the college going rate has also decreased. Not only do we have declining graduation numbers, we also have a declining total number of students who choose to go on to postsecondary education."

The hope is that through programs like Excel in Career Technical Education and the Promise Act that students who want to go on to postsecondary education can believe they can afford to and so they will make that choice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633095764499.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Community College President Carter File was not surprised by the numbers released by the Kansas Board of Regents this week that show the school up 20 full-time equivalent students this year."We expected and hoped to see a bounce from last year, because of the return of students and students not as eager to take off that gap year to let the coronavirus settle down," File said. "We would always love to see stronger growth, but if you look across the system, being up almost 1% is actually probably in the top half to top third of performance across the state."The calendars of K-12 education getting back closer to normal has also helped a little with dual enrollment situations."One of the challenges last year was that our schedules with the USDs, because they started late, our schedules didn't align as well," File said. "We did have some drop in our Excel in Career Technical Education enrollment."Ultimately, there are demographic challenges with the rural parts of the state losing population that Hutchinson Community College must overcome."We recruit in the entire state," File said. "We have great programs. Hutchinson's a wonderful place for students to come and experience their first two years. We think we're positioned very well to weather that demographic decrease. A more troubling trend has been over the last five years, that the college going rate has also decreased. Not only do we have declining graduation numbers, we also have a declining total number of students who choose to go on to postsecondary education."The hope is that through programs like Excel in Career Technical Education and the Promise Act that students who want to go on to postsecondary education can believe they can afford to and so they will make that choice.

File: Not surprised by enrollment increase

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan.— Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain sent a clarifying email to Hutch Post Thursday afternoon explaining the process by which a test well will be drilled to assist in mitigating the nitrate problems with the current well in water district 101 near Yoder.

The current plan is to have a 2 inch test well drilled in order to see if good water and the proper supply of water can be found.  If that test well is successful, then it will be plugged and a 8 inch well will be drilled in the same location. The well will likely be around 120 feet deep. The perforated pipe will be around 100 feet below the ground for 20 feet and gravel will be packed around the perforated pipe. There will be a seal above the gravel and cement around 100 feet of well casing, to the ground surface.

The&nbsp;existing well is 117 feet deep and gravel packed from 20 feet below the ground surface to the bottom of the well. Having gravel pack around the well casing within 20 feet of the surface could very well allow nitrates from farming to migrate into the well. Having the new well cased with cement for 100 feet may prevent the nitrates from entering the well.

It's not that the existing well was installed incorrectly. Farm nitrates might not have not been a problem 40 years ago, as they are now. Now there are different standards for drilling wells that didn’t exist back then.

Brittain tells Hutch Post if this doesn’t work, county staff will have to find a new place to drill or another solution.

_________________________________________

Reno County Public Works is going over its options for dealing with the high nitrate levels in the well water supply near Yoder.

Public Works is working with the KDHE to find solutions to the problem after the nitrate levels rose above allowable levels. Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain thinks he knows why the well is prone to contamination.

“What I think the problem is, is when that well was drilled it has a round well casing. They&nbsp; went up too high with the rock, within 20 feet of the surface of the ground,” Brittain said. “And that allows nitrates running down the side of the casing.”&nbsp;

Brittain says he may have a solution to the problem.

“The plan right now is to drill a test well,” Brittain said.

If the test well fixes the problem, the current well would become a backup water source for Yoder. If not, then another well will have to be drilled that will find a better quality of water.

Britain says he hopes to have the test well drilled sometime in October. 

The high nitrate levels come from the use of fertilizer and manure on farm fields.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631107871390.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan.— Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain sent a clarifying email to Hutch Post Thursday afternoon explaining the process by which a test well will be drilled to assist in mitigating the nitrate problems with the current well in water district 101 near Yoder.The current plan is to have a 2 inch test well drilled in order to see if good water and the proper supply of water can be found. If that test well is successful, then it will be plugged and a 8 inch well will be drilled in the same location. The well will likely be around 120 feet deep. The perforated pipe will be around 100 feet below the ground for 20 feet and gravel will be packed around the perforated pipe. There will be a seal above the gravel and cement around 100 feet of well casing, to the ground surface.The&nbsp;existing well is 117 feet deep and gravel packed from 20 feet below the ground surface to the bottom of the well. Having gravel pack around the well casing within 20 feet of the surface could very well allow nitrates from farming to migrate into the well. Having the new well cased with cement for 100 feet may prevent the nitrates from entering the well.It's not that the existing well was installed incorrectly. Farm nitrates might not have not been a problem 40 years ago, as they are now. Now there are different standards for drilling wells that didn’t exist back then.Brittain tells Hutch Post if this doesn’t work, county staff will have to find a new place to drill or another solution._________________________________________Original story is below:Reno County Public Works is going over its options for dealing with the high nitrate levels in the well water supply near Yoder.Public Works is working with the KDHE to find solutions to the problem after the nitrate levels rose above allowable levels. Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain thinks he knows why the well is prone to contamination.“What I think the problem is, is when that well was drilled it has a round well casing. They&nbsp; went up too high with the rock, within 20 feet of the surface of the ground,” Brittain said. “And that allows nitrates running down the side of the casing.”&nbsp;Brittain says he may have a solution to the problem.“The plan right now is to drill a test well,” Brittain said.If the test well fixes the problem, the current well would become a backup water source for Yoder. If not, then another well will have to be drilled that will find a better quality of water.Britain says he hopes to have the test well drilled sometime in October. The high nitrate levels come from the use of fertilizer and manure on farm fields.<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;.

UPDATE: Reno County Public Works looking for solutions to Yoder water issues

HARVEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Thursday in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Julia D. Moler, 53, Cheyenne, OK., was southbound on Interstate 135 just south of Lincoln Boulevard in Hesston. 

The vehicle veered right, left the roadway and crashed into a creek embankment.

EMS transported&nbsp;Moler and a passenger Linda S. Towell, 57, Hammon, OK., to the hospital in Newton. Towell was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632669489633.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Thursday in Harvey County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC passenger vehicle driven by Julia D. Moler, 53, Cheyenne, OK., was southbound on Interstate 135 just south of Lincoln Boulevard in Hesston. The vehicle veered right, left the roadway and crashed into a creek embankment.EMS transported&nbsp;Moler and a passenger Linda S. Towell, 57, Hammon, OK., to the hospital in Newton. Towell was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after vehicle strikes creek embankment

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere will join thousands of participants in more than 90 countries to celebrate World Space Week. “Women in Space” is the theme of this year’s celebration.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Cosmosphere’s newest exhibit, “Women in Space,” opens to the public. The exhibit tells the story of individual women’s trials and triumphs as their lives intersected with the history of space exploration over the past six decades. The exhibit will highlight 12 women’s inspiring contributions to space education and space exploration.

World Space Week is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of the World Space Week Association.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584388004236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere will join thousands of participants in more than 90 countries to celebrate World Space Week. “Women in Space” is the theme of this year’s celebration.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Cosmosphere’s newest exhibit, “Women in Space,” opens to the public. The exhibit tells the story of individual women’s trials and triumphs as their lives intersected with the history of space exploration over the past six decades. The exhibit will highlight 12 women’s inspiring contributions to space education and space exploration.World Space Week is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of the World Space Week Association.<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;

Women in Space opens Oct. 6 at Cosmosphere

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will not hold its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 4, because of a lack of agenda items.

The next meeting of the Haven City Council is now set for Monday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Haven city offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will not hold its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 4, because of a lack of agenda items.The next meeting of the Haven City Council is now set for Monday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Haven city offices.<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;

Haven City Council meeting canceled for Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The country is in a great depression, but Hutchinson continues to move forward with new companies and new names that are still part of the community today. Carey Park expands and one of the pioneers of business in Hutchinson dies. Learn more about the 1930s this Sunday.

Celebrate 150 years of Hutchinson and Reno County with The Decades: a 15-part series with a new decade released each Sunday morning. Follow the links below to catch up on the latest edition.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a>

The Decades are brought to you by: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfc.com/">Hutchinson Funeral Chapel</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rothefloors/">Rothe Family Flooring</a> <a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/">Hutchinson Public Library</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629504018461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632340082508.jpeg" alt="A &amp; A Drugs - 629 N. Main - c. 1930 (Now Harley's Bicycles). Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>A &amp; A Drugs - 629 N. Main - c. 1930 (Now Harley's Bicycles). Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The country is in a great depression, but Hutchinson continues to move forward with new companies and new names that are still part of the community today. Carey Park expands and one of the pioneers of business in Hutchinson dies. Learn more about the 1930s this Sunday.Celebrate 150 years of Hutchinson and Reno County with The Decades: a 15-part series with a new decade released each Sunday morning. Follow the links below to catch up on the latest edition.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/239f71e3-58f9-4107-b657-04ace0aba6e5">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1870s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4523eb41-6726-4b1d-8ef5-54dedbe74d38">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1880s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/aed5c227-5456-4c86-b4e0-2da58b625d79">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1890s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cbb05344-de8a-41cb-bc81-4f2b031d0e3e">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1900s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3a46367b-74cf-45f8-908a-80df2eba6230">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1910s</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8b97ee4d-1ff3-4093-b15d-fc874c77ddff">CLICK HERE FOR THE 1920s</a>The Decades are brought to you by: <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfc.com/">Hutchinson Funeral Chapel</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rothefloors/">Rothe Family Flooring</a> <a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/">Hutchinson Public Library</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

The Decades: 1930s coming this Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mark Buckley’s Toy Depot has quickly become a favorite spot to purchase nostalgic toys, board games and — of course — Lionel trains.&nbsp;

Now the small shop has been honored as the recipient of the Kansas Small Business Award. The award was presented during a ceremony held at the Chamber of Commerce offices.

The award was presented by the Wichita State University Small Business Development Council for outstanding existing businesses in south-central Kansas.

<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/2021/9/1633030467474.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mark Buckley’s Toy Depot has quickly become a favorite spot to purchase nostalgic toys, board games and — of course — Lionel trains.&nbsp;Now the small shop has been honored as the recipient of the Kansas Small Business Award. The award was presented during a ceremony held at the Chamber of Commerce offices.The award was presented by the Wichita State University Small Business Development Council for outstanding existing businesses in south-central Kansas.<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.

Toy Depot wins Kansas Small Business Award

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will go over 2022 street maintenance projects when it meets Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 2022 schedule will move the chip seal maintenance to the northwest corner of the city stretching from Nickerson Boulevard north to 30th and from Hendricks east to Monroe.

The total CIP amount for streets for next year is $794,000. A majority of that is funded through part of the ½ cent sales tax approved by voters over the years and other funds in the budget. An additional $100,000 is also added to the pot from the storm water utility fund for curb and gutter repairs.

The residential street maintenance program was implemented in 2013 with the goal to complete a street maintenance project on every residential city street every eight years. This year will start the second rotation of that eight-year cycle.

The city council meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.

<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/2021/9/1633029733130.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will go over 2022 street maintenance projects when it meets Tuesday.&nbsp;The 2022 schedule will move the chip seal maintenance to the northwest corner of the city stretching from Nickerson Boulevard north to 30th and from Hendricks east to Monroe.The total CIP amount for streets for next year is $794,000. A majority of that is funded through part of the ½ cent sales tax approved by voters over the years and other funds in the budget. An additional $100,000 is also added to the pot from the storm water utility fund for curb and gutter repairs.The residential street maintenance program was implemented in 2013 with the goal to complete a street maintenance project on every residential city street every eight years. This year will start the second rotation of that eight-year cycle.The city council meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.<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 council to look over street maintenance for 2022


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department says it's time to get your flu shot.

"They do, necessarily, recommend that you get the flu shot in September and October," Hammersmith said. "We have all of our flu vaccine in. We'd like people to come and either schedule, or we do take walk-ins for flu vaccine. It's definitely that time of year."

It is okay to get your COVID-19 shot and your flu shot at the same time.

"They took away any precautions that you would take them at separate times, you can do those," Hammersmith said. "Those that had the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and need that booster dose because they are over 65, they can get both of those at the same time, as well."

Experts take a look at how flu goes through the Southern Hemisphere before deciding which strains to include in the yearly shot.

"All of the presentations that we have this year are quadrivalent," Hammersmith said. "That means it's protecting against four different strains of the flu."

Appointments may be scheduled by calling 620-694-2900 Ext. 6, or walk-ins will be accepted during normal operating hours. The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633022671635.jpg" alt="vaccination, syringe, mask" />
 <figcaption>vaccination, syringe, mask</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department says it's time to get your flu shot."They do, necessarily, recommend that you get the flu shot in September and October," Hammersmith said. "We have all of our flu vaccine in. We'd like people to come and either schedule, or we do take walk-ins for flu vaccine. It's definitely that time of year."It is okay to get your COVID-19 shot and your flu shot at the same time."They took away any precautions that you would take them at separate times, you can do those," Hammersmith said. "Those that had the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and need that booster dose because they are over 65, they can get both of those at the same time, as well."Experts take a look at how flu goes through the Southern Hemisphere before deciding which strains to include in the yearly shot."All of the presentations that we have this year are quadrivalent," Hammersmith said. "That means it's protecting against four different strains of the flu."Appointments may be scheduled by calling 620-694-2900 Ext. 6, or walk-ins will be accepted during normal operating hours. The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hammersmith: Flu shots now available, you can get COVID-19 shot at same time


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar said there hasn't been much need for the emergency supplies that the county has access to since they reinstated the longer term emergency declaration.

"Since we've put it in place again, we've only used it once," Weishaar said. "We were successful getting personal protective equipment into the county. We haven't had any requests recently for testing."

Shortly after the new declaration, the state changed its procedure so schools could ask for tests from the state directly instead of through emergency management. Also, the county still has some of the resources it has requested beforehand.

"We haven't had any new needs pop up," Weishaar said. "At the same time, we still have those ventilators if we need them in the county. I don't know if they are in use, but they are still here."

Weishaar still believes having the supply lines open has value.

"Even if it's not really getting used, it's nice to have it in place," Weishaar said. "If an emergent situation does pop up, we have that open line of communication to the state and we're not scrambling."

Weishaar asked for a sixty-day declaration earlier this month, but told the Board of County Commissioners he'd come back to them to end it sooner if he thought the need had passed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585131092050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar said there hasn't been much need for the emergency supplies that the county has access to since they reinstated the longer term emergency declaration."Since we've put it in place again, we've only used it once," Weishaar said. "We were successful getting personal protective equipment into the county. We haven't had any requests recently for testing."Shortly after the new declaration, the state changed its procedure so schools could ask for tests from the state directly instead of through emergency management. Also, the county still has some of the resources it has requested beforehand."We haven't had any new needs pop up," Weishaar said. "At the same time, we still have those ventilators if we need them in the county. I don't know if they are in use, but they are still here."Weishaar still believes having the supply lines open has value."Even if it's not really getting used, it's nice to have it in place," Weishaar said. "If an emergent situation does pop up, we have that open line of communication to the state and we're not scrambling."Weishaar asked for a sixty-day declaration earlier this month, but told the Board of County Commissioners he'd come back to them to end it sooner if he thought the need had passed.

Weishaar: Supply lines used just once since new declaration

RENO COUNTY — Deputies with the Reno County Sheriff's Office as well as Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol conducted a sobriety checkpoint in the 9800 block of south Yoder Road, Hutchinson, KS on September 24, 2021. 

These checkpoints are designed to identify impaired drivers and remove them from the state's roadways. Those motorists suspected of intoxication were given a set of field sobriety tests. All motorists who failed were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

A total of 250 vehicles were stopped between the hours of 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM the next morning. Of the 12 individuals who were tested for suspicions of DUI, none were arrested. 

The intent is to reduce injury crashes and fatalities attributed to alcohol and drug use. Periodic checkpoints will be set up throughout the year at potentially high crash locations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="Reno County Sheriff's Office Badge" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Sheriff's Office Badge</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Deputies with the Reno County Sheriff's Office as well as Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol conducted a sobriety checkpoint in the 9800 block of south Yoder Road, Hutchinson, KS on September 24, 2021. These checkpoints are designed to identify impaired drivers and remove them from the state's roadways. Those motorists suspected of intoxication were given a set of field sobriety tests. All motorists who failed were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).A total of 250 vehicles were stopped between the hours of 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM the next morning. Of the 12 individuals who were tested for suspicions of DUI, none were arrested. The intent is to reduce injury crashes and fatalities attributed to alcohol and drug use. Periodic checkpoints will be set up throughout the year at potentially high crash locations.

No arrests from DUI checkpoint last Friday

TOPEKA —Preliminary census day figures released Thursday by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) show a decrease in full-time equivalency (FTE) student enrollment at public universities and an increase in FTE enrollment at community colleges and technical colleges, including an increase of 20 students at Hutchinson Community College from 3,002 to 3,022 full-time equivalent students. 

Overall, the system has experienced a 1.1% decline in FTE enrollment as of the 20th&nbsp;day fall census.

“The preliminary fall enrollment report brings mixed results and continues a systemwide trend in declining enrollment over the past five years,” said KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee. “We must reverse that trend to meet the workforce needs of our state. The Board’s strategic plan, annual goals and budget ask are focused on initiatives that can leverage our system’s strengths and revitalize the Kansas economy.”

Across the six state universities, there was a decrease of 1,735 FTE students (-2.4 percent). Community colleges experienced an increase of 425 FTE students (1.2 percent), while technical colleges saw an increase of 57 FTE students (1.0 percent).

While the FTE student total was down, headcount increased by 1 percent systemwide. In 2020, many colleges experienced a significant decline in high school student enrollment on census day. Several colleges reported that concurrently enrolled high school student enrollment returned closer to pre-pandemic levels on census day 2021, which helped lead to a systemwide increase in headcount. However, since high school students typically take fewer credit hours per semester, the headcount increase did not translate to a systemwide increase in FTE students.

Full-time equivalency is calculated by dividing the total number of undergraduate credit hours taken in a semester by 15 and graduate credit hours by 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633013706568.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Preliminary census day figures released Thursday by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) show a decrease in full-time equivalency (FTE) student enrollment at public universities and an increase in FTE enrollment at community colleges and technical colleges, including an increase of 20 students at Hutchinson Community College from 3,002 to 3,022 full-time equivalent students. Overall, the system has experienced a 1.1% decline in FTE enrollment as of the 20th&nbsp;day fall census.“The preliminary fall enrollment report brings mixed results and continues a systemwide trend in declining enrollment over the past five years,” said KBOR Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee. “We must reverse that trend to meet the workforce needs of our state. The Board’s strategic plan, annual goals and budget ask are focused on initiatives that can leverage our system’s strengths and revitalize the Kansas economy.”Across the six state universities, there was a decrease of 1,735 FTE students (-2.4 percent). Community colleges experienced an increase of 425 FTE students (1.2 percent), while technical colleges saw an increase of 57 FTE students (1.0 percent).While the FTE student total was down, headcount increased by 1 percent systemwide. In 2020, many colleges experienced a significant decline in high school student enrollment on census day. Several colleges reported that concurrently enrolled high school student enrollment returned closer to pre-pandemic levels on census day 2021, which helped lead to a systemwide increase in headcount. However, since high school students typically take fewer credit hours per semester, the headcount increase did not translate to a systemwide increase in FTE students.Full-time equivalency is calculated by dividing the total number of undergraduate credit hours taken in a semester by 15 and graduate credit hours by 12.

Regents: Enrollment increase at community colleges


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutch Fall Fest is coming up this weekend.

The Rod Run is one of those premier events," said Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec. "Also on Saturday, the morning is kicking off with a 5K/10K Salt City races going on right in front of Salt City Brewing Company, starting at 8 a.m. Later that day, our other premier event for the weekend is our craft brewfest going on from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It's literally steps outside of our downtown Hutch Rec office, just in front of 17 East First and the Fox Theatre, in that area along First Street, between Main and Walnut."

"It is actually a craft beer focus," Conkling said. "That was not the case in the past. We have ten breweries from across the Sunflower State coming to downtown Hutchinson on Saturday. Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase them. Today is the last day you can get them before they increase. They are $40 now. You can purchase them online at hutchrec.com, or you can go to our downtown office at 17 East First. They bump up to $50 tomorrow and Saturday. You can even purchase them day of."

Here is the schedule of Fall Fest events...

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/6ee63cd9-8098-4f42-a256-bf9937361b22">Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run – Friday, Oct. 1 &amp; Saturday, Oct. 2</a>

Family Movie Night, presented by DCI: The Love Bug at 7:30 p.m.

Fox Theatre presents the Gulf Coast West Coast R &amp; B Ramble with Marcia Ball and Tommy Castro &amp; The Painkillers at 8 p.m. 

Salt City 5K/10K – Saturday, Oct. 2 starting at 8 a.m.

Brewfest: A Craft Beer Festival – Oct. 2 from 2-6 p.m.

Additional Activities on Saturday, Oct. 2

Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson are hosting the annual Judy’s Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. This one-mile fundraiser starts and ends in front of DCI Park, 2nd &amp; Main. 

Salt City Vintage Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Avenue A &amp; Walnut.

Hutchinson Symphony will take to the street at 3 p.m. on the corner of 1st Avenue &amp; Main for a special Hometown Tour presentation of Classical &amp; Rock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633013180667.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutch Fall Fest is coming up this weekend.The Rod Run is one of those premier events," said Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec. "Also on Saturday, the morning is kicking off with a 5K/10K Salt City races going on right in front of Salt City Brewing Company, starting at 8 a.m. Later that day, our other premier event for the weekend is our craft brewfest going on from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It's literally steps outside of our downtown Hutch Rec office, just in front of 17 East First and the Fox Theatre, in that area along First Street, between Main and Walnut."The Brewfest is returning, with a twist."It is actually a craft beer focus," Conkling said. "That was not the case in the past. We have ten breweries from across the Sunflower State coming to downtown Hutchinson on Saturday. Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase them. Today is the last day you can get them before they increase. They are $40 now. You can purchase them online at hutchrec.com, or you can go to our downtown office at 17 East First. They bump up to $50 tomorrow and Saturday. You can even purchase them day of."Here is the schedule of Fall Fest events...<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/6ee63cd9-8098-4f42-a256-bf9937361b22">Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run – Friday, Oct. 1 &amp; Saturday, Oct. 2</a>Additional Activities on Friday, Oct. 1Family Movie Night, presented by DCI: The Love Bug at 7:30 p.m.Fox Theatre presents the Gulf Coast West Coast R &amp; B Ramble with Marcia Ball and Tommy Castro &amp; The Painkillers at 8 p.m. Salt City 5K/10K – Saturday, Oct. 2 starting at 8 a.m.Brewfest: A Craft Beer Festival – Oct. 2 from 2-6 p.m.Additional Activities on Saturday, Oct. 2Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson are hosting the annual Judy’s Mile Fun Run/Walk, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. This one-mile fundraiser starts and ends in front of DCI Park, 2nd &amp; Main. Salt City Vintage Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Avenue A &amp; Walnut.Hutchinson Symphony will take to the street at 3 p.m. on the corner of 1st Avenue &amp; Main for a special Hometown Tour presentation of Classical &amp; Rock.

Fall Fest with something for everyone

<a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ks/wichita/success-stories/covid-19-pandemic-delivers-unique-opportunities-kansas-manufacturer?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Story</a> courtesy of U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita office

Mike Bergmeier, President of ShieldAg Equipment in South Hutchinson, Kansas, would likely tell you that the challenges for small manufacturers in Kansas before the pandemic were many.  From supply chain issues to changing access to markets to skilled labor shortages, running a manufacturing business was no picnic.  It should come as little surprise that the pandemic greatly exacerbated those challenges while introducing new ones.  While many businesses and individuals have been able to pivot and embrace virtual meetings globally, the lack of broadband access in rural areas around the world, including in Kansas, makes virtual business meetings nearly impossible. What does a small business owner do in these unprecedented times to surmount the increasing challenges? They enlist their partners and fellow business owners to combine their creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, and determination to not only ensure their businesses survive but thrive in this new environment.

ShieldAg Equipment has been an innovator in the design and manufacturing of agricultural equipment for more than 50 years, providing fertilizer application equipment, conservation tillage tools, combine harvesting aids, seed and grain handling equipment, and other long-wear-life tools and parts used on farms around the world.  While their products can currently be found in more than 2,000 distributor and dealer locations worldwide, that hasn’t always been the case.  Like many small businesses, the thought of exporting was quite daunting for Bergmeier.  But he knew there was market potential for ShieldAg Equipment beyond the Midwest and even internationally, that would help the company grow and diversify.

Bergmeier sought information and assistance from many resources to begin his adventure in international trade and solidify exports as a key component of revenue for ShieldAg Equipment.  Often working with one partner or agency led him to another that had services to offer.  Over time, Bergmeier worked with the Small Business Administration, US Commercial Services, the Kansas Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, Kansas Global Trade Services, and others to leverage every resource available to make his company a successful exporter.

“You guys (agencies and partners) have helped me remove my fear of exporting and have helped a lot with your programs.   We just need more Kansas manufacturers to apply for these great programs,” said Bergmeier

Prior to the pandemic ShieldAg Equipment partnered with two other Kansas based small businesses, Farmada and SureFire Ag, to manufacture an innovative toolbar for fertilizer application invented by Farmada founder Daniel Rauchholz.  The idea for the toolbar called Elixr came to Rauchholz while he was in Ukraine representing another top agricultural equipment company.  As it happens the agricultural landscape in Ukraine is very similar to that in Kansas, but farmers there do not have access to innovative tools used throughout the US that improve efficiencies and margins. In 2018 Farmada was able to produce the first Elixr toolbars.

Olesksii Khvorostianyi a Ukrainian agronomist and representative with the company Iva Rove says “There is [a]very big problem in Ukraine that the innovative products cannot come very fast to (the) Ukrainian market. (The) Ukrainian market is [a] developing market in the agriculture market. Unfortunately, we have only products which [are] quite old. We want to find the good partnership here (in the USA), for example for the anhydrous ammonia application because it is more and more popular in Ukraine.”

With the pandemic a conventional trade mission was out of the question.  But it’s hard to sell innovative farm equipment site unseen, without demonstrations, and without being able to travel to Ukraine to make an in-person sales call.  With the help of US Commercial Services in Ukraine, potential customers that are farmers, agronomy experts, and equipment dealers were vetted and brought to the Sunflower State as part of a reverse trade mission in February of 2021.  In total 6 Ukrainians visited the small Kansas manufacturers and included one farmer that alone farms over one million acres and has one of the largest sunflower operations in the world.

The reverse trade mission was a resounding success and not only included orders for the innovative equipment, but also resulted in a follow up visit from another large agricultural equipment dealer in the Ukraine when travel became a bit easier as well as a trip to the Ukraine by Rauchholz to solidify the deals made.

Many state and federal agencies provided support for this unique opportunity, including some funding to help offset costs.  Bergmeier said “This was actually NOT about the money, don’t take that wrong - we were grateful for the partial offset of our spending, this was about changing the way we all think about foreign trade missions during and even after the pandemic.”

After the success of the reverse trade mission and subsequent visits to and from Ukraine in the spring of 2021, the pain of the pandemic including supply chain issues and the rising cost of steel and other manufacturing supplies has still been all too real.  The decision by the SBA to increase the amount of COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) could not have come at a better time for ShieldAg Equipment and Mike Bergmeier.

“The EIDL loan increase is essential for a lot of us in small business right now.  I have a huge backlog and even larger increasing material costs and the extra $350,000 will be a huge benefit to my company,” said Bergmeier. For Bergmeier the increasing orders from Ukraine and being poised for rapid expansion in that market is an amazing opportunity but having access to capital is essential for these manufacturers to access the supply chain and increasing material costs.

While the pandemic still endures, so does the drive of small businesses to keep going, take care of their employees, use their ingenuity, and access every available resource they can find to make it to the other side.  Companies like ShieldAg used the programs available such as the Paycheck Protection Program and EIDL to keep employees on the payroll, the lights on, and limited materials arriving at their shops.  And with the newest increase to 2 million dollars for EIDL loans, small manufacturers like ShieldAg Equipment may really begin to recover from the financial pains incurred over the last eighteen months.

When asked about bringing so many government resources together for a few small businesses in Kansas, Bergmeier said, “You know, one thing that we all have to realize is that in the end, business and government worked together as a team to make this happen.   I want it to be able to happen in the future for ALL interested Kansas and USA industries.  Post-pandemic it can be more effective to bring vetted customers to America to explore new business.”  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633009558594.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy-Small Business Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy-Small Business Administration</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ks/wichita/success-stories/covid-19-pandemic-delivers-unique-opportunities-kansas-manufacturer?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">Story</a> courtesy of U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita officeMike Bergmeier, President of ShieldAg Equipment in South Hutchinson, Kansas, would likely tell you that the challenges for small manufacturers in Kansas before the pandemic were many. From supply chain issues to changing access to markets to skilled labor shortages, running a manufacturing business was no picnic. It should come as little surprise that the pandemic greatly exacerbated those challenges while introducing new ones. While many businesses and individuals have been able to pivot and embrace virtual meetings globally, the lack of broadband access in rural areas around the world, including in Kansas, makes virtual business meetings nearly impossible. What does a small business owner do in these unprecedented times to surmount the increasing challenges? They enlist their partners and fellow business owners to combine their creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, and determination to not only ensure their businesses survive but thrive in this new environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633009537226.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Small Business Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Small Business Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>ShieldAg Equipment has been an innovator in the design and manufacturing of agricultural equipment for more than 50 years, providing fertilizer application equipment, conservation tillage tools, combine harvesting aids, seed and grain handling equipment, and other long-wear-life tools and parts used on farms around the world. While their products can currently be found in more than 2,000 distributor and dealer locations worldwide, that hasn’t always been the case. Like many small businesses, the thought of exporting was quite daunting for Bergmeier. But he knew there was market potential for ShieldAg Equipment beyond the Midwest and even internationally, that would help the company grow and diversify.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633009568755.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Small Business Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Small Business Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>Bergmeier sought information and assistance from many resources to begin his adventure in international trade and solidify exports as a key component of revenue for ShieldAg Equipment. Often working with one partner or agency led him to another that had services to offer. Over time, Bergmeier worked with the Small Business Administration, US Commercial Services, the Kansas Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, Kansas Global Trade Services, and others to leverage every resource available to make his company a successful exporter.“You guys (agencies and partners) have helped me remove my fear of exporting and have helped a lot with your programs. We just need more Kansas manufacturers to apply for these great programs,” said BergmeierPrior to the pandemic ShieldAg Equipment partnered with two other Kansas based small businesses, Farmada and SureFire Ag, to manufacture an innovative toolbar for fertilizer application invented by Farmada founder Daniel Rauchholz. The idea for the toolbar called Elixr came to Rauchholz while he was in Ukraine representing another top agricultural equipment company. As it happens the agricultural landscape in Ukraine is very similar to that in Kansas, but farmers there do not have access to innovative tools used throughout the US that improve efficiencies and margins. In 2018 Farmada was able to produce the first Elixr toolbars.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633009577122.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Small Business Administration" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Small Business Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>Olesksii Khvorostianyi a Ukrainian agronomist and representative with the company Iva Rove says “There is [a]very big problem in Ukraine that the innovative products cannot come very fast to (the) Ukrainian market. (The) Ukrainian market is [a] developing market in the agriculture market. Unfortunately, we have only products which [are] quite old. We want to find the good partnership here (in the USA), for example for the anhydrous ammonia application because it is more and more popular in Ukraine.”With the pandemic a conventional trade mission was out of the question. But it’s hard to sell innovative farm equipment site unseen, without demonstrations, and without being able to travel to Ukraine to make an in-person sales call. With the help of US Commercial Services in Ukraine, potential customers that are farmers, agronomy experts, and equipment dealers were vetted and brought to the Sunflower State as part of a reverse trade mission in February of 2021. In total 6 Ukrainians visited the small Kansas manufacturers and included one farmer that alone farms over one million acres and has one of the largest sunflower operations in the world.The reverse trade mission was a resounding success and not only included orders for the innovative equipment, but also resulted in a follow up visit from another large agricultural equipment dealer in the Ukraine when travel became a bit easier as well as a trip to the Ukraine by Rauchholz to solidify the deals made.Many state and federal agencies provided support for this unique opportunity, including some funding to help offset costs. Bergmeier said “This was actually NOT about the money, don’t take that wrong - we were grateful for the partial offset of our spending, this was about changing the way we all think about foreign trade missions during and even after the pandemic.”After the success of the reverse trade mission and subsequent visits to and from Ukraine in the spring of 2021, the pain of the pandemic including supply chain issues and the rising cost of steel and other manufacturing supplies has still been all too real. The decision by the SBA to increase the amount of COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) could not have come at a better time for ShieldAg Equipment and Mike Bergmeier.“The EIDL loan increase is essential for a lot of us in small business right now. I have a huge backlog and even larger increasing material costs and the extra $350,000 will be a huge benefit to my company,” said Bergmeier. For Bergmeier the increasing orders from Ukraine and being poised for rapid expansion in that market is an amazing opportunity but having access to capital is essential for these manufacturers to access the supply chain and increasing material costs.While the pandemic still endures, so does the drive of small businesses to keep going, take care of their employees, use their ingenuity, and access every available resource they can find to make it to the other side. Companies like ShieldAg used the programs available such as the Paycheck Protection Program and EIDL to keep employees on the payroll, the lights on, and limited materials arriving at their shops. And with the newest increase to 2 million dollars for EIDL loans, small manufacturers like ShieldAg Equipment may really begin to recover from the financial pains incurred over the last eighteen months.When asked about bringing so many government resources together for a few small businesses in Kansas, Bergmeier said, “You know, one thing that we all have to realize is that in the end, business and government worked together as a team to make this happen. I want it to be able to happen in the future for ALL interested Kansas and USA industries. Post-pandemic it can be more effective to bring vetted customers to America to explore new business.”

COVID-19 pandemic delivers unique opportunities for local manufacturer


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Commissioner Ron Sellers provided a proposed resolution to the Board of Reno County Commissioners Tuesday that would cut commissioners pay, if there ends up being more of them.

"It's a resolution amending the salaries for the Board of County Commissioners in 2023," Sellers said. "The gist of it is that, in the event that the electors of Reno County approve a change in the number of commission districts from three to five, with the annual salary for each of the board of county commissioners effective for the pay period commencing January 8, 2023 shall be $10,800, subject to the budget."

"The County Commission on October 5, 1998, via resolution 1998-36, established the office of County Administrator," Sellers said. "It's my feeling, very strongly, that at that point in time, the duties of the county commissioners changed. Prior to that time, there was no county administrator."

County Commission pay prior to the establishment of an administrator was $35,981. It was then changed to $18,000 a year.

"If the voters of Reno County approve the November 2 ballot issue, there will be less time spent by each commissioner," Sellers said. "I think we'll have a better commission and I've stated why before. I'd like for us to debate and consider this resolution at the next meeting."

The next meeting is October 12 at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632997855753.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Commissioner Ron Sellers provided a proposed resolution to the Board of Reno County Commissioners Tuesday that would cut commissioners pay, if there ends up being more of them."It's a resolution amending the salaries for the Board of County Commissioners in 2023," Sellers said. "The gist of it is that, in the event that the electors of Reno County approve a change in the number of commission districts from three to five, with the annual salary for each of the board of county commissioners effective for the pay period commencing January 8, 2023 shall be $10,800, subject to the budget."Sellers then provided some background."The County Commission on October 5, 1998, via resolution 1998-36, established the office of County Administrator," Sellers said. "It's my feeling, very strongly, that at that point in time, the duties of the county commissioners changed. Prior to that time, there was no county administrator."County Commission pay prior to the establishment of an administrator was $35,981. It was then changed to $18,000 a year."If the voters of Reno County approve the November 2 ballot issue, there will be less time spent by each commissioner," Sellers said. "I think we'll have a better commission and I've stated why before. I'd like for us to debate and consider this resolution at the next meeting."The next meeting is October 12 at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.

Sellers proposing pay cut if county commission expands

Congress to pass bill to prevent shutdown, city waiting on money for Atrium, thousands mourn Kansas priest, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congress to pass bill to prevent shutdown, city waiting on money for Atrium, thousands mourn Kansas priest, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="September 30, 2021 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=w3f9u-10f1f6b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

September 30, 2021 Morning News


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices normally fall when the season changes. That hasn't been the case yet this year.

"Instead of taking that seasonal dip that we usually see, gas prices are still reflecting summertime levels, when demand was higher," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "The national average dropped a penny on the week to $3.18 a gallon. Kansas stayed exactly the same from where we were a week ago at $2.92."

That keeps Kansas in a relatively low-priced position.

"Reno County is at $2.91 a gallon," Steward said. "Kansas is $2.92 a gallon on average, that puts Kansas at 11th cheapest in the nation as of this week."

High crude oil prices have kept prices from dropping. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose to over $80 a barrel during the day on Tuesday, the most since October 2018.

"As long as those prices stay high, we're not likely to see a big change in prices at the pump," Steward said. 

Investment bank Goldman Sachs said the benchmark could hit $90 per barrel by the end of the year. According to the Energy Information Administration, over half of the price at the pump is determined by the price of crude oil.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631897543449.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices normally fall when the season changes. That hasn't been the case yet this year."Instead of taking that seasonal dip that we usually see, gas prices are still reflecting summertime levels, when demand was higher," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "The national average dropped a penny on the week to $3.18 a gallon. Kansas stayed exactly the same from where we were a week ago at $2.92."That keeps Kansas in a relatively low-priced position."Reno County is at $2.91 a gallon," Steward said. "Kansas is $2.92 a gallon on average, that puts Kansas at 11th cheapest in the nation as of this week."High crude oil prices have kept prices from dropping. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose to over $80 a barrel during the day on Tuesday, the most since October 2018."As long as those prices stay high, we're not likely to see a big change in prices at the pump," Steward said. Investment bank Goldman Sachs said the benchmark could hit $90 per barrel by the end of the year. According to the Energy Information Administration, over half of the price at the pump is determined by the price of crude oil.

Gas prices still elevated, as are crude oil prices

Release from Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632930266676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Kansas Fairgrounds FoundationHUTCHINSON,
Kan. —<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhrqPQFaXFw"> 
The Capper Project will rebuild the historic House of Capper to its original grandeur and create the Capper Cooperative Park to pay tribute to Arthur Capper and his work in establishing cooperatives in the United States.</a>“The Capper Project allows us to bring the House of Capper back to its original grandeur as a center piece for the Kansas State Fair, this combined with the development of the Capper Cooperative Park will bring recognition and honor to the great work of Arthur Capper, former Kansas Governor and US Senator” said Mary McCurry, Chairman, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation. “This partnership between the Kansas Cooperative Council, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the Kansas State Fair is a new day for the Kansas State Fair, for understanding the economic impact of the Fair and for paying tribute to the work of cooperatives across Kansas and the United States in the Capper Cooperative Park.”The Capper Project will create a tribute to the great work of Arthur Capper in rebuilding the historic House of Capper to its original glory and to develop 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. The Capper Cooperative Park, a walk-through park, 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 Kansas Cooperative Council is excited to partner with the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the Kansas State Fair on this historic project. The Capper-Volstead Act, spearheaded by Arthur Capper, was instrumental in the early successes of not only Kansas cooperatives, but co-ops across the nation. The Kansas Cooperative Council board is looking forward to a space on the fairgrounds that tells the rich history of cooperatives and the continued impact they make on our communities.” Brandi Miller, President/CEO Kansas Cooperative Council.“The House of Capper has been an integral part of the landscape on the Kansas State Fairgrounds since its inception. Attendees to the Kansas State Fair, and many off-season events, have enjoyed the space which has served as a presentation venue, Fair-time display venue or just a place to get out of the sun.” Said Bryan Schulz, General, Manager, Kansas State Fair. “We are so looking forward to having the House of Capper back in operation thanks to our many wonderful partners and rededicating the venue during our 2022 Kansas State Fair.”The boards of all three organizations have put full support behind this project with the goal of funding and completing the project to allow for a celebration of the 100-Year Anniversary of the Capper-Volstead Act of 1922 to take place during the 2022 Kansas State Fair. The House of Capper has historical significance on the Kansas State Fairgrounds as the place where many local, state and national political figures announced and launched their campaigns. The original building was paid for entirely by Arthur Capper and built to his design. The rebuild will pay full respect to the original architectural design of the building, while incorporating all current ADA and building regulations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632930567297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Capper Cooperative Park in its conceptual design will consist of one 2-sided stone park designation sign; five or six 2-sided stone wall/storyboards used to tell the story of Arthur Capper and cooperatives in the United States; a paved walking path through the park moving from one storyboard to the next and leading to an entrance to the House of Capper. Landscaping and lighting will be included to accent both the park and the House of Capper.The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation is playing a pivotal role in the success and execution of the renovation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds. The Kansas State Fair board creates project priorities and works with the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and their partner organizations like the Kansas Cooperative Council to bring private funds to the table for renovations, rebuilds, improvements and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.For more information on how you can support the Capper Project and the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation please contact James Fisher at 816-262-1157 or <a href="http://James.Fisher@KansasSFF.com">James.Fisher@KansasSFF.com</a>.

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