HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kroger continued a strong fiscal year with the release of its second quarter earnings last week.

Total company sales for the parent company of Dillons totaled $31.7 billion in the second quarter, compared to $30.5 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel, sales decreased 0.4% compared to the same period last year. 

Gross margin was 21.4% of sales for the second quarter.

Earlier this quarter, Kroger increased the dividend by 17%, marking the 15th consecutive year of dividend increases. Additionally, in the quarter, Kroger repurchased $349 million shares and year-to-date, has repurchased $751 million shares. As of the end of the second quarter, $779 million remains on the board authorization announced on June 17, 2021.  

CFO Gary Millerchip said, "We are emerging stronger through the pandemic and are confident in our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth and total shareholder return."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620906752409.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kroger continued a strong fiscal year with the release of its second quarter earnings last week.Total company sales for the parent company of Dillons totaled $31.7 billion in the second quarter, compared to $30.5 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel, sales decreased 0.4% compared to the same period last year. Gross margin was 21.4% of sales for the second quarter.Earlier this quarter, Kroger increased the dividend by 17%, marking the 15th consecutive year of dividend increases. Additionally, in the quarter, Kroger repurchased $349 million shares and year-to-date, has repurchased $751 million shares. As of the end of the second quarter, $779 million remains on the board authorization announced on June 17, 2021. CFO Gary Millerchip said, "We are emerging stronger through the pandemic and are confident in our ability to deliver sustainable earnings growth and total shareholder return."

Kroger reports 2nd Quarter results

Remembering Our Fallen from Kansas | Pride of Kansas Building

Wood Carving Demo | Domestic Arts Building

Construction Careers Alliance for Kansas | Ad Astra

FFA/4H Exhibit Displays | 4H Centennial Hall, Kansas Showcase

Competitive Exhibits Displays | Oz Gallery, Domestic Arts Building, Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West, Pride of Kansas Building

Gate admission is just $1 or get in free with a Dillons Plus Card! One person admitted per card.

ALL DAY Marching Band Competition | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena &amp; Fairgrounds

9:00 AM Basics of Electricity and Electrical Safety Demo | Ad Astra Bldg.

9:00 AM Quarter Horse Versatility | Expo Center &amp; Expo II

9:30 AM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.

10:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

10:00 AM Glenda and Mike Ventriloquist and Magic Show | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

10:00 AM Pencil/Watercolor Artist Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

10:30 AM Knitting/Crochet Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

10:30 AM Quilting/Crocheting Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

11:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

11:00 AM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park

11:30 AM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.

12:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

12:00 PM Sam Cox Band | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

1:00 PM Damaris Kunkler | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

1:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park

2:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

2:00 PM Air Fryer Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

2:00 PM Grabbing Some Grub! | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg. , FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area

2:00 PM Jenna &amp; Martin | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

3:00 PM INSTEP | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

3:00 PM Sam Cox Band | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

4:00 PM Fused Glass Demos | Domestic Arts Bldg.

4:00 PM Jenna &amp; Martin | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

4:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

5:00 PM Damaris Kunkler | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

5:30 PM Casi Joy | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

6:00 PM Mariachi Los Reyes | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

6:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park

6:30 PM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.

7:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

7:30 PM Demolition Derby | Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand

ALL DAY EVERY DAYRemembering Our Fallen from Kansas | Pride of Kansas BuildingSean Watson | FairgroundsThe Strolling Piano | FairgroundsWood Carving Demo | Domestic Arts BuildingLlama Exhibit | DairylandSudsy’s Barn | Birthing CenterButter Sculpture | Pride of KansasAgriland | Pride of KansasConstruction Careers Alliance for Kansas | Ad AstraFFA/4H Exhibit Displays | 4H Centennial Hall, Kansas ShowcaseCompetitive Exhibits Displays | Oz Gallery, Domestic Arts Building, Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West, Pride of Kansas BuildingDILLONS DOLLAR DAYGate admission is just $1 or get in free with a Dillons Plus Card! One person admitted per card.ALL DAY Marching Band Competition | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena &amp; Fairgrounds9:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center9:00 AM Basics of Electricity and Electrical Safety Demo | Ad Astra Bldg.9:00 AM Quarter Horse Versatility | Expo Center &amp; Expo II9:30 AM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.10:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center10:00 AM Glenda and Mike Ventriloquist and Magic Show | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott10:00 AM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor10:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center10:00 AM Pencil/Watercolor Artist Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.10:30 AM Knitting/Crochet Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.10:30 AM Quilting/Crocheting Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.11:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center11:00 AM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor11:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center11:00 AM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park11:30 AM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.12:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center12:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor12:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center12:00 PM Sam Cox Band | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott1:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor1:00 PM Damaris Kunkler | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott1:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park2:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center2:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor2:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center2:00 PM Air Fryer Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.2:00 PM Grabbing Some Grub! | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg. , FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area2:00 PM Jenna &amp; Martin | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott3:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center3:00 PM INSTEP | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott3:00 PM Sam Cox Band | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena4:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center4:00 PM Fused Glass Demos | Domestic Arts Bldg.4:00 PM Jenna &amp; Martin | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott4:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena5:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center5:00 PM Damaris Kunkler | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott5:30 PM Casi Joy | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena6:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor6:00 PM Mariachi Los Reyes | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott6:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park6:30 PM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.7:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena7:30 PM Demolition Derby | Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand

Kansas State Fair schedule: September 13, 2021

As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Hutchinson and Reno County, we want to go through the years, decade by decade, to see how things have changed and — remarkably — how they have stayed the same. This would not be possible without the efforts of Steve Harmon, the Reno County Museum, and the Hutchinson Public Library, who have made a great effort to supply us with the information and photos that you’ll see in this 15-part series. We hope you enjoy it.

As we turned to the new century, Hutchinson and Reno County continued to grow. Here is a look at the happenings from 1900 to 1910.

1900: Another railroad begins service in Hutchinson as the first Missouri Pacific train arrives in the city. In this modern age of the pandemic, a Pretty Prairie man is arrested for resisting being quarantined for smallpox. Building permits are required for the first time in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Three people are killed when a street car and train collide. City council passes an ordinance slowing trains down through the city and a watchman is posted at the Main Street crossing. Presidential candidate Teddy Roosevelt visits Hutchinson. Population of Hutchinson tops 9,000.

1901: Vern Wiley arrives in Hutchinson from Emporia and teams up with A.C. Rorabaugh to form the Rorabaugh Wiley store. The store is in a small room on Main north of 2nd Avenue. They start with a staff of eight store clerks. Carey salt is shipped by railcar to Winfield. On Jan. 7, Reno County Undersheriff Ed Metz is killed when he’s run over by a passenger train. A public library opened with 500 books. The Fair Association is formed with A.J. Sponsel elected president.&nbsp;

1902: Telephone service reaches Sylvia. The Supreme Court upholds Reno County law allowing the selling of land for non-payment of taxes. The sheriff’s tax sale is still held in October. Reno County farmer William Kilbower is owner of the first automobile in the county. On Oct. 26, the Shaw Theatre opened and the Central Kansas Fair was a big hit, but changes are coming.

1903:&nbsp;The area is hit with two major floods. Reno County High School is built in Nickerson. E.B. Smith is the principal. City namesake C.C. Hutchinson pays a visit to the city. He was living in Portland, Oregon, at the time. City council passes ordinance prohibiting hitching posts downtown. All automobiles must drive on the right side of the road. And, over the objections of the city of Topeka, the process starts for making Hutchinson the home of the Kansas State Fair. Population of Reno County tops 30,000.

1904: Reno County adopts a pension plan for the disabled. The city begins a large-scale paving project of city streets. George Gano built the first concrete grain elevator in Hutchinson. City council agrees to build a flood canal 150 feet wide at the bottom. Andrew Carnegie library opens at 5th and Main. City population tops 11,000.

1905: Harsha Canal is finished at a cost of $30,000. Franchise agreement is granted for the first electric street car. The company was headed up by Emerson Carey. A.D. Vint opens the first dry cleaning plant. New Medora Junction is platted one and a half miles from the original Medora after the Rock Island moves its depot. Turon is named a third class city.

1906: First natural gas is piped to Hutchinson. A city council ordinance prohibits the sale or gift of cigarettes to minors. Hutchinson raises $1,000 to help with the relief efforts of the San Francisco earthquake. The city has all-electric trolley cars now replacing horses and mules. Hutchinson purchases the first automotive fire truck. The city of Partridge is incorporated.&nbsp;

1907: Emerson Carey buys 156 acres of land from Woodson Estate for $20,000 to start a new town southeast of the city. Today, it is Careyville. The Rock Island builds a new depot but it doesn’t have the hotel that was in the plans. Morton Salt plant in South Hutchinson lays claim as largest salt facility in the world. A man in a Ford automobile drives from Kansas City to Hutchinson in 19 hours. It was a hot summer as the temperature hit 118 degrees. It didn’t stay that way as lots of schools and businesses close when natural gas supply proves insufficient when the temperature hits -13 degrees.

1908: Amy Alexander becomes the first woman elected into office as she becomes the Reno County Court Clerk. Hutchinson High School seniors strike when a teacher is suspended. A fire in the town of Abbyville destroys all of the town's stores. A gas-filled airship flies over the Kansas State Fair. A new post office opens. Emerson Carey won the state senate seat. City council passes ordinance for milk inspection. Central State Bank was opened by Sam Puterbaugh.

1909: Sylvan Park established. Speed limit in the city is set at 10 mph. Boxer John L. Sullivan referees a wrestling match in the city. H.R. Nickerson passes through in a private railcar but does not stop to visit the town named after him. Hutchinson Ice Company organized. The company is a subsidiary of Morton Salt. A new bridge is built near Avenue A and Main Street.

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>

Check back next Sunday for the next part in this series.

<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/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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629504018461.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As we celebrate the 150th birthday of Hutchinson and Reno County, we want to go through the years, decade by decade, to see how things have changed and — remarkably — how they have stayed the same. This would not be possible without the efforts of Steve Harmon, the Reno County Museum, and the Hutchinson Public Library, who have made a great effort to supply us with the information and photos that you’ll see in this 15-part series. We hope you enjoy it. As we turned to the new century, Hutchinson and Reno County continued to grow. Here is a look at the happenings from 1900 to 1910.1900: Another railroad begins service in Hutchinson as the first Missouri Pacific train arrives in the city. In this modern age of the pandemic, a Pretty Prairie man is arrested for resisting being quarantined for smallpox. Building permits are required for the first time in Hutchinson.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629313875586.jpeg" alt="Missouri Pacific Railway Station Depot - S.W. Corner of Ave. C &amp; Main - c. 1918 (Built 1900 for $25,000.)&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Pacific Railway Station Depot - S.W. Corner of Ave. C &amp; Main - c. 1918 (Built 1900 for $25,000.)&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>Three people are killed when a street car and train collide. City council passes an ordinance slowing trains down through the city and a watchman is posted at the Main Street crossing. Presidential candidate Teddy Roosevelt visits Hutchinson. Population of Hutchinson tops 9,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314692009.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson National Bank - S.W. Cor. 1st &amp; Main - c. 1900.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson National Bank - S.W. Cor. 1st &amp; Main - c. 1900.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1901: Vern Wiley arrives in Hutchinson from Emporia and teams up with A.C. Rorabaugh to form the Rorabaugh Wiley store. The store is in a small room on Main north of 2nd Avenue. They start with a staff of eight store clerks. Carey salt is shipped by railcar to Winfield. On Jan. 7, Reno County Undersheriff Ed Metz is killed when he’s run over by a passenger train. A public library opened with 500 books. The Fair Association is formed with A.J. Sponsel elected president.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629313987049.jpeg" alt="Carey Coal &amp; Salt &amp; Hutchinson Ice Co's 1906 - 216 S. Main (founded 1901) by Hirst.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Carey Coal &amp; Salt &amp; Hutchinson Ice Co's 1906 - 216 S. Main (founded 1901) by Hirst.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1902: Telephone service reaches Sylvia. The Supreme Court upholds Reno County law allowing the selling of land for non-payment of taxes. The sheriff’s tax sale is still held in October. Reno County farmer William Kilbower is owner of the first automobile in the county. On Oct. 26, the Shaw Theatre opened and the Central Kansas Fair was a big hit, but changes are coming.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314467553.jpeg" alt="Wells Fargo &amp; Co. Express - 216 N. Main c. 1900 (Ext.) (Now Jillian's).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Wells Fargo &amp; Co. Express - 216 N. Main c. 1900 (Ext.) (Now Jillian's).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1903:&nbsp;The area is hit with two major floods. Reno County High School is built in Nickerson. E.B. Smith is the principal. City namesake C.C. Hutchinson pays a visit to the city. He was living in Portland, Oregon, at the time. City council passes ordinance prohibiting hitching posts downtown. All automobiles must drive on the right side of the road. And, over the objections of the city of Topeka, the process starts for making Hutchinson the home of the Kansas State Fair. Population of Reno County tops 30,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314057401.jpeg" alt="1903 Flood - Poehler &amp; Co. Drugs - 124 N. Main (by Mcinturff first on left).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>1903 Flood - Poehler &amp; Co. Drugs - 124 N. Main (by Mcinturff first on left).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1904: Reno County adopts a pension plan for the disabled. The city begins a large-scale paving project of city streets. George Gano built the first concrete grain elevator in Hutchinson. City council agrees to build a flood canal 150 feet wide at the bottom. Andrew Carnegie library opens at 5th and Main. City population tops 11,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314145977.jpeg" alt="Carnegie Library - 427 N. Main - 1909 by Bailey (built 1903). Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Carnegie Library - 427 N. Main - 1909 by Bailey (built 1903). Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1905: Harsha Canal is finished at a cost of $30,000. Franchise agreement is granted for the first electric street car. The company was headed up by Emerson Carey. A.D. Vint opens the first dry cleaning plant. New Medora Junction is platted one and a half miles from the original Medora after the Rock Island moves its depot. Turon is named a third class city.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314324265.jpeg" alt="Harsha Canal - Cow Creek Drainage Canal - N.W. of Hutch - c. 1910.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Harsha Canal - Cow Creek Drainage Canal - N.W. of Hutch - c. 1910.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1906: First natural gas is piped to Hutchinson. A city council ordinance prohibits the sale or gift of cigarettes to minors. Hutchinson raises $1,000 to help with the relief efforts of the San Francisco earthquake. The city has all-electric trolley cars now replacing horses and mules. Hutchinson purchases the first automotive fire truck. The city of Partridge is incorporated.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314598553.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair - Earliest photo found to date - c. 1900 (either when at Glendale Park or the move to 13th &amp; Walnut).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair - Earliest photo found to date - c. 1900 (either when at Glendale Park or the move to 13th &amp; Walnut).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1907: Emerson Carey buys 156 acres of land from Woodson Estate for $20,000 to start a new town southeast of the city. Today, it is Careyville. The Rock Island builds a new depot but it doesn’t have the hotel that was in the plans. Morton Salt plant in South Hutchinson lays claim as largest salt facility in the world. A man in a Ford automobile drives from Kansas City to Hutchinson in 19 hours. It was a hot summer as the temperature hit 118 degrees. It didn’t stay that way as lots of schools and businesses close when natural gas supply proves insufficient when the temperature hits -13 degrees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314412296.jpeg" alt="Opening of Hutch, Ks. Interurban Railway - Sept. 1st 1906 (Electrified Trolley Cars).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Opening of Hutch, Ks. Interurban Railway - Sept. 1st 1906 (Electrified Trolley Cars).&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1908: Amy Alexander becomes the first woman elected into office as she becomes the Reno County Court Clerk. Hutchinson High School seniors strike when a teacher is suspended. A fire in the town of Abbyville destroys all of the town's stores. A gas-filled airship flies over the Kansas State Fair. A new post office opens. Emerson Carey won the state senate seat. City council passes ordinance for milk inspection. Central State Bank was opened by Sam Puterbaugh.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314518296.jpeg" alt="Ave A &amp; Adams - looking S.E. from Power Plant Stacks - c. 1905.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Ave A &amp; Adams - looking S.E. from Power Plant Stacks - c. 1905.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>1909: Sylvan Park established. Speed limit in the city is set at 10 mph. Boxer John L. Sullivan referees a wrestling match in the city. H.R. Nickerson passes through in a private railcar but does not stop to visit the town named after him. Hutchinson Ice Company organized. The company is a subsidiary of Morton Salt. A new bridge is built near Avenue A and Main Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629314566017.jpeg" alt="Stewart's Hospital - Original Bldg. - 722 N. Main - c. 1900 (by Bailey). Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon." />
 <figcaption>Stewart's Hospital - Original Bldg. - 722 N. Main - c. 1900 (by Bailey). Photo courtesy of Steve Harmon.</figcaption>
 </figure>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>Check back next Sunday for the next part in this series.<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/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;

The Decades: 1900s

CONWAY — The Mutual Aid Conway (M.A.C.) has been organized for the express purpose of giving specific assistance to member agencies when such agencies request aid during a sudden emergency with which they are unable to cope by themselves.

The Mutual Aid Conway Association consists of industrial organizations in and along the Conway Corridor who have committed a certain portion of their assets to assist other member companies in coping with incidents that cannot be handled solely by the affected member’s resources. 

1. To establish a coordinated and practical long range program for assisting in industrial emergencies in and around the Conway corridor.

2. To assure cooperation with Local, State and Federal agencies to protect the public that may be affected by industrial emergencies.

3. To assure each company has the materials and resources to respond in any emergency situation.

4. To establish a mutual aid organization capable of providing support in emergency situations.

If those living or traveling in the area see, leaks, fires, vapor clouds, smell distinct odors or hear unusual noises or see suspicious activity, call 911 so they can determine if the M.A.C. needs to be activated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631114854145.png" alt="MutualAidConwayLogo.png" />
 <figcaption>MutualAidConwayLogo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>CONWAY — The Mutual Aid Conway (M.A.C.) has been organized for the express purpose of giving specific assistance to member agencies when such agencies request aid during a sudden emergency with which they are unable to cope by themselves.The Mutual Aid Conway Association consists of industrial organizations in and along the Conway Corridor who have committed a certain portion of their assets to assist other member companies in coping with incidents that cannot be handled solely by the affected member’s resources. Objectives:1. To establish a coordinated and practical long range program for assisting in industrial emergencies in and around the Conway corridor.2. To assure cooperation with Local, State and Federal agencies to protect the public that may be affected by industrial emergencies.3. To assure each company has the materials and resources to respond in any emergency situation.4. To establish a mutual aid organization capable of providing support in emergency situations.If those living or traveling in the area see, leaks, fires, vapor clouds, smell distinct odors or hear unusual noises or see suspicious activity, call 911 so they can determine if the M.A.C. needs to be activated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631114929704.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For more information Contact:McPherson County Emergency Management1177 W. Woodside St. McPherson, KS 67460

Mutual Aid Conway created to prepare for emergencies

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Beef Show | Prairie Pavilion

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Doe Show | Livestock Annex

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Sheep Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Swine Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.

10:00 AM 4-H Presentations | 4H Centennial Hall

10:00 AM Draft Horse Obstacle Show | Expo Center

10:00 AM Sunday Worship Lutheran Laymen's League | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

11:00 AM Haven Alexandra | Peoples Bank &amp; Trust Arena

12:00 PM INSTEP | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

12:30 PM Stafford Flour Mills Biscuit BakeOff | Domestic Arts Bldg.

1:00 PM Artistic Drawing Skills Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

1:00 PM Pedal Pull Championships | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

1:00 PM Quarter Horse Versatility | Expo II

1:00 PM Haven Alexandra | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

01:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park

2:00 PM Arm Wrestling | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

2:00 PM Hutchinson Sewing Guild Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

3:00 PM All-Star Monster Trucks | Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand

5:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

5:30 PM 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Showmanship Show | Prairie

6:00 PM Caitlyn Ochsner | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

6:00 PM Damaris Kunkler | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

6:00 PM Jersey &amp; Holstein Dairy Cattle Show | Prairie Pavilion

7:00 PM Jenna &amp; Martin | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

ALL DAY EVERY DAYRemembering Our Fallen from Kansas | Pride of Kansas BuildingSean Watson | FairgroundsThe Strolling Piano | FairgroundsWood Carving Demo | Domestic Arts BuildingLlama Exhibit | DairylandSudsy’s Barn | Birthing CenterButter Sculpture | Pride of KansasAgriland | Pride of KansasConstruction Careers Alliance for Kansas | Ad AstraFFA/4H Exhibit Displays | 4H Centennial Hall, Kansas ShowcaseCompetitive Exhibits Displays | Oz Gallery, Domestic Arts Building, Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West, Pride of Kansas Building8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Beef Show | Prairie Pavilion8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Doe Show | Livestock Annex8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Sheep Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Breeding Swine Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.9:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center9:30 AM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.10:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center10:00 AM Glenda and Mike Ventriloquist and Magic Show | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott10:00 AM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor10:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center10:00 AM 4-H Presentations | 4H Centennial Hall10:00 AM Draft Horse Obstacle Show | Expo Center10:00 AM Sunday Worship Lutheran Laymen's League | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena11:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center11:00 AM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor11:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center11:00 AM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park11:00 AM Haven Alexandra | Peoples Bank &amp; Trust Arena11:30 AM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.12:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center12:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor12:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center12:00 PM INSTEP | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott12:30 PM Stafford Flour Mills Biscuit BakeOff | Domestic Arts Bldg.1:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor1:00 PM Artistic Drawing Skills Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.1:00 PM Pedal Pull Championships | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena1:00 PM Quarter Horse Versatility | Expo II1:00 PM Haven Alexandra | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott01:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park2:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center2:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor2:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center2:00 PM Arm Wrestling | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott2:00 PM Grabbing Some Grub! | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg. , FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area2:00 PM Hutchinson Sewing Guild Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.3:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center3:00 PM All-Star Monster Trucks | Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand4:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center5:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center5:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena5:30 PM 4-H/FFA Dairy Cattle Showmanship Show | PrairiePavilion6:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor6:00 PM Caitlyn Ochsner | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena6:00 PM Damaris Kunkler | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott6:00 PM Jersey &amp; Holstein Dairy Cattle Show | Prairie Pavilion6:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park6:30 PM Rub-A-Dub-Dub What's in the Tub? | Agriculture Ed. Exhibit Bldg.7:00 PM Jenna &amp; Martin | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott7:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

Kansas State Fair schedule: September 12, 2021

RENO COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Honda Accord driven by Celeste D. Ybarra, 62, Newton, was westbound on U.S. 50 taking the exit ramp to Yoder Road.

The Honda pulled out in front of a northbound 2010 Chevy Camaro driven by Scott A. Harvey, 36, Belle Plaine.

EMS transported&nbsp;Ybarra and two passengers in the Honda Nicolas P&nbsp;Ybarra, 21 and Edwin Ybarra, 63, both of Newton, to Hutchinson Regonal Medical Center. Harvey was not injured.

RENO COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Honda Accord driven by Celeste D. Ybarra, 62, Newton, was westbound on U.S. 50 taking the exit ramp to Yoder Road.The Honda pulled out in front of a northbound 2010 Chevy Camaro driven by Scott A. Harvey, 36, Belle Plaine.EMS transported&nbsp;Ybarra and two passengers in the Honda Nicolas P&nbsp;Ybarra, 21 and Edwin Ybarra, 63, both of Newton, to Hutchinson Regonal Medical Center. Harvey was not injured.

3 hospitalized in Hutchinson after 2-car crash


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;New Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz sees the fair as going well thus far, even if it isn't quite business as usual.

"It has been phenomenal," Schulz said. "The people I've talked to out on the grounds are very happy, so excited that the fair is back on and they are planning on being here all week long."

Schulz clarified that any restrictions on the fairgrounds are recommendations.

"What we're recommending is, if you're going into any of the buildings, we're recommending for our staff, for attendees, for volunteers going into buildings, that you're wearing a mask," Schulz said. "It's a recommendation. It is not required. It's a recommendation. When you're on the grounds, the same thing holds. If you feel comfortable wearing your mask, please do. We have 100,000 masks throughout the grounds, so if you need one, we've got it. When you're out on the grounds, maintain your six feet of social distancing and be aware of your surroundings."

The hope is that COVID is something the fair can put behind it in the coming years.

"I would love to say that there's nothing that can stop a fair," Schulz said. "Everybody's got it in their heart. It's a tradition, it's memories and things like that, but, you know, as we all know, last year's fair did get stopped because of it. We're just hoping that this is the last of it."

The Kansas State Fair continues through September 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631378378898.jpeg" alt="September 11, 2021 Kansas State Fair-Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>September 11, 2021 Kansas State Fair-Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;New Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz sees the fair as going well thus far, even if it isn't quite business as usual."It has been phenomenal," Schulz said. "The people I've talked to out on the grounds are very happy, so excited that the fair is back on and they are planning on being here all week long."Schulz clarified that any restrictions on the fairgrounds are recommendations."What we're recommending is, if you're going into any of the buildings, we're recommending for our staff, for attendees, for volunteers going into buildings, that you're wearing a mask," Schulz said. "It's a recommendation. It is not required. It's a recommendation. When you're on the grounds, the same thing holds. If you feel comfortable wearing your mask, please do. We have 100,000 masks throughout the grounds, so if you need one, we've got it. When you're out on the grounds, maintain your six feet of social distancing and be aware of your surroundings."The hope is that COVID is something the fair can put behind it in the coming years."I would love to say that there's nothing that can stop a fair," Schulz said. "Everybody's got it in their heart. It's a tradition, it's memories and things like that, but, you know, as we all know, last year's fair did get stopped because of it. We're just hoping that this is the last of it."The Kansas State Fair continues through September 19.

New State Fair GM pleased thus far


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is still waiting to see what action needs to be taken regarding vaccine mandates from the Biden administration.

"The President gave a speech, but he hasn't actually done anything legally yet," Schmidt said Saturday. "He has to act. He has to write something down. There has to be a regulation actually adopted, or at least proposed, in order for us to legally challenge it. We've drawn the line in the sand. It's clear he's going to proceed. Once he does, we're going to file an action. We're going to try to get a court to block it. We don't think that the federal government, a government of limited, enumerated powers, has the authority to order Americans to get a vaccine, especially not tens of millions of Americans in a very general sense like this."

The legal precedent for a vaccine mandate is from a state, not the federal government.

"Something very fundamental in our system of federal and state government is that there are different powers at different levels of government," Schmidt said. "It's something you learned in civics class, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the issue of the day. States have a general police power. The federal government does not. If the Constitution doesn't grant a power to the federal government, it does not have it. In this case, we don't see a legal basis for the President's order."

Because the Biden administration hasn't started the clock on any legal action by writing the policy, it's hard to know what sort of timeline any final decision might have.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618856566652.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is still waiting to see what action needs to be taken regarding vaccine mandates from the Biden administration."The President gave a speech, but he hasn't actually done anything legally yet," Schmidt said Saturday. "He has to act. He has to write something down. There has to be a regulation actually adopted, or at least proposed, in order for us to legally challenge it. We've drawn the line in the sand. It's clear he's going to proceed. Once he does, we're going to file an action. We're going to try to get a court to block it. We don't think that the federal government, a government of limited, enumerated powers, has the authority to order Americans to get a vaccine, especially not tens of millions of Americans in a very general sense like this."The legal precedent for a vaccine mandate is from a state, not the federal government."Something very fundamental in our system of federal and state government is that there are different powers at different levels of government," Schmidt said. "It's something you learned in civics class, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the issue of the day. States have a general police power. The federal government does not. If the Constitution doesn't grant a power to the federal government, it does not have it. In this case, we don't see a legal basis for the President's order."Because the Biden administration hasn't started the clock on any legal action by writing the policy, it's hard to know what sort of timeline any final decision might have.

Schmidt waiting on specifics before challenging vaccine mandates

A reader pointed out that Roberts did not actually take the chairmanship of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence until 2003. Hutch Post regrets the error.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Former Kansas U.S. Senator Pat Roberts was at the Kansas State Fair Saturday morning and reflected on his memories of the attacks on New York and Washington September 11, 2001.

"I was chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee," Roberts said. "We had been warning folks that the oceans no longer protected us and that we could be attacked by something that we just were not prepared for. The intel community was trying to figure out where that might come from. Nobody thought about somebody using airplanes as missiles."

Roberts realizes now he probably risked his own life just trying to get to the office.

"I finally hit some traffic and drove on the apron with people honking at me," Roberts said. "I got to my office by going behind the Capitol. That's especially important, because at the time I was doing that,&nbsp; was exactly the time that 007 (known commonly now by its name as United Flight 93) would have hit the Capitol. I think about that and really that heroism and really, saving my life."

Roberts thought his committee could help figure out what happened.

"I shouldn't even have been there, I should have probably stayed home," Roberts said. "I was chairman. What are you going to do? I got two members of my staff out. I said go home, go home, get away from this place, get off of the Beltway. I went over to police headquarters, where about 20 of us were meeting."

Leadership had gone to a secure location to ensure their safety.

"They were safe, but we had an intercom back and forth," Roberts said. "I was asking leadership, I'd like to have the intel committee meet, at least know what's going on. They said, nobody knows what's going on. That's when the President was flying around in the air."

Roberts also talked about his first trip to Ground Zero.

"We went up to the site later with the President," Roberts said. "There must have been 25 or 30 Senators. I got up there and I think it was the most horrific thing I've ever seen. For some reason, we had coat and ties on, I don't know, we took that off real fast. All the workers up there just stopped.&nbsp; They didn't know who we were, but they knew it had to be somebody semi-important. I got out of the bus first, went up there and I saw this guy with a jackhammer about from me to the tables, but there's concrete. It's just a mess. I thought, well, what am I doing just standing here? I just went over there, I got up on that deal and I said, I want to meet you, you're a hero. God bless you. I'm Pat Roberts from Dodge City, Kansas. I'm a Senator. He said, you're all Senators? I said, yup and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you at this particular time."

Several other Senators also spoke to the workers, and so did President Bush, with his famous speech with the bullhorn. If Roberts had a bullhorn, that Marine likely would have a message for current policy makers as well.

"I think all this business with Afghanistan and leaving people behind is absolutely contrary, 180 degrees from where we were at that particular time. I deeply regret what has happened in Afghanistan, again, tearing at the ethic of the military and making some really incredible decisions that put our country at risk."

Below is the raw audio from Roberts as told to Hutch Post on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631374350252.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A reader pointed out that Roberts did not actually take the chairmanship of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence until 2003. Hutch Post regrets the error.
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Former Kansas U.S. Senator Pat Roberts was at the Kansas State Fair Saturday morning and reflected on his memories of the attacks on New York and Washington September 11, 2001.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631374079335.jpeg" alt="Pat Roberts 1 9-11-2021" />
 <figcaption>Pat Roberts 1 9-11-2021</figcaption>
 </figure>"I was chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee," Roberts said. "We had been warning folks that the oceans no longer protected us and that we could be attacked by something that we just were not prepared for. The intel community was trying to figure out where that might come from. Nobody thought about somebody using airplanes as missiles."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628092856057.jpeg" alt="Rod Boyer-Capitol 1.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Rod Boyer-Capitol 1.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Roberts realizes now he probably risked his own life just trying to get to the office."I finally hit some traffic and drove on the apron with people honking at me," Roberts said. "I got to my office by going behind the Capitol. That's especially important, because at the time I was doing that,&nbsp; was exactly the time that 007 (known commonly now by its name as United Flight 93) would have hit the Capitol. I think about that and really that heroism and really, saving my life."Roberts thought his committee could help figure out what happened."I shouldn't even have been there, I should have probably stayed home," Roberts said. "I was chairman. What are you going to do? I got two members of my staff out. I said go home, go home, get away from this place, get off of the Beltway. I went over to police headquarters, where about 20 of us were meeting."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631374126823.jpeg" alt="Pat Roberts and Roger Marshall-Courtesy Sen. Marshall's office" />
 <figcaption>Pat Roberts and Roger Marshall-Courtesy Sen. Marshall's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Leadership had gone to a secure location to ensure their safety."They were safe, but we had an intercom back and forth," Roberts said. "I was asking leadership, I'd like to have the intel committee meet, at least know what's going on. They said, nobody knows what's going on. That's when the President was flying around in the air."Roberts also talked about his first trip to Ground Zero."We went up to the site later with the President," Roberts said. "There must have been 25 or 30 Senators. I got up there and I think it was the most horrific thing I've ever seen. For some reason, we had coat and ties on, I don't know, we took that off real fast. All the workers up there just stopped.&nbsp; They didn't know who we were, but they knew it had to be somebody semi-important. I got out of the bus first, went up there and I saw this guy with a jackhammer about from me to the tables, but there's concrete. It's just a mess. I thought, well, what am I doing just standing here? I just went over there, I got up on that deal and I said, I want to meet you, you're a hero. God bless you. I'm Pat Roberts from Dodge City, Kansas. I'm a Senator. He said, you're all Senators? I said, yup and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you at this particular time."Several other Senators also spoke to the workers, and so did President Bush, with his famous speech with the bullhorn. If Roberts had a bullhorn, that Marine likely would have a message for current policy makers as well."I think all this business with Afghanistan and leaving people behind is absolutely contrary, 180 degrees from where we were at that particular time. I deeply regret what has happened in Afghanistan, again, tearing at the ethic of the military and making some really incredible decisions that put our country at risk."Below is the raw audio from Roberts as told to Hutch Post on Saturday, September 11, 2021.<div><iframe title="Pat Roberts 9-11-2001 reflections" 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=x7h26-10d926a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

Roberts reflects on 20 years since terror attacks


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — On the morning of September 11, 2001, Kansas State Fair Assistant General Manager Denny Stoecklein had a problem on the fairgrounds he was working to fix.

"I think it was on the opening night of the fair, it might have been on the Saturday, I got a call, I got an anonymous phone call," Stoecklein said. "Somebody said, you've got some people working at one of your gates, actually two of your gates that are stealing from you. The fair hires 500 to 600 seasonal folks and a lot of them had been there for many, many years. The people they were saying were doing this were veteran employees."

After auditing tickets for a couple of days, it was time to see if they could catch anyone.

"Lt. Randy Moon with the Highway Patrol, Randy was officed on the Fairgrounds at that time," Stoecklein said. "The lieutenant in that office is typically the one who is kind of over the Fair for the Highway Patrol on site and we're talking about this and making the plan that we're going to park a horse trailer right next to this gate and put some troopers in the back with cameras and film the goings on and see if we can pick up on anything."

"His pager goes off and he looks down at it and he says, a plane just hit the World Trade Center," Stoecklein said. "We kind of commented that, you know, tragic accident, you know, and we get back to our meeting and we're planning and doing some things. The pager goes off again. Randy looks at it. He goes, another plane just hit the World Trade Center and then you knew. This is not an accident."

Given that everyone wanted information more than anything at the time and smartphones weren't in every pocket, the next question for the fair was easy to figure out, but hard to answer.

"What do we do now, do we keep having a fair, what's going on?" Stoecklein said. "I would say, within 60 to 90 minutes, we were gathered on the Fairgrounds with Highway Patrol, city police, emergency management, you name it. Every emergency management, certainly at the local level and they were in touch with people at the state and federal level, trying to get a better understanding of, what are we dealing with? From that, we kind of just started to make plans as to what we wanted to do and tried to figure out, how do we continue, if we continue?"

Any decision involving the fair involves the Governor's office.

"Bill Graves was the governor at that time," Stoecklein said. "It just so happened that the governor, on that day, was in Wichita. Wichita was hosting what was called a midwest U.S.-Japan association conference. There were people from a number of states as well as Japan in Wichita. We were able to get in touch with the governor, because, as you would imagine, that conference was canceled. Now you've got people with a lot of anxiety at this conference that just want to get home, some of them to Japan, but there's no air travel."

Since getting from Wichita to Hutchinson on the ground wasn't an issue, Graves was able to visit.

"The governor came over to Hutch, met with the board and management of the fair and talked to law enforcement and the decision was made that we're going to continue," Stoecklein said. "We're going to have the fair. I don't remember all of the pros and cons and things we talked about, but, you know, one of the things that was commonly mentioned by all of us was, you know, if we shut the doors then, whoever is doing this, they win."

The crowd that day was understandably somber.

"One of the probably most visited booths at the fair, right in the heart of the fairgrounds is the KWCH booth," Stoecklein said. "They have all those windows open and they had TVs in there and you can imagine what the TVs were tuned to. People were just gathered around that en masse, trying to understand what was going on and learning everything we could. Obviously, we increased the security at the gates significantly, but decided we were going to continue through the rest of the fair."

"Blessid Union of Souls was scheduled to perform that night," Stoecklein said. "They likely were on the Fairgrounds and had arrived. I don't know that they were flying in that day, but, even if they were there, probably having a concert that night wasn't the appropriate thing to do. They did not perform."

There was another change to the lineup at the last minute.

"Lee Ann Womack was supposed to perform, I think with Keith Urban," Stoecklein said. "She couldn't get there. The group Lonestar, I think, was traveling back to Nashville. I want to say they'd been out west. Maybe they'd been in Utah. The Utah State Fair runs the same time as the Kansas State Fair, which would make sense. Our agency got in touch with them and said, hey, do you want to make a pit stop in Hutch and do a show, which they did."

Stoecklein's favorite memory surrounds another grandstand act that year.

"The group Styx was scheduled to perform on September 15th," Stoecklein said. "I don't recall where they were. For some reason, I think that they were maybe on a little break and they were all going to meet up again in Hutch. They weren't on tour buses or anything. I think they were going to fly into Wichita for the show. Obviously, airfare being shut down put a stop to that, but they were determined not to miss the show. They felt it was important to get there. 

"It would have been their first performance since the events of 9-11. They got rental cars, any way, any how that they could get to Hutchinson, Kansas. They found a way to do it and put on just an incredible show. We had a gentleman that worked for the agency that the fair used to book talent, Romeo Entertainment Group. His name was Steve Bogdanovich. We called him Bogie. Bogie was our guy backstage and his favorite saying, no matter what the situation, he would just look at you and his glasses always rode low on his nose and he'd look over the top of them and say, it's all good. It's all good. 

"Bogie called me early that day and he said, boss, I need a flag on a pole. An American flag on a pole. I said okay, what do you need that for, Bogie? He said, Styx wants it. I said okay. We rounded up a long wooden pole and a flag. I got with our carpenter and he put the screws through the grommets and got it affixed to the pole and I took it down to the grandstand and gave it to Bogie. I didn't think much of it until that night. I go down to check on the show. Bogie and I are near the back of the stage and I see this flag rolled up and it's back behind the drum kit, while the show is going on.

"Styx does their set. They walk off and we're waiting for the encore. People are getting worked up and getting excited and ready for them to come back. Twenty years ago, and I'm not as young as I once was, but I'm pretty sure I remember this pretty closely to how it happened. One of the members of Styx walks back to that flag and grabs it and then they all just walked to the front of the stage and lifted it up as high as they could. I have never been in a place so loud as it was when they did that. It just about blew the roof off the grandstand."

Stoecklein got the band to sign a photo of them with the flag when they returned later in their careers and he has that photo at home.

"There's never been a moment when I looked back and thought, did we make the right call?" Stoecklein said. "I never doubted that continuing with it was the right thing to do and the appropriate and safe thing to do. When you look at the history of the fair, it was there through the Great Depression, through two world wars, how many other conflicts and then 9-11."

Stoecklein currently serves as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. He was with the fair until 2015 before going to the college.

Below is the full podcast with Stoecklein on his memories...

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631304052382.jpeg" alt="STYX 2001 Kansas State Fair-Courtesy Denny Stoecklein" />
 <figcaption>STYX 2001 Kansas State Fair-Courtesy Denny Stoecklein</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — On the morning of September 11, 2001, Kansas State Fair Assistant General Manager Denny Stoecklein had a problem on the fairgrounds he was working to fix."I think it was on the opening night of the fair, it might have been on the Saturday, I got a call, I got an anonymous phone call," Stoecklein said. "Somebody said, you've got some people working at one of your gates, actually two of your gates that are stealing from you. The fair hires 500 to 600 seasonal folks and a lot of them had been there for many, many years. The people they were saying were doing this were veteran employees."After auditing tickets for a couple of days, it was time to see if they could catch anyone."Lt. Randy Moon with the Highway Patrol, Randy was officed on the Fairgrounds at that time," Stoecklein said. "The lieutenant in that office is typically the one who is kind of over the Fair for the Highway Patrol on site and we're talking about this and making the plan that we're going to park a horse trailer right next to this gate and put some troopers in the back with cameras and film the goings on and see if we can pick up on anything."Lieutenant Moon had a pager on his hip."His pager goes off and he looks down at it and he says, a plane just hit the World Trade Center," Stoecklein said. "We kind of commented that, you know, tragic accident, you know, and we get back to our meeting and we're planning and doing some things. The pager goes off again. Randy looks at it. He goes, another plane just hit the World Trade Center and then you knew. This is not an accident."Given that everyone wanted information more than anything at the time and smartphones weren't in every pocket, the next question for the fair was easy to figure out, but hard to answer."What do we do now, do we keep having a fair, what's going on?" Stoecklein said. "I would say, within 60 to 90 minutes, we were gathered on the Fairgrounds with Highway Patrol, city police, emergency management, you name it. Every emergency management, certainly at the local level and they were in touch with people at the state and federal level, trying to get a better understanding of, what are we dealing with? From that, we kind of just started to make plans as to what we wanted to do and tried to figure out, how do we continue, if we continue?"Any decision involving the fair involves the Governor's office."Bill Graves was the governor at that time," Stoecklein said. "It just so happened that the governor, on that day, was in Wichita. Wichita was hosting what was called a midwest U.S.-Japan association conference. There were people from a number of states as well as Japan in Wichita. We were able to get in touch with the governor, because, as you would imagine, that conference was canceled. Now you've got people with a lot of anxiety at this conference that just want to get home, some of them to Japan, but there's no air travel."Since getting from Wichita to Hutchinson on the ground wasn't an issue, Graves was able to visit."The governor came over to Hutch, met with the board and management of the fair and talked to law enforcement and the decision was made that we're going to continue," Stoecklein said. "We're going to have the fair. I don't remember all of the pros and cons and things we talked about, but, you know, one of the things that was commonly mentioned by all of us was, you know, if we shut the doors then, whoever is doing this, they win."The crowd that day was understandably somber."One of the probably most visited booths at the fair, right in the heart of the fairgrounds is the KWCH booth," Stoecklein said. "They have all those windows open and they had TVs in there and you can imagine what the TVs were tuned to. People were just gathered around that en masse, trying to understand what was going on and learning everything we could. Obviously, we increased the security at the gates significantly, but decided we were going to continue through the rest of the fair."One fair grandstand act did not perform."Blessid Union of Souls was scheduled to perform that night," Stoecklein said. "They likely were on the Fairgrounds and had arrived. I don't know that they were flying in that day, but, even if they were there, probably having a concert that night wasn't the appropriate thing to do. They did not perform."There was another change to the lineup at the last minute."Lee Ann Womack was supposed to perform, I think with Keith Urban," Stoecklein said. "She couldn't get there. The group Lonestar, I think, was traveling back to Nashville. I want to say they'd been out west. Maybe they'd been in Utah. The Utah State Fair runs the same time as the Kansas State Fair, which would make sense. Our agency got in touch with them and said, hey, do you want to make a pit stop in Hutch and do a show, which they did."Stoecklein's favorite memory surrounds another grandstand act that year."The group Styx was scheduled to perform on September 15th," Stoecklein said. "I don't recall where they were. For some reason, I think that they were maybe on a little break and they were all going to meet up again in Hutch. They weren't on tour buses or anything. I think they were going to fly into Wichita for the show. Obviously, airfare being shut down put a stop to that, but they were determined not to miss the show. They felt it was important to get there. "It would have been their first performance since the events of 9-11. They got rental cars, any way, any how that they could get to Hutchinson, Kansas. They found a way to do it and put on just an incredible show. We had a gentleman that worked for the agency that the fair used to book talent, Romeo Entertainment Group. His name was Steve Bogdanovich. We called him Bogie. Bogie was our guy backstage and his favorite saying, no matter what the situation, he would just look at you and his glasses always rode low on his nose and he'd look over the top of them and say, it's all good. It's all good. "Bogie called me early that day and he said, boss, I need a flag on a pole. An American flag on a pole. I said okay, what do you need that for, Bogie? He said, Styx wants it. I said okay. We rounded up a long wooden pole and a flag. I got with our carpenter and he put the screws through the grommets and got it affixed to the pole and I took it down to the grandstand and gave it to Bogie. I didn't think much of it until that night. I go down to check on the show. Bogie and I are near the back of the stage and I see this flag rolled up and it's back behind the drum kit, while the show is going on."Styx does their set. They walk off and we're waiting for the encore. People are getting worked up and getting excited and ready for them to come back. Twenty years ago, and I'm not as young as I once was, but I'm pretty sure I remember this pretty closely to how it happened. One of the members of Styx walks back to that flag and grabs it and then they all just walked to the front of the stage and lifted it up as high as they could. I have never been in a place so loud as it was when they did that. It just about blew the roof off the grandstand."Stoecklein got the band to sign a photo of them with the flag when they returned later in their careers and he has that photo at home."There's never been a moment when I looked back and thought, did we make the right call?" Stoecklein said. "I never doubted that continuing with it was the right thing to do and the appropriate and safe thing to do. When you look at the history of the fair, it was there through the Great Depression, through two world wars, how many other conflicts and then 9-11."Stoecklein currently serves as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. He was with the fair until 2015 before going to the college.Below is the full podcast with Stoecklein on his memories...<div><iframe title="Denny Stoecklein on 20 years since 9-11" 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=ehexr-10d9003-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

Stoecklein: Memories still linger from 2001 Kansas State Fair

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA &amp; Open Poultry Show | Poultry Bldg.

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Beef Market Show | Prairie Pavilion

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Market Show | Livestock Annex

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Sheep Market Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.

8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Swine Market Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.

10:30 AM Mother/Daughter Quilting Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.

11:00 AM Kansas Kountree Kloggers | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

11:00 AM WIBW Live Ag Forum | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

12:00 PM The Parr Family | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

12:30 PM Quick &amp; Easy Contest - Judging | Domestic Arts Bldg.

1:00 PM Celebrity Grape Stomp | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

1:00 PM Legislative Showmanship | Prairie Pavilion

1:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

2:00 PM 4-H/FFA Breeding Beef Show | Prairie Pavilion

2:00 PM Draft Horse Costume Show | Expo Center

2:00 PM The Church Ladies - Unsupervised| Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

2:30 PM Keefer Madness | Peoples Bank &amp; Trust Arena

3:00 PM Hutchinson Brass Quintet | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

4:00 PM Draft Horse - Team Pull Contest | Expo Center

4:00 PM Decorative Arts Demos | Domestic Arts Bldg.

4:00 PM Holy Cross Catholic Church Service | Encampment Bldg. - Hansen Auditorium

4:00 PM INSTEP | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

5:00 PM Moto Madness &amp; Thrill Show | NexTech Wireless Grandstand

5:00 PM The Church Ladies - Unsupervised| Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

6:00 PM Grand Drive Champion Selection | Prairie Pavilion

6:00 PM Hutchinson Brass Quintet | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott

6:00 PM Plein Aire Art Contest Awards | Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West

6:30 PM 35th Infantry Division Band | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

6:30 PM Draft Horse Riding &amp; Hitch | Expo Center

ALL DAY EVERY DAYRemembering Our Fallen from Kansas | Pride of Kansas BuildingSean Watson | FairgroundsThe Strolling Piano | FairgroundsWood Carving Demo | Domestic Arts BuildingLlama Exhibit | DairylandSudsy’s Barn | Birthing CenterButter Sculpture | Pride of KansasAgriland | Pride of KansasConstruction Careers Alliance for Kansas | Ad AstraFFA/4H Exhibit Displays | 4H Centennial Hall, Kansas ShowcaseCompetitive Exhibits Displays | Oz Gallery, Domestic Arts Building, Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West, Pride of Kansas Building8:00 AM 4-H/FFA &amp; Open Poultry Show | Poultry Bldg.8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Beef Market Show | Prairie Pavilion8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Market Show | Livestock Annex8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Sheep Market Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Swine Market Show | Sheep, Swine and Goat Bldg.9:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center10:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center10:00 AM Glenda and Mike Ventriloquist and Magic Show | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott10:00 AM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor10:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center10:00 AM 4-H Presentations | 4H Centennial Hall10:30 AM Mother/Daughter Quilting Demo | Domestic Arts Bldg.11:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center11:00 AM Kansas Kountree Kloggers | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott11:00 AM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor11:00 AM Moo U | Birthing Center11:00 AM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park11:00 AM WIBW Live Ag Forum | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena12:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center12:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor12:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center12:00 PM The Parr Family | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott12:30 PM Quick &amp; Easy Contest - Judging | Domestic Arts Bldg.1:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor1:00 PM Celebrity Grape Stomp | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott1:00 PM Legislative Showmanship | Prairie Pavilion1:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena1:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park2:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center2:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor2:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center2:00 PM 4-H/FFA Breeding Beef Show | Prairie Pavilion2:00 PM Draft Horse Costume Show | Expo Center2:00 PM The Church Ladies - Unsupervised| Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott2:30 PM Keefer Madness | Peoples Bank &amp; Trust Arena3:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center3:00 PM Hutchinson Brass Quintet | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott4:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center4:00 PM Draft Horse - Team Pull Contest | Expo Center4:00 PM Decorative Arts Demos | Domestic Arts Bldg.4:00 PM Fused Glass Demos | Domestic Arts Bldg.4:00 PM Holy Cross Catholic Church Service | Encampment Bldg. - Hansen Auditorium4:00 PM INSTEP | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott5:00 PM Moo U | Birthing Center5:00 PM Moto Madness &amp; Thrill Show | NexTech Wireless Grandstand5:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena5:00 PM The Church Ladies - Unsupervised| Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott6:00 PM Milking Demo | Milking Parlor6:00 PM Grand Drive Champion Selection | Prairie Pavilion6:00 PM Hutchinson Brass Quintet | Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Stage at Lake Talbott6:00 PM Plein Aire Art Contest Awards | Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West6:30 PM 35th Infantry Division Band | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena6:30 PM Draft Horse Riding &amp; Hitch | Expo Center6:30 PM Ninja Experience | Gottschalk Park

September 11, 2021 State Fair Schedule


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Cosmosphere is commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks in its own special way.

"Frank Culbertson was the commander of the International Space Station on September 11," said Mimi Meredith with Cosmosphere. "He was the only American not on Earth on that day. As the International Space Station was coming over the eastern coast of the United States, they had just received word of the terrorist attacks and he was able to use a digital camera that was on board the space station to capture an image that has become an iconic photograph."

The image shows smoke billowing from the Twin Towers.

"This is an image taken from 200 miles above the earth," Meredith said. "It was so dramatic that the smoke cannot be captured in the frame. It's that significant.&nbsp; That image now is on display in the Cosmosphere in a huge format. It takes up our entire exhibit wall, along with the details, not only of how the image was captured that day, but some quotes from Frank Culbertson, former American astronaut and also the widow of one of the pilots of one of the aircraft."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631321874048.jpeg" alt="Image of New York 9-11-01 Courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Image of New York 9-11-01 Courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Cosmosphere is commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks in its own special way."Frank Culbertson was the commander of the International Space Station on September 11," said Mimi Meredith with Cosmosphere. "He was the only American not on Earth on that day. As the International Space Station was coming over the eastern coast of the United States, they had just received word of the terrorist attacks and he was able to use a digital camera that was on board the space station to capture an image that has become an iconic photograph."The image shows smoke billowing from the Twin Towers."This is an image taken from 200 miles above the earth," Meredith said. "It was so dramatic that the smoke cannot be captured in the frame. It's that significant.&nbsp; That image now is on display in the Cosmosphere in a huge format. It takes up our entire exhibit wall, along with the details, not only of how the image was captured that day, but some quotes from Frank Culbertson, former American astronaut and also the widow of one of the pilots of one of the aircraft."Centered in the exhibit is the camera that took the photo, which is now a part of Cosmosphere's collection.&nbsp;The new exhibit, located in Cosmosphere’s rotunda gallery, will continue through September 30.