BUHLER, Kan. — This reminder that Buhler USD 313 and the Reno County Health Department will hold their flu shot clinics starting Thursday from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Union Valley Elementary School. The shots are available to all students, family and staff in USD 313.

Plum Creek Elementary will host the next clinic Friday, Oct. 8 from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. and then Oct. 21 at PHMS. The final clinic will be Nov. 3 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

COVID vaccinations will also be available for anyone over age 12. For more information contact the health department at 620-694-2900.

<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/2021/10/1633463907857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — This reminder that Buhler USD 313 and the Reno County Health Department will hold their flu shot clinics starting Thursday from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Union Valley Elementary School. The shots are available to all students, family and staff in USD 313.Plum Creek Elementary will host the next clinic Friday, Oct. 8 from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. and then Oct. 21 at PHMS. The final clinic will be Nov. 3 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.COVID vaccinations will also be available for anyone over age 12. For more information contact the health department at 620-694-2900.<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;

Flu shot clinics begin Thursday in USD 313


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman said Wednesday the district is going to be firm on its requirement of masks at Prairie Hills Middle School through October 17, this is regardless of vaccination or previous infection status.

"We treat students who have had COVID within the last six months the same way we do if they have a vaccination," Couchman said. "They can still come, but they still have to wear a mask. Vaccinated students and those who have had COVID can still transmit the virus. We treat those cases the same way as somebody that's had a vaccination. We ask them to come to school and just wear a mask just the same way they are. If they don't want to wear a mask, they have the option of just keeping their students at home during these next few days."

The goal is not to have infections get to a point in any of the other buildings that they have to be added.

"We have one other building, I think, that has five active cases," Couchman said. "We'll have a couple roll off tomorrow and drop it back down to three. The high school has gone up and down a little bit. Right now, I think they only have two active cases. At one point, we had, I think 50 kids testing in the morning at one of our elementary buildings, but that was only for like a couple days. It wasn't for a six day stretch. We knew that one group was going to come off."

If an individual student is out, that of course has an effect on that student, but if a staff member is out, that creates another set of issues.

"We're not going to do the whole district," Couchman said. "We're just going to address the buildings where we have quite a few cases. We do that for lots of reasons. One is, we've got to keep staff and people in the building and keeping it staffed. We can't have our staff getting sick. We don't have substitutes, so this is also a way to keep kids coming to school every day."

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's COVID-19 student dashboard, USD 313's enrollment is 2,181 students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625156550797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman said Wednesday the district is going to be firm on its requirement of masks at Prairie Hills Middle School through October 17, this is regardless of vaccination or previous infection status."We treat students who have had COVID within the last six months the same way we do if they have a vaccination," Couchman said. "They can still come, but they still have to wear a mask. Vaccinated students and those who have had COVID can still transmit the virus. We treat those cases the same way as somebody that's had a vaccination. We ask them to come to school and just wear a mask just the same way they are. If they don't want to wear a mask, they have the option of just keeping their students at home during these next few days."The goal is not to have infections get to a point in any of the other buildings that they have to be added."We have one other building, I think, that has five active cases," Couchman said. "We'll have a couple roll off tomorrow and drop it back down to three. The high school has gone up and down a little bit. Right now, I think they only have two active cases. At one point, we had, I think 50 kids testing in the morning at one of our elementary buildings, but that was only for like a couple days. It wasn't for a six day stretch. We knew that one group was going to come off."If an individual student is out, that of course has an effect on that student, but if a staff member is out, that creates another set of issues."We're not going to do the whole district," Couchman said. "We're just going to address the buildings where we have quite a few cases. We do that for lots of reasons. One is, we've got to keep staff and people in the building and keeping it staffed. We can't have our staff getting sick. We don't have substitutes, so this is also a way to keep kids coming to school every day."According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's COVID-19 student dashboard, USD 313's enrollment is 2,181 students.

Couchman: District is firm on mask requirements for PHMS

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first Hutchinson Soar Hire event hosted by Eagle Communications at Uptown Hutch Tuesday appeared to be good for all concerned, according to the event's organizer.

"I'm very pleased with how it went altogether," said Rick Kraus, account executive at Eagle in charge of Tuesday's event. "Businesses I talked to were happy. Everybody got to talk to ten or twelve applicants. Some had applications completed, some had interviews set. A couple of people walked out with job offers in hand, so I think, for a first time effort, it went really, really well.

The crowd was fairly well spread throughout the day.

"We had about 100 applicants, which was kind of the minimum I was hoping for," Kraus said. "It was just kind of a steady trickle from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There wasn't really any rush, there was really no time it was completely dead. I just think in the future we will find more ways to reach people in this area and let them know of this great opportunity."

It is a job seeker's market right now, based on what Kraus saw Tuesday.

"I think it takes opportunities like this one to bring people together," Kraus said. "It puts the applicants in the driver's seat, because they can kind of pick and choose, I want these hours, I want this pay, I want to work this shift, I want to work at this location and then have an opportunity to figure out, of the opportunities they saw today, which one best fits their needs."

The August unemployment rate in Reno County was 4.5%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633468198377.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first Hutchinson Soar Hire event hosted by Eagle Communications at Uptown Hutch Tuesday appeared to be good for all concerned, according to the event's organizer."I'm very pleased with how it went altogether," said Rick Kraus, account executive at Eagle in charge of Tuesday's event. "Businesses I talked to were happy. Everybody got to talk to ten or twelve applicants. Some had applications completed, some had interviews set. A couple of people walked out with job offers in hand, so I think, for a first time effort, it went really, really well.The crowd was fairly well spread throughout the day."We had about 100 applicants, which was kind of the minimum I was hoping for," Kraus said. "It was just kind of a steady trickle from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There wasn't really any rush, there was really no time it was completely dead. I just think in the future we will find more ways to reach people in this area and let them know of this great opportunity."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633468261373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It is a job seeker's market right now, based on what Kraus saw Tuesday."I think it takes opportunities like this one to bring people together," Kraus said. "It puts the applicants in the driver's seat, because they can kind of pick and choose, I want these hours, I want this pay, I want to work this shift, I want to work at this location and then have an opportunity to figure out, of the opportunities they saw today, which one best fits their needs."The August unemployment rate in Reno County was 4.5%.

First Soar Hire event went 'really, really well'


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dillons announced this week it is now hiring for the holidays with full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles across its stores, pharmacies, and distribution centers. 

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply now at <a href="http://jobs.kroger.com">jobs.kroger.com</a>.

Dillons Stores will also host a series of Hiring Fairs:

Dillons Health Virtual Hiring Fair for positions with pharmacy, pharmacy techs, and nurse practitioners on Wednesday, October 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

In-store Hiring Fairs for immediate interviews will occur Saturday, October 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, October 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Immediate positions are available in departments such as:

Grocery Department with daytime and overnight shifts

Distribution Center Order Selectors for 1st and 2nd shifts

Communities with open positions include Newton with 25 positions across 2 stores and Hutchinson with 35 positions across 4 stores along with positions at the Hutchinson Distribution Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620906752409.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Dillons announced this week it is now hiring for the holidays with full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles across its stores, pharmacies, and distribution centers. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply now at <a href="http://jobs.kroger.com">jobs.kroger.com</a>.Dillons Stores will also host a series of Hiring Fairs:Dillons Health Virtual Hiring Fair for positions with pharmacy, pharmacy techs, and nurse practitioners on Wednesday, October 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. In-store Hiring Fairs for immediate interviews will occur Saturday, October 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, October 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Immediate positions are available in departments such as:Grocery Department with daytime and overnight shiftsFrontend CashiersDeli DepartmentPharmacy TechniciansPick-up with Online Grocery ServiceDistribution Center Order Selectors for 1st and 2nd shiftsCommunities with open positions include Newton with 25 positions across 2 stores and Hutchinson with 35 positions across 4 stores along with positions at the Hutchinson Distribution Center.

Dillons hiring for holiday season

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A study to look over the operations of Hutchinson Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Rec divisions is entering its final phases.

The $85,000 study was conducted at the request of the city council to study the operations of the three departments to see if there was any room for improvement in operations or efficiencies.

According to Human Resources Director Tom Sanders, Raftelis Group, the firm conducting the study, met with each department and the department heads during a visit last month. Sanders says the firm will compare Hutchinson to like-cities and see how those operations are similar and different. Sanders says comparisons will have to take into account that the city has a large municipal airport and a zoo that many like-cities do not have.

Sanders said that the cuts caused by the pandemic did shed light on how the city operates, although he could not say if it has any determination on what the study will find.

The findings from Raftelis should be available for presentation to the city council later this fall.

<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/2021/10/1633464736698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A study to look over the operations of Hutchinson Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Rec divisions is entering its final phases.The $85,000 study was conducted at the request of the city council to study the operations of the three departments to see if there was any room for improvement in operations or efficiencies.According to Human Resources Director Tom Sanders, Raftelis Group, the firm conducting the study, met with each department and the department heads during a visit last month. Sanders says the firm will compare Hutchinson to like-cities and see how those operations are similar and different. Sanders says comparisons will have to take into account that the city has a large municipal airport and a zoo that many like-cities do not have.Sanders said that the cuts caused by the pandemic did shed light on how the city operates, although he could not say if it has any determination on what the study will find.The findings from Raftelis should be available for presentation to the city council later this fall.<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.

Study on city operations entering last phases

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 announced Monday that, due to an increase in COVID cases, Prairie Hills Middle School is implementing stage 2 protocols.

The active case count is 14 after nine new cases were identified.

All staff and students (and visitors) will be required to wear a mask inside PHMS for two weeks starting Tuesday, Oct. 4, and ending Sunday, Oct. 17.

All new close contacts that may be identified in the next two weeks will not be eligible for Stay to Learn testing and must serve the 8-day or 10-day quarantine. This is due to being at full capacity with daily testing at PHMS.

All students and staff will be asked to wash/sanitize hands at the beginning of each hour. Hand sanitizer is available in every classroom and at the entrances of the building.

Those students already in the Stay to Learn testing protocol will continue to test every morning.

The district says it is not able to add any more students into the test-and-stay protocol for the next two weeks.

<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/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 announced Monday that, due to an increase in COVID cases, Prairie Hills Middle School is implementing stage 2 protocols.The active case count is 14 after nine new cases were identified.All staff and students (and visitors) will be required to wear a mask inside PHMS for two weeks starting Tuesday, Oct. 4, and ending Sunday, Oct. 17.All new close contacts that may be identified in the next two weeks will not be eligible for Stay to Learn testing and must serve the 8-day or 10-day quarantine. This is due to being at full capacity with daily testing at PHMS.All students and staff will be asked to wash/sanitize hands at the beginning of each hour. Hand sanitizer is available in every classroom and at the entrances of the building.Those students already in the Stay to Learn testing protocol will continue to test every morning.The district says it is not able to add any more students into the test-and-stay protocol for the next two weeks.<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;

USD 313 places new restrictions at PHMS


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson City Engineer Jeff Peterson spoke to the City Council on Tuesday about the annual residential street maintenance program.

"Chip seal is essentially just spraying hot asphalt on the streets which seals the streets, putting chips or small aggregate on there, rolling those in," Peterson said. "A few days later we end up sweeping those off and that actually seals the whole surface of the street and helps to maintain the integrity of the asphalt underneath."

A portion of the northwest part of Hutchinson is the focus this year.

"It's bounded on the east by Monroe Street, the north 30th, the south, Nickerson Boulevard and the west, the city limits, essentially."

Some of the areas will receive a double chip seal, which is going through the chip seal process twice. A portion of the crack sealing for the city will also be included. 

The cost for the project is $794,000, of which $465,000 comes from the quarter-cent sales tax, $100,000 from the growth fund, $200,000 from the special street fund and $29,000 from the general fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633447642146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson City Engineer Jeff Peterson spoke to the City Council on Tuesday about the annual residential street maintenance program."Chip seal is essentially just spraying hot asphalt on the streets which seals the streets, putting chips or small aggregate on there, rolling those in," Peterson said. "A few days later we end up sweeping those off and that actually seals the whole surface of the street and helps to maintain the integrity of the asphalt underneath."A portion of the northwest part of Hutchinson is the focus this year."It's bounded on the east by Monroe Street, the north 30th, the south, Nickerson Boulevard and the west, the city limits, essentially."Some of the areas will receive a double chip seal, which is going through the chip seal process twice. A portion of the crack sealing for the city will also be included. The cost for the project is $794,000, of which $465,000 comes from the quarter-cent sales tax, $100,000 from the growth fund, $200,000 from the special street fund and $29,000 from the general fund.

Council approves residential street maintenance program Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A smoker produced locally has made it to the semi-finals of the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest held each year by the Kansas Manufacturing Council.

The Frontiersman 30 smoker made by Yoder Smokers of Hutchinson is one of four finalists after voting by the public over the past several weeks. The final round of voting will be by popular vote instead of the head-to-head matchups that were part of the first four rounds.&nbsp;

The product receiving the most votes will be announced as the "Coolest Thing" on Tuesday, Oct. 12, during the <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lFVTEOC-_hbzBNmEMLSBEHTnUU77CmBBvc6AltVniDufV7TSVDAuSn2o9JVeyTWoHb3iBUpBK7rKFRUEbe8U4a9_KFbmVc7gqjfcGBqW4VMLaGQAsUYJPmyXZ5PrTtjB_OG5OdpaFJvJAALq9q1e6B2RnDhBFpnM&amp;c=DTHcDn4ScgTP97A-0SlwEOSStqJtvzFnJdYENRp00_0hxKhbiuLkJg==&amp;ch=fFnCMF89PJCPUrE_WCwlIjkXPpgSPES2iK1TcjoK9bvP9s98UYWFsA==">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a> at the Kansas Star Casino and Event Center in Mulvane.

Voting can be done at <a href="http://kansascool.com">kansascool.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633461073841.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A smoker produced locally has made it to the semi-finals of the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest held each year by the Kansas Manufacturing Council.The Frontiersman 30 smoker made by Yoder Smokers of Hutchinson is one of four finalists after voting by the public over the past several weeks. The final round of voting will be by popular vote instead of the head-to-head matchups that were part of the first four rounds.&nbsp;The product receiving the most votes will be announced as the "Coolest Thing" on Tuesday, Oct. 12, during the <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lFVTEOC-_hbzBNmEMLSBEHTnUU77CmBBvc6AltVniDufV7TSVDAuSn2o9JVeyTWoHb3iBUpBK7rKFRUEbe8U4a9_KFbmVc7gqjfcGBqW4VMLaGQAsUYJPmyXZ5PrTtjB_OG5OdpaFJvJAALq9q1e6B2RnDhBFpnM&amp;c=DTHcDn4ScgTP97A-0SlwEOSStqJtvzFnJdYENRp00_0hxKhbiuLkJg==&amp;ch=fFnCMF89PJCPUrE_WCwlIjkXPpgSPES2iK1TcjoK9bvP9s98UYWFsA==">Kansas Manufacturing Summit</a> at the Kansas Star Casino and Event Center in Mulvane.Voting can be done at <a href="http://kansascool.com">kansascool.com</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.

Yoder Smokers product finalist for Coolest Thing Made in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare Systems announced Tuesday that Jarrod E. Urban, has been promoted to Nursing Director for Emergency Services at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center after serving nearly seven years as the hospital’s Director of Quality Patient Experience.

Urban will oversee a staff of 50 in the Hutchinson Regional Emergency Department, which provides 24/7 emergent care to more than 27,000 patients annually.&nbsp;

Urban is a 2011 graduate of Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and, in 2016, received a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership &amp; Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn.

Urban launched his 18-year career in healthcare while serving in the United States Army as a Combat Medic with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While at Fort Campbell, Urban Worked at Bastogne Medical Clinic where he developed a scheduling system for 10 physicians and two brigade surgeons responsible for providing sick call coverage for providers and supporting in-office procedures.

In July 2011 Urban joined Wesley Medical Center in Wichita as Assistant Nurse Manager for the hospital’s Emergency Department. Primary among his responsibilities was to lead a team of 130 to develop rapid-style-cycle quality improvement projects. Urban’s successes at Wesley include reducing staff turnover, as well as door-to-EKG times for chest pain patients.

Urban’s next career stop was Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where, in January 2015, he was named Director of Quality Patient Experience. Since then, Urban has collaborated with entities that make up Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System to implement evidence-based leadership tactics to improve employee and patient engagement. Simultaneously, Urban has worked with all levels of leadership to coach and mentor Quality/Performance Improvement initiatives.

Urban said he is anxious to hit the ground running in his new position and said he is impressed with the staff of healthcare professionals in the Emergency Department. “Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is lucky to have a great group of aides, nurses, and providers who have served the community relentlessly during COVID, and I am proud and lucky to be joining such a great team,” Urban said.

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the Emergency Department could be called the front door of the hospital as it is often where patients first see the inner workings of the facility. “Frequently, leadership positions at Hutchinson Regional are filled following national searches, so it is especially gratifying when we find the right candidate already working in the organization,” Johnson said. “Jarrod has impeccable credentials and skills required to administer a unit of this magnitude. His infectious enthusiasm and knowledge will take this department to a new level of excellence.”

Urban and his wife Tara are the parents of two children, a son Dalton and daughter Kennidee. He grew up in Wichita.

Entities that make up Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System are Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County, Health-E-Quip and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633446491631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare Systems announced Tuesday that Jarrod E. Urban, has been promoted to Nursing Director for Emergency Services at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center after serving nearly seven years as the hospital’s Director of Quality Patient Experience.Urban will oversee a staff of 50 in the Hutchinson Regional Emergency Department, which provides 24/7 emergent care to more than 27,000 patients annually.&nbsp;Urban is a 2011 graduate of Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and, in 2016, received a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership &amp; Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn.Urban launched his 18-year career in healthcare while serving in the United States Army as a Combat Medic with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While at Fort Campbell, Urban Worked at Bastogne Medical Clinic where he developed a scheduling system for 10 physicians and two brigade surgeons responsible for providing sick call coverage for providers and supporting in-office procedures.In July 2011 Urban joined Wesley Medical Center in Wichita as Assistant Nurse Manager for the hospital’s Emergency Department. Primary among his responsibilities was to lead a team of 130 to develop rapid-style-cycle quality improvement projects. Urban’s successes at Wesley include reducing staff turnover, as well as door-to-EKG times for chest pain patients.Urban’s next career stop was Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where, in January 2015, he was named Director of Quality Patient Experience. Since then, Urban has collaborated with entities that make up Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System to implement evidence-based leadership tactics to improve employee and patient engagement. Simultaneously, Urban has worked with all levels of leadership to coach and mentor Quality/Performance Improvement initiatives.Urban said he is anxious to hit the ground running in his new position and said he is impressed with the staff of healthcare professionals in the Emergency Department. “Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is lucky to have a great group of aides, nurses, and providers who have served the community relentlessly during COVID, and I am proud and lucky to be joining such a great team,” Urban said.Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the Emergency Department could be called the front door of the hospital as it is often where patients first see the inner workings of the facility. “Frequently, leadership positions at Hutchinson Regional are filled following national searches, so it is especially gratifying when we find the right candidate already working in the organization,” Johnson said. “Jarrod has impeccable credentials and skills required to administer a unit of this magnitude. His infectious enthusiasm and knowledge will take this department to a new level of excellence.”Urban and his wife Tara are the parents of two children, a son Dalton and daughter Kennidee. He grew up in Wichita.Entities that make up Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System are Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County, Health-E-Quip and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.<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.

Urban named Nursing Director of Emergency Services


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Family Community Theatre’s second show of its 33rd season is the classic comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace. The comedy is on stage at the Flag Theatre beginning Thursday.

"It's the story of the Brewster sisters in a home in Brooklyn who decide to take on a personal charity," said director Ben Jones. "They have gentlemen that come to stay with them as a temporary or permanent boarder. They question them and they find out they have no family or loved ones and as a sign of mercy, they poison them."

American playwright Joseph Kesselring wrote the play in 1939.

"He was a professor at Bethel College, just down the road over here at North Newton," Jones said. "In fact, the house that he modeled his set after is now the president's house at Bethel College."

The Family Children’s Theatre production has a cast of 12. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Flag Theatre at 310 North Main in Hutchinson.

Tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Bookends Book Store or online at <a href="http://familycommunitytheater.org">familycommunitytheater.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633433934289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Family Community Theatre’s second show of its 33rd season is the classic comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace. The comedy is on stage at the Flag Theatre beginning Thursday."It's the story of the Brewster sisters in a home in Brooklyn who decide to take on a personal charity," said director Ben Jones. "They have gentlemen that come to stay with them as a temporary or permanent boarder. They question them and they find out they have no family or loved ones and as a sign of mercy, they poison them."American playwright Joseph Kesselring wrote the play in 1939."He was a professor at Bethel College, just down the road over here at North Newton," Jones said. "In fact, the house that he modeled his set after is now the president's house at Bethel College."The Family Children’s Theatre production has a cast of 12. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Flag Theatre at 310 North Main in Hutchinson.Tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Bookends Book Store or online at <a href="http://familycommunitytheater.org">familycommunitytheater.org</a>.

Arsenic and Old Lace at FCT this weekend


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Hutchinson is Saturday on the campus of Hutchinson Community College.

"We'll actually be at the patios, kind of between Lockman Hall and the tennis courts," said Hillary Steindler-Nolan with the Alzheimer's Association. "We'll be there from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. People can walk whenever they want. We're going to do the Blue Dragon walking trails through campus."

There will be two chances to catch the Promise Garden ceremony.

"We'll have a promise garden ceremony at that kind of patio area at 9:30 a.m. and again at 10 a.m.," Steindler-Nolan said. 

The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease:

PURPLE: I have lost someone to Alzheimer’s or dementia.

YELLOW: I am supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

ORANGE: I support the cause and a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

"There's over 6 million Americans currently living in the United States with the disease and over 11 million unpaid caregivers," Steindler-Nolan said. "In Kansas, that number's 55,000 living with Alzheimer's and 85,000 unpaid caregivers."

All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633432541071.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Hutchinson is Saturday on the campus of Hutchinson Community College."We'll actually be at the patios, kind of between Lockman Hall and the tennis courts," said Hillary Steindler-Nolan with the Alzheimer's Association. "We'll be there from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. People can walk whenever they want. We're going to do the Blue Dragon walking trails through campus."There will be two chances to catch the Promise Garden ceremony."We'll have a promise garden ceremony at that kind of patio area at 9:30 a.m. and again at 10 a.m.," Steindler-Nolan said. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease:BLUE: I have Alzheimer’s or dementia.PURPLE: I have lost someone to Alzheimer’s or dementia.YELLOW: I am supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.ORANGE: I support the cause and a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia."There's over 6 million Americans currently living in the United States with the disease and over 11 million unpaid caregivers," Steindler-Nolan said. "In Kansas, that number's 55,000 living with Alzheimer's and 85,000 unpaid caregivers."All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Hutchinson Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who was arrested trying to offer drugs for sexual favors in Hutchinson has been formally charged.

Charges against 56-year-old Anthony Alexander include buying sexual favors, distributing meth and possessing drug paraphernalia.

Police took Alexander into custody Sept. 24 around 11:30 p.m. He was also wanted for a probation violation and an outstanding warrant from a previous case.

Alexander remains jailed on a $15,600 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625177071453.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who was arrested trying to offer drugs for sexual favors in Hutchinson has been formally charged.Charges against 56-year-old Anthony Alexander include buying sexual favors, distributing meth and possessing drug paraphernalia.Police took Alexander into custody Sept. 24 around 11:30 p.m. He was also wanted for a probation violation and an outstanding warrant from a previous case.Alexander remains jailed on a $15,600 bond.<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;

Man formally charged in drugs-for-favors case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A company with a large footprint in Hutchinson has purchased the old Target store property. The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that&nbsp; BOLD 3PL has purchased the property at 1529 E. 17th Avenue. Bold plans to use the building&nbsp; for additional warehousing space.&nbsp;

Since 2012, BOLD has continued to grow in size and in the last five years has expanded into five warehouses.&nbsp; With the purchase of the former Target building, BOLD now has over 500,000 square feet of warehouse space, managing 15,000 skids of product for customers all over the world.

The business started in 2013 after L’Oréal purchased Hutchinson-based Peel’s Salon Services and moved operations from its former Hutchinson Distribution Center into a regional distribution center in Nebraska.&nbsp; As a third-party distributor, BOLD 3PL receives and warehouses products and then distributes them as orders for the products come in.&nbsp; With the site’s history as a hair and beauty product distributor to salons, the company continues to specialize in hair care items.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575304911463.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A company with a large footprint in Hutchinson has purchased the old Target store property. The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that&nbsp; BOLD 3PL has purchased the property at 1529 E. 17th Avenue. Bold plans to use the building&nbsp; for additional warehousing space.&nbsp;Since 2012, BOLD has continued to grow in size and in the last five years has expanded into five warehouses.&nbsp; With the purchase of the former Target building, BOLD now has over 500,000 square feet of warehouse space, managing 15,000 skids of product for customers all over the world.The business started in 2013 after L’Oréal purchased Hutchinson-based Peel’s Salon Services and moved operations from its former Hutchinson Distribution Center into a regional distribution center in Nebraska.&nbsp; As a third-party distributor, BOLD 3PL receives and warehouses products and then distributes them as orders for the products come in.&nbsp; With the site’s history as a hair and beauty product distributor to salons, the company continues to specialize in hair care items.<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;

BOLD 3PL purchases former Target property


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Fire Marshal Tony Arpin notes that the department does its best to start education young for Fire Prevention Week.

"We go to all the Hutchinson schools and we try to teach the kids about fire safety, what they need to do," Arpin said. "We send them home with homework every year. One of those things is to talk to their family about getting a fire escape plan, a fire drill, a home fire drill. We talk to them about testing their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors."

Arpin notes that fires burn a lot faster these days.

"Years ago, 20 to 25 years ago, you used to have ten, twelve, sometimes fifteen minutes to get out of a house fire," Arpin said. "Anymore, a residential house fire, you have maybe two minutes to get out. The fire grows so much faster. You don't have near as much time as you used to."

The key to a successful escape plan is having an outside meeting place.

"They need to learn every way out of the house," Arpin said. "Not just the doors, but they need to learn how to get out of the windows. How to unlock the windows, open them up, how to get the screens out. Then we teach them you know, once you're outside, you don't go back inside for anything. Not if you left a pet, nothing. Once you're out, you stay out. We teach them, go to their meeting place. Everybody in their family pick one spot where everybody meets. That's always the most important thing that we want to know when we show up is that everybody's out of that house."

Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633366237911.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Fire Marshal Tony Arpin notes that the department does its best to start education young for Fire Prevention Week."We go to all the Hutchinson schools and we try to teach the kids about fire safety, what they need to do," Arpin said. "We send them home with homework every year. One of those things is to talk to their family about getting a fire escape plan, a fire drill, a home fire drill. We talk to them about testing their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors."Arpin notes that fires burn a lot faster these days."Years ago, 20 to 25 years ago, you used to have ten, twelve, sometimes fifteen minutes to get out of a house fire," Arpin said. "Anymore, a residential house fire, you have maybe two minutes to get out. The fire grows so much faster. You don't have near as much time as you used to."The key to a successful escape plan is having an outside meeting place."They need to learn every way out of the house," Arpin said. "Not just the doors, but they need to learn how to get out of the windows. How to unlock the windows, open them up, how to get the screens out. Then we teach them you know, once you're outside, you don't go back inside for anything. Not if you left a pet, nothing. Once you're out, you stay out. We teach them, go to their meeting place. Everybody in their family pick one spot where everybody meets. That's always the most important thing that we want to know when we show up is that everybody's out of that house."Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2021.

Arpin: Fire prevention even more important with faster growing fires


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutch Rec saw Fall Fest as a success this past weekend.

"It was a huge success, considering the weather and the rain that we had come in on Saturday," said Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec. We had a great event all weekend long. All of the events that Hutch Rec was involved in went very well and exceeded our expectations."

The Rod Run had a little over 150 registered but had a few that were a no show due to the rain.

"The movie in the park at DCI Park, we had about 80 or so people show up to watch the movie, which was awesome," Conkling said. "A lot of families enjoyed that and individuals that came. On Saturday morning with our 5K and 10K races, we had just about 100 runners with those two events. The rain held off for them, so they really enjoyed the weather that morning. Despite the rain on Brewfest, because it rained probably the first half of that event, we had probably close to 450 participants join us2

The plan is to keep the events together in the coming years.

"That was always the intent before, but it just confirmed it this past weekend that Hutchinson residents really want that community-like festival to call their own," Conkling said. "October is traditionally the perfect time to do that, so we look forward to doing Hutch Fall Fest and those events again in 2022."

The Rod Run winners will be posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/downtownhutchrodrun">their Facebook page</a> later this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633361856780.jpeg" alt="2021 Hutch Rod Run-Photo courtesy Nancy Swain" />
 <figcaption>2021 Hutch Rod Run-Photo courtesy Nancy Swain</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutch Rec saw Fall Fest as a success this past weekend."It was a huge success, considering the weather and the rain that we had come in on Saturday," said Amy Conkling with Hutch Rec. We had a great event all weekend long. All of the events that Hutch Rec was involved in went very well and exceeded our expectations."The Rod Run had a little over 150 registered but had a few that were a no show due to the rain."The movie in the park at DCI Park, we had about 80 or so people show up to watch the movie, which was awesome," Conkling said. "A lot of families enjoyed that and individuals that came. On Saturday morning with our 5K and 10K races, we had just about 100 runners with those two events. The rain held off for them, so they really enjoyed the weather that morning. Despite the rain on Brewfest, because it rained probably the first half of that event, we had probably close to 450 participants join us2<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633361885596.jpeg" alt="2021 Hutch Rod Run-Photo Courtesy Nancy Swain" />
 <figcaption>2021 Hutch Rod Run-Photo Courtesy Nancy Swain</figcaption>
 </figure>The plan is to keep the events together in the coming years."That was always the intent before, but it just confirmed it this past weekend that Hutchinson residents really want that community-like festival to call their own," Conkling said. "October is traditionally the perfect time to do that, so we look forward to doing Hutch Fall Fest and those events again in 2022."The Rod Run winners will be posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/downtownhutchrodrun">their Facebook page</a> later this week.

Fall fest a success in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — COVID cases continue to decline in the area. As of Monday morning, the number of positive cases in Reno County fell from 540 on Friday to 515.

The number of deaths from COVID stands at 159. Nine patients are currently hospitalized. After hovering between 600 and 650 positive cases since just after the state fair ended the number has dropped.&nbsp;

With the fair ending two weeks ago, the numbers will still be watched to see if it has any effect on cases in the county. The number of cases from this surge of COVID topped out at 680 on September 14. Cases fell below 600 on September 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612955384439.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — COVID cases continue to decline in the area. As of Monday morning, the number of positive cases in Reno County fell from 540 on Friday to 515.The number of deaths from COVID stands at 159. Nine patients are currently hospitalized. After hovering between 600 and 650 positive cases since just after the state fair ended the number has dropped.&nbsp;With the fair ending two weeks ago, the numbers will still be watched to see if it has any effect on cases in the county. The number of cases from this surge of COVID topped out at 680 on September 14. Cases fell below 600 on September 24.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reno County COVID cases fall to 515

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Corrections is looking for an inmate who walked away from a work release program. Elvin Morris failed to report back to the KDOC Work Release Facility on October 2, 2021. Morris has been placed on escape status.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Morris is described as a 5’10” black male and was last seen wearing a dark black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.&nbsp; Morris is described as having a slender build.&nbsp;

Morris has ties to Hutchinson and Wichita and is believed to be in the area at this time.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding where Morris might be should contact Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 800-572-7463, or local law enforcement at 911.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633356999917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Corrections is looking for an inmate who walked away from a work release program. Elvin Morris failed to report back to the KDOC Work Release Facility on October 2, 2021. Morris has been placed on escape status.&nbsp;&nbsp;Morris is described as a 5’10” black male and was last seen wearing a dark black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.&nbsp; Morris is described as having a slender build.&nbsp;Morris has ties to Hutchinson and Wichita and is believed to be in the area at this time.&nbsp; Anyone with information regarding where Morris might be should contact Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 800-572-7463, or local law enforcement at 911.&nbsp;<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.

DOC looking for work release inmate

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

Happy National Cooperatives Month! As a cooperative communicator, October is full of educating people about and emphasizing the benefits of cooperative membership.

Last year at this time, I wrote in this column about the history and value of cooperatives. To recap, we are fortunate to have robust, mature, and stabile cooperatives build on the foresight of our ancestors.

During my recent travels to the Baltics with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program, building my cooperative knowledge was one of several highlights.

A little context is important here. The Baltic countries all have relatively “young” farms started from scratch with a history of less than three decades because they were only liberated from the USSR in the early 1990s. That liberation came with the collapse of their existing system of agriculture, supply chain as the USSR utilized collective farms where the state mandated regions specialize in a few pieces of the system. In the Baltics the freedom to own land, farm independently and conduct free-market business has been tempered by the challenges of lack of infrastructure and capital, and inexperienced farmers and landowners.

It should not have been surprising but my jaw dropped the first time a farmer shared that they were the proud member of a 2-year-old grain cooperative with 30 members. The farmer was also excited to share they were one of 10 farms starting a beef cattle cooperative. Even small cooperatives in Kansas have seven or eight decades of history and dozens to hundreds of members.

I was primed with all kind of questions when we arrived at our first cooperative. It was the closest opportunity I would get to travel back in time and question my organization’s founders. I was not disappointed as both the general manager and chair of the board, who was also one of the founders, were both there to meet with our group.

There were many similarities with us, like sourcing seed and fertilizer for members, grain storage and constantly exploring opportunities to add value for members. We also saw farmers having coffee, confirming that is a universal ritual of cooperatives. We all laughed when the chair told us we could not leave without discussing crop yields and land prices as he couldn’t return empty-handed to his neighbors.

In contrast, we observed how being new altered their business. The cooperative had rented a barge and took on risk for grain until it reached northern Africa. It was exploring processing grain for domestic demand that was not being met. We were also reminded that their farmers had real skin in the game because they didn’t have past sales to build equity and capital. Their farmers had to buy-in with a membership fee assessed on how much ground they farmed.

One of my most important take-aways for the trip came from this visit. I was curious about how they market the idea of cooperative membership to get people to buy-in. The chair’s response was a bit shocking. He said it was easy to sell the cooperative but they don’t really actively seek new members. He went on to say they could sign-up new members who would benefit from the cooperative but not be a good fit for the community. Their core group of members are neighbors who want to work together, not just for their own profitability but for the community. They are a small committed group. They work together, socialize together and grow together. Having that community mindset is more important than any other benefit when seeking or evaluating new members.

Farmers in the Baltics reminded me that cooperatives are all about community. They are a community of people who act, risk their resources, and do things that benefit themselves and their neighbors, children and the industry. That mindset of working toward a common good and investing in the community not for shellfish gain sometimes feels absent in our lives here.

As we celebrate Cooperatives Month, I challenge us all move away from the complacency that comes with our well-established roles in the community. Maybe taking new eyes to your community will help you to see needs and find ways to build something new or at least supporting something for the greater good.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherHappy National Cooperatives Month! As a cooperative communicator, October is full of educating people about and emphasizing the benefits of cooperative membership.Last year at this time, I wrote in this column about the history and value of cooperatives. To recap, we are fortunate to have robust, mature, and stabile cooperatives build on the foresight of our ancestors.During my recent travels to the Baltics with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program, building my cooperative knowledge was one of several highlights.A little context is important here. The Baltic countries all have relatively “young” farms started from scratch with a history of less than three decades because they were only liberated from the USSR in the early 1990s. That liberation came with the collapse of their existing system of agriculture, supply chain as the USSR utilized collective farms where the state mandated regions specialize in a few pieces of the system. In the Baltics the freedom to own land, farm independently and conduct free-market business has been tempered by the challenges of lack of infrastructure and capital, and inexperienced farmers and landowners.It should not have been surprising but my jaw dropped the first time a farmer shared that they were the proud member of a 2-year-old grain cooperative with 30 members. The farmer was also excited to share they were one of 10 farms starting a beef cattle cooperative. Even small cooperatives in Kansas have seven or eight decades of history and dozens to hundreds of members.I was primed with all kind of questions when we arrived at our first cooperative. It was the closest opportunity I would get to travel back in time and question my organization’s founders. I was not disappointed as both the general manager and chair of the board, who was also one of the founders, were both there to meet with our group.There were many similarities with us, like sourcing seed and fertilizer for members, grain storage and constantly exploring opportunities to add value for members. We also saw farmers having coffee, confirming that is a universal ritual of cooperatives. We all laughed when the chair told us we could not leave without discussing crop yields and land prices as he couldn’t return empty-handed to his neighbors.In contrast, we observed how being new altered their business. The cooperative had rented a barge and took on risk for grain until it reached northern Africa. It was exploring processing grain for domestic demand that was not being met. We were also reminded that their farmers had real skin in the game because they didn’t have past sales to build equity and capital. Their farmers had to buy-in with a membership fee assessed on how much ground they farmed.One of my most important take-aways for the trip came from this visit. I was curious about how they market the idea of cooperative membership to get people to buy-in. The chair’s response was a bit shocking. He said it was easy to sell the cooperative but they don’t really actively seek new members. He went on to say they could sign-up new members who would benefit from the cooperative but not be a good fit for the community. Their core group of members are neighbors who want to work together, not just for their own profitability but for the community. They are a small committed group. They work together, socialize together and grow together. Having that community mindset is more important than any other benefit when seeking or evaluating new members.Farmers in the Baltics reminded me that cooperatives are all about community. They are a community of people who act, risk their resources, and do things that benefit themselves and their neighbors, children and the industry. That mindset of working toward a common good and investing in the community not for shellfish gain sometimes feels absent in our lives here.As we celebrate Cooperatives Month, I challenge us all move away from the complacency that comes with our well-established roles in the community. Maybe taking new eyes to your community will help you to see needs and find ways to build something new or at least supporting something for the greater good."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Cooperative Communities

Release from the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Foundation announced Monday that Brad Rayl of Buhler, Kan. is the 2021 Wall of Honor inductee. Brad grew up attending the Kansas State Fair, and as a young 4-H’er helped his dad, who was the Kansas State Fair poultry superintendent in the poultry barn. Brad started his 4-H career showing chickens, then moved to exhibiting lambs in the Bison arena. From there he began investing in Suffolk ewes. He built a respected Suffolk herd called Flying R Suffolks. Brad sold his Suffolk herd and used the funds to cover most of his college expenses at Kansas State University.

Brad’s experience with 4-H and the Kansas State Fair were important to his development and he wanted his children, Abby and Parker, to have the same opportunity. Both children exhibited sheep, swine, and cattle. They gravitated to the cattle industry, particularly the breeding side of the business. The first Rayl Angus females were bought from McCurry Angus near Burrton, Kansas in 1997. The Rayl family became very involved in the National Junior Angus Association, where Abby and Parker won many awards. During one National Junior Angus event, Parker and Mark Gardiner visited about breeding show heifers utilizing Gardiner Angus embryos. Today, Rayl Angus is a 100 head cow/calf operation run by Brad and his wife, Jolie. The breeding program consists of artificial insemination of selected embryos which focuses on optimizing genetic traits. The goal at Rayl Angus is to produce breeding stock that are highly accurate in all EPD traits for the commercial cow calf rancher.

In 1995, Brad was asked to be on the Kansas State Fair Board where he served for 21 years. In that time, he was instrumental in lobbying and securing $29 million to renovate and improve the Kansas State Fairgrounds which in large part built the Prairie Pavilion and the Swine, Sheep and Goat Barns being used today.

Brad helped establish the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and worked with others to set the groundwork to create the spectacular showcase it has become. It is a signature event for 4-H and FFA youth exhibiting livestock at the Kansas State Fair. In addition, he was involved in the formation of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, which was established in 2003.  The Foundation also Established the Wall of Honor which inducted its first honorees in 2005.

Professionally, Brad worked in the insurance business, providing property and casualty insurance needs for local businesses, industry leaders, and ag-based operations. Brad was also instrumental in the founding of Kansas Ethanol in 2006, an 80-million-gallon fuel alcohol facility which produces 260,000 tons of distiller grains. Kansas Ethanol purchased and formed Kansas Protein Foods, located in Hutchinson, Kansas. This entity purchases and extrudes soybean flour to make products for the food industry. Between Kansas Ethanol and Kansas Protein Foods, brands including Kansas Kitchen, Kattle Energy, Kinetic Elite, and Rack Elite have been developed and introduced to market.

Brad continues to be active in his local community as well as in statewide organizations. Brad currently serves on boards including Kansas Ethanol, Barkman Honey, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, and RCB Bank. Brad hopes the Kansas State Fair is as impactful in others’ lives as it has been for him and his family.

The Wall of Honor was initiated in 2005 by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation to recognize and honor those individuals who have made or are making a significant difference in the livestock shows at the Kansas State Fair and in agriculture in Kansas. The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation plays 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 to bring private funds to the table for renovations, rebuilds, improvements and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633354663739.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Foundation announced Monday that Brad Rayl of Buhler, Kan. is the 2021 Wall of Honor inductee. Brad grew up attending the Kansas State Fair, and as a young 4-H’er helped his dad, who was the Kansas State Fair poultry superintendent in the poultry barn. Brad started his 4-H career showing chickens, then moved to exhibiting lambs in the Bison arena. From there he began investing in Suffolk ewes. He built a respected Suffolk herd called Flying R Suffolks. Brad sold his Suffolk herd and used the funds to cover most of his college expenses at Kansas State University.Brad’s experience with 4-H and the Kansas State Fair were important to his development and he wanted his children, Abby and Parker, to have the same opportunity. Both children exhibited sheep, swine, and cattle. They gravitated to the cattle industry, particularly the breeding side of the business. The first Rayl Angus females were bought from McCurry Angus near Burrton, Kansas in 1997. The Rayl family became very involved in the National Junior Angus Association, where Abby and Parker won many awards. During one National Junior Angus event, Parker and Mark Gardiner visited about breeding show heifers utilizing Gardiner Angus embryos. Today, Rayl Angus is a 100 head cow/calf operation run by Brad and his wife, Jolie. The breeding program consists of artificial insemination of selected embryos which focuses on optimizing genetic traits. The goal at Rayl Angus is to produce breeding stock that are highly accurate in all EPD traits for the commercial cow calf rancher.In 1995, Brad was asked to be on the Kansas State Fair Board where he served for 21 years. In that time, he was instrumental in lobbying and securing $29 million to renovate and improve the Kansas State Fairgrounds which in large part built the Prairie Pavilion and the Swine, Sheep and Goat Barns being used today.Brad helped establish the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and worked with others to set the groundwork to create the spectacular showcase it has become. It is a signature event for 4-H and FFA youth exhibiting livestock at the Kansas State Fair. In addition, he was involved in the formation of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, which was established in 2003. The Foundation also Established the Wall of Honor which inducted its first honorees in 2005.Professionally, Brad worked in the insurance business, providing property and casualty insurance needs for local businesses, industry leaders, and ag-based operations. Brad was also instrumental in the founding of Kansas Ethanol in 2006, an 80-million-gallon fuel alcohol facility which produces 260,000 tons of distiller grains. Kansas Ethanol purchased and formed Kansas Protein Foods, located in Hutchinson, Kansas. This entity purchases and extrudes soybean flour to make products for the food industry. Between Kansas Ethanol and Kansas Protein Foods, brands including Kansas Kitchen, Kattle Energy, Kinetic Elite, and Rack Elite have been developed and introduced to market.Brad continues to be active in his local community as well as in statewide organizations. Brad currently serves on boards including Kansas Ethanol, Barkman Honey, Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, and RCB Bank. Brad hopes the Kansas State Fair is as impactful in others’ lives as it has been for him and his family.The Wall of Honor was initiated in 2005 by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation to recognize and honor those individuals who have made or are making a significant difference in the livestock shows at the Kansas State Fair and in agriculture in Kansas. The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation plays 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 to bring private funds to the table for renovations, rebuilds, improvements and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

Rayl is 2021 Wall of Honor Inductee


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson photographer Nick Hemphill explains why his are the photos you usually see following fires in the Salt City. It started with a commission for a video project.

"To kind of really make a video that I think stands up to the quality of their department, I asked, is there any chance we can just get some new footage?" Hemphill said. "To do that, obviously, someone would have to be present where that's their entire focus."

With that goal in mind, for about the past two years, Hemphill has been notified as the firefighters are so that he can take photos and video of their work.

"Since they are there almost all the time before I am, because obviously they have a little bit more luxury with going through stoplights and stop signs and stuff like that, the fires are mostly out by the time I get there, which is a testament as to how amazing these people are," Hemphill said. "Men and women, young, older, they all just come together as a tremendous team and they put those things out. When I get there, sometimes there is still fire going on. I try everything I possibly can to use the experience I have of getting to shoot photojournalism in a former life, so to speak and just cover the event. Families and friends have all just been so appreciative of getting to see their loved ones do what they do."

Hemphill's goal is to look for the helpers.

"For me, the important thing is, I focus on the people behind it," Hemphill said. "I don't want to show people those Pulitzer Prize type of photos where it's like, oh my gosh, look at my amazing photography. I want it to be, look at these amazing people. That's really my main focus."

Most of Hemphill's fire photos can be found on the Hutchinson Fire Department Facebook page when fires occur.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631264657935.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson photographer Nick Hemphill explains why his are the photos you usually see following fires in the Salt City. It started with a commission for a video project."To kind of really make a video that I think stands up to the quality of their department, I asked, is there any chance we can just get some new footage?" Hemphill said. "To do that, obviously, someone would have to be present where that's their entire focus."With that goal in mind, for about the past two years, Hemphill has been notified as the firefighters are so that he can take photos and video of their work.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633354129889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Since they are there almost all the time before I am, because obviously they have a little bit more luxury with going through stoplights and stop signs and stuff like that, the fires are mostly out by the time I get there, which is a testament as to how amazing these people are," Hemphill said. "Men and women, young, older, they all just come together as a tremendous team and they put those things out. When I get there, sometimes there is still fire going on. I try everything I possibly can to use the experience I have of getting to shoot photojournalism in a former life, so to speak and just cover the event. Families and friends have all just been so appreciative of getting to see their loved ones do what they do."Hemphill's goal is to look for the helpers."For me, the important thing is, I focus on the people behind it," Hemphill said. "I don't want to show people those Pulitzer Prize type of photos where it's like, oh my gosh, look at my amazing photography. I want it to be, look at these amazing people. That's really my main focus."Most of Hemphill's fire photos can be found on the Hutchinson Fire Department Facebook page when fires occur.

Hemphill's fire photos about the helpers


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson firefighters helped put out a kitchen fire Sunday night in the city.

According to a release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, firefighters were sent to 1401 West 19th at 6:11 p.m. for a reported structure fire.

First arriving crews were able to help the homeowners keep the fire contained to the area of origin. The homeowners had slowed the fire's progress with a home fire extinguisher. No one was hurt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633341526856.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson firefighters helped put out a kitchen fire Sunday night in the city.According to a release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, firefighters were sent to 1401 West 19th at 6:11 p.m. for a reported structure fire.First arriving crews were able to help the homeowners keep the fire contained to the area of origin. The homeowners had slowed the fire's progress with a home fire extinguisher. No one was hurt.

Small kitchen fire quickly put out in Hutchinson Sunday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Newly released AAA research indicates that some drivers may not fully grasp the danger they pose to roadside workers.

"Ninety-nine percent of Kansas drivers responded that it's either very dangerous or somewhat dangerous for roadside workers if motorists don't comply with the Move Over law," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "92% of Kansas motorists said that they would support such a law, one-third of them, 33% of Kansas drivers, answered that they were unsure whether a law existed or thought there was no Move Over law."

An average of 24 emergency responders, including tow providers, are struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside each year.

The Move Over law was originally to protect law enforcement officers," Steward said. "Over the years, it's been expanded to reduce risk to roadside construction crews, emergency responders, tow operators and even waste collection vehicles. Most recently, it was broadened during the 2021 legislative session to include utility and telecommunications crews working alongside the road."

A AAA Tow Driver in Ohio was killed on July 4th while placing a disabled vehicle on the back of a flatbed on the side of the road. Only three weeks later, a AAA driver in Colorado was also struck and killed. As of August of this year, 14 tow providers have lost their lives while helping others at the roadside.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633343156885.png" alt="Move Over graphic courtesy AAA Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Move Over graphic courtesy AAA Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Newly released AAA research indicates that some drivers may not fully grasp the danger they pose to roadside workers."Ninety-nine percent of Kansas drivers responded that it's either very dangerous or somewhat dangerous for roadside workers if motorists don't comply with the Move Over law," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "92% of Kansas motorists said that they would support such a law, one-third of them, 33% of Kansas drivers, answered that they were unsure whether a law existed or thought there was no Move Over law."An average of 24 emergency responders, including tow providers, are struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside each year.The Move Over law was originally to protect law enforcement officers," Steward said. "Over the years, it's been expanded to reduce risk to roadside construction crews, emergency responders, tow operators and even waste collection vehicles. Most recently, it was broadened during the 2021 legislative session to include utility and telecommunications crews working alongside the road."A AAA Tow Driver in Ohio was killed on July 4th while placing a disabled vehicle on the back of a flatbed on the side of the road. Only three weeks later, a AAA driver in Colorado was also struck and killed. As of August of this year, 14 tow providers have lost their lives while helping others at the roadside.

Some Kansas drivers unsure of state's Move Over law

The Decades: 1930s


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Land Bank Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Executive Conference Room at City Hall at 125 E. Avenue B.

On the agenda for the board is the regular reports from staff and an update on the 2021 Reno County Tax Sale. 

At the August meeting, Ryan Hvitlok told the board he would contact New Beginnings to see if they had any interest in bidding on the properties at 214, 216 and 218 West 6th. Those have been targeted by the Land Bank for potential purchase if there is no other interest in buying them.

Hvitlok also attended a meeting last month where veteran housing was discussed.  McPherson is constructing small homes for veterans.

The Land Bank has kept expenses low this year thus far, having spent just $4,141.32 of their $10,000 allocation from the city.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583236568561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Land Bank Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Executive Conference Room at City Hall at 125 E. Avenue B.On the agenda for the board is the regular reports from staff and an update on the 2021 Reno County Tax Sale. At the August meeting, Ryan Hvitlok told the board he would contact New Beginnings to see if they had any interest in bidding on the properties at 214, 216 and 218 West 6th. Those have been targeted by the Land Bank for potential purchase if there is no other interest in buying them.Hvitlok also attended a meeting last month where veteran housing was discussed. McPherson is constructing small homes for veterans.The Land Bank has kept expenses low this year thus far, having spent just $4,141.32 of their $10,000 allocation from the city.

Land Bank board to meet Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Longtime area HR professional Rick Kraus is helping Eagle Communications with its Soar Hire event at Uptown Hutch as part of his duties with the company.

"There's two goals, I think," Kraus said. "One goal is to fill a need in our county. You can just drive around town and see a number of help wanted signs. In the Eagle family, two other markets had already done hiring fairs that were successful. It was a good fit for Eagle in Hutchinson, with my prior experience, for us to take on the same opportunity. Number two is to try to bring everybody together in one location, use the power of our stations and our digital exposure to inform as many people as we could about this opportunity, which is unique."

Kraus is pleased with the number of individual inquiries he's already seeing at the dedicated website for the event at soarhire.careers and with the breadth of the employers enrolled.

"There's something for everybody, from Haven to Sterling to McPherson and Wichita," Kraus said. "Certainly here in Reno County and Hutchinson, as well. There are jobs everywhere. I am very pleased with the wide variety of businesses and how far some of them are coming to be a part of this opportunity."

The hope is also to catch some of those passive job seekers who are already working, but looking for something better. The Soar Hire event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 5 at Uptown Hutch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615299652995.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Longtime area HR professional Rick Kraus is helping Eagle Communications with its Soar Hire event at Uptown Hutch as part of his duties with the company."There's two goals, I think," Kraus said. "One goal is to fill a need in our county. You can just drive around town and see a number of help wanted signs. In the Eagle family, two other markets had already done hiring fairs that were successful. It was a good fit for Eagle in Hutchinson, with my prior experience, for us to take on the same opportunity. Number two is to try to bring everybody together in one location, use the power of our stations and our digital exposure to inform as many people as we could about this opportunity, which is unique."Kraus is pleased with the number of individual inquiries he's already seeing at the dedicated website for the event at soarhire.careers and with the breadth of the employers enrolled."There's something for everybody, from Haven to Sterling to McPherson and Wichita," Kraus said. "Certainly here in Reno County and Hutchinson, as well. There are jobs everywhere. I am very pleased with the wide variety of businesses and how far some of them are coming to be a part of this opportunity."The hope is also to catch some of those passive job seekers who are already working, but looking for something better. The Soar Hire event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 5 at Uptown Hutch.

Local