HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man facing several charges, including kidnapping, was back in a Reno County courtroom Wednesday afternoon to hear two motions in his case.

Charges against 56-year-old Thomas Lee Boyd include one count of kidnapping and one count of stalking. The charges stem from an incident involving a Hutchinson woman after he followed, then confronted, her May 9. Depending on his past criminal history, he could be facing as many as 20 years in prison if he is tried and convicted of the kidnapping charge.

Boyd filed a motion to remove his attorney Shannon Crane because of previous cases she had worked that had ties to the defendant. That motion was granted by Judge Keith Schroeder, although no attorney was appointed.&nbsp;

The second motion was to have Judge Schroeder recuse himself. Boyd's motion states that Schroeder may have been involved in some of his past cases. Schroeder said the matter would be taken up once a new attorney was appointed for Boyd or he hired one himself.&nbsp;

Boyd is still being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on a bond of $226,100.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623871187834.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man facing several charges, including kidnapping, was back in a Reno County courtroom Wednesday afternoon to hear two motions in his case.Charges against 56-year-old Thomas Lee Boyd include one count of kidnapping and one count of stalking. The charges stem from an incident involving a Hutchinson woman after he followed, then confronted, her May 9. Depending on his past criminal history, he could be facing as many as 20 years in prison if he is tried and convicted of the kidnapping charge.Boyd filed a motion to remove his attorney Shannon Crane because of previous cases she had worked that had ties to the defendant. That motion was granted by Judge Keith Schroeder, although no attorney was appointed.&nbsp;The second motion was to have Judge Schroeder recuse himself. Boyd's motion states that Schroeder may have been involved in some of his past cases. Schroeder said the matter would be taken up once a new attorney was appointed for Boyd or he hired one himself.&nbsp;Boyd is still being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on a bond of $226,100.&nbsp;<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;

Motions heard in kidnapping case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson and the local Ace hardware stores continue to hand out fans for those who need one.

At last check about 140 fans had been donated and there are still fans available. Those who need a fan can simply stop by the Salvation Army headquarters and fill out a short form. If this is your first time asking for assistance you’ll need proof of address.&nbsp;

If you would like to help out you can make a donation to the Salvation Army or at one of the two Ace Hardware stores here in Hutchinson.

<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/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson and the local Ace hardware stores continue to hand out fans for those who need one.At last check about 140 fans had been donated and there are still fans available. Those who need a fan can simply stop by the Salvation Army headquarters and fill out a short form. If this is your first time asking for assistance you’ll need proof of address.&nbsp;If you would like to help out you can make a donation to the Salvation Army or at one of the two Ace Hardware stores here in Hutchinson.<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;

Fans still available at Salvation Army


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Horizons Mental Health Center CEO Mike Garrett told Hutch Post that they have told the Federal government that they are working as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

"We sent in our attestation Monday to SAHMSA saying we're up and operational as a CCBHC," Garrett said. "We aren't certified because that has to be developed by the state. We're already meeting all those standards that SAHMSA says we have to meet."

HB 2208 that was passed this session by the Kansas legislature creates the framework for KDHE and KDADS to decide what needs to be done to get that state certification.

"Those standards would be around such things as access, how quickly do you have to get people in to care," Garrett said. "It could be around clinical issues, that you have to do a suicide risk assessment on everybody that comes in to the center for care. You have to demonstrate that you're using evidence-based practices in the treatment of these individuals. Those will be the standards, which we're already meeting."

The CMHCs that already have federal grants from SAHMSA are helping make sure that every level is asking for the same things as much as possible.

"The six CMHCs that are working on this process of becoming certified are helping KDADS and KDHE develop those standards. KDADS is also looking at other states that have already developed these standards and what they are doing. They are also engaging consultants from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that's been supportive of the CCBHC model, as to what they would recommend for those standards. They're bringing in a lot of people that have already been down this path as they help Kansas develop what's going to be right for Kansans."

Garrett is glad to see Horizons using this standard of care as he believes it will be the best standard for years to come.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Horizons Mental Health Center CEO Mike Garrett told Hutch Post that they have told the Federal government that they are working as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic."We sent in our attestation Monday to SAHMSA saying we're up and operational as a CCBHC," Garrett said. "We aren't certified because that has to be developed by the state. We're already meeting all those standards that SAHMSA says we have to meet."HB 2208 that was passed this session by the Kansas legislature creates the framework for KDHE and KDADS to decide what needs to be done to get that state certification."Those standards would be around such things as access, how quickly do you have to get people in to care," Garrett said. "It could be around clinical issues, that you have to do a suicide risk assessment on everybody that comes in to the center for care. You have to demonstrate that you're using evidence-based practices in the treatment of these individuals. Those will be the standards, which we're already meeting."The CMHCs that already have federal grants from SAHMSA are helping make sure that every level is asking for the same things as much as possible."The six CMHCs that are working on this process of becoming certified are helping KDADS and KDHE develop those standards. KDADS is also looking at other states that have already developed these standards and what they are doing. They are also engaging consultants from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that's been supportive of the CCBHC model, as to what they would recommend for those standards. They're bringing in a lot of people that have already been down this path as they help Kansas develop what's going to be right for Kansans."Garrett is glad to see Horizons using this standard of care as he believes it will be the best standard for years to come.

Horizons working through CCBHC process, helping with state regs


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Veronika Nelson, Hutch Rec's Arts &amp; Humanities programmer spoke to the Hutchinson City Council Tuesday about the festivities celebrating Smallville that will start on Third Thursday.

"We kick off activities Thursday night in Chester I. Lewis Plaza, which is the new pocket park downtown, if you're unfamiliar, right across from the historic Fox Theater," Nelson said. "At 5:30 p.m., we have the Smallville proclamation from Superman himself. We also have some kind of new, fun activities. Superhero slack line, if you're not familiar with slack lining, come on down. It's a really fun recreational activity for families in the parks that can often be done at great heights like performances at the X Games and Cirque de Soleil, so we have some visiting athletes coming in to do some demonstrations for us. Also happening on Thursday evening, Third Thursday, traditional activities include the costume contest and our long-time favorite Morgan Wilk, local artist. We're really glad to have her back."

There are also a ton of activities on the weekend.

"Saturday, our friends at the Comic Con have decided to move activities downtown to DCI Park to be kind of COVID-friendly this year," Nelson said. "That was a really big opportunity for the community to build off of some of those festivities happening downtown. Saturday morning there are the races in the morning which usually happen on Third Thursday, so I've heard in previous years. The one mile fun run happens in the morning as well as the Smallville 5K. Then, the Comic Con will take place throughout the day downtown. There's also superhero slack line performances. You can get on a beginner line if you want to try your feet at some slack lining. Then, the Pub Crawl happens that evening all over downtown Hutchinson."

This event is free for the public to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623843219766.jpeg" alt="CityOfSmallville.JPG" />
 <figcaption>CityOfSmallville.JPG</figcaption>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Veronika Nelson, Hutch Rec's Arts &amp; Humanities programmer spoke to the Hutchinson City Council Tuesday about the festivities celebrating Smallville that will start on Third Thursday."We kick off activities Thursday night in Chester I. Lewis Plaza, which is the new pocket park downtown, if you're unfamiliar, right across from the historic Fox Theater," Nelson said. "At 5:30 p.m., we have the Smallville proclamation from Superman himself. We also have some kind of new, fun activities. Superhero slack line, if you're not familiar with slack lining, come on down. It's a really fun recreational activity for families in the parks that can often be done at great heights like performances at the X Games and Cirque de Soleil, so we have some visiting athletes coming in to do some demonstrations for us. Also happening on Thursday evening, Third Thursday, traditional activities include the costume contest and our long-time favorite Morgan Wilk, local artist. We're really glad to have her back."There are also a ton of activities on the weekend."Saturday, our friends at the Comic Con have decided to move activities downtown to DCI Park to be kind of COVID-friendly this year," Nelson said. "That was a really big opportunity for the community to build off of some of those festivities happening downtown. Saturday morning there are the races in the morning which usually happen on Third Thursday, so I've heard in previous years. The one mile fun run happens in the morning as well as the Smallville 5K. Then, the Comic Con will take place throughout the day downtown. There's also superhero slack line performances. You can get on a beginner line if you want to try your feet at some slack lining. Then, the Pub Crawl happens that evening all over downtown Hutchinson."This event is free for the public to attend.

Hutch Rec helping with Smallville Festival on Third Thursday and Saturday

RENO COUNTY — 
A teen from Sylvia was hurt in an accident Tuesday in Reno County.

Just before noon, Reno County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 29000 blk of W Longview Rd for a single vehicle injury accident. Seventeen-year-old Chloe Gorgas of Sylvia was the driver of a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan. 

Deputies say Gorgas lost control of the vehicle causing the vehicle to roll in the ditch. She complained of neck and arm injuries and was transported to Hutchinson Regional by ambulance. 

She was wearing her seatbelt and no airbags deployed.

<figure>
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 </figure>RENO COUNTY — 
A teen from Sylvia was hurt in an accident Tuesday in Reno County.Just before noon, Reno County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 29000 blk of W Longview Rd for a single vehicle injury accident. Seventeen-year-old Chloe Gorgas of Sylvia was the driver of a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan. Deputies say Gorgas lost control of the vehicle causing the vehicle to roll in the ditch. She complained of neck and arm injuries and was transported to Hutchinson Regional by ambulance. She was wearing her seatbelt and no airbags deployed.

Teen hurt in Tuesday rollover


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson City Councilman Jon Daveline wants to know when those that are paying stormwater fees can expect to see movement on the Cow Creek drainage project. The short answer is that most of the work still needs to be done with the railroads involved, because that's really where the bottleneck is regarding the water itself.

"Some are of the opinion that they want to construct their own bridge," said City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "When the time comes, we pay their bill. There's others that are a little more open to the concept of us allowing it to work into our project, so long as we follow their design criteria. None of them have said yet, we're not going to give you a price tag for what that is. We're trying to figure that price tag out, I think, is what I have heard and what our design criteria is going to be based on the service levels that are anticipated for that future rail potential need."

This involves bridges on the UP, BNSF and K and O lines as well as a local spur.

"I'd like to think that if we give people sufficient time, they'd sharpen their pencils and they come up with a better price for us and they have something that's a little more potentially affordable for us," Cantrell said. "Whereas, if we put a high degree of pressure on them and they have to deliver an estimate to us promptly or overnight, I know what I would do. As a business owner, I'd probably inflate it 20 or 30 percent just to get my coverage and I'd tell you that's what my probable estimate is. I don't know if that's factual, but I know the rest of the world works that way."

The consultants from Wood Engineering said that the most important section of the creek in terms of getting bang for the public's buck is south of Avenue G to K-61, but that the bottleneck in the project overall is those railroad bridges.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson City Councilman Jon Daveline wants to know when those that are paying stormwater fees can expect to see movement on the Cow Creek drainage project. The short answer is that most of the work still needs to be done with the railroads involved, because that's really where the bottleneck is regarding the water itself."Some are of the opinion that they want to construct their own bridge," said City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "When the time comes, we pay their bill. There's others that are a little more open to the concept of us allowing it to work into our project, so long as we follow their design criteria. None of them have said yet, we're not going to give you a price tag for what that is. We're trying to figure that price tag out, I think, is what I have heard and what our design criteria is going to be based on the service levels that are anticipated for that future rail potential need."This involves bridges on the UP, BNSF and K and O lines as well as a local spur."I'd like to think that if we give people sufficient time, they'd sharpen their pencils and they come up with a better price for us and they have something that's a little more potentially affordable for us," Cantrell said. "Whereas, if we put a high degree of pressure on them and they have to deliver an estimate to us promptly or overnight, I know what I would do. As a business owner, I'd probably inflate it 20 or 30 percent just to get my coverage and I'd tell you that's what my probable estimate is. I don't know if that's factual, but I know the rest of the world works that way."The consultants from Wood Engineering said that the most important section of the creek in terms of getting bang for the public's buck is south of Avenue G to K-61, but that the bottleneck in the project overall is those railroad bridges.

Railroad bridges are a bottleneck on Cow Creek drainage project

NICKERSON, Kan. — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident near Nickerson Tuesday afternoon. Reno County EMS and the Reno County Sheriffs Department were dispatched to Nickerson Blvd. and Pennington Road around 2:15 p.m.

The Sheriffs Department reports that 30-year-old Brandi Hemphill of Hutchinson was traveling west on Nickerson Blvd. when she collided with a car driven by 28-year-old Kaylee McDaniel of Hutchinson.

Seat belts were worn by all involved. Minor injuries were reported by two occupants in Hemphill's vehicle. They were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to be evaluated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559730214351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident near Nickerson Tuesday afternoon. Reno County EMS and the Reno County Sheriffs Department were dispatched to Nickerson Blvd. and Pennington Road around 2:15 p.m.The Sheriffs Department reports that 30-year-old Brandi Hemphill of Hutchinson was traveling west on Nickerson Blvd. when she collided with a car driven by 28-year-old Kaylee McDaniel of Hutchinson.Seat belts were worn by all involved. Minor injuries were reported by two occupants in Hemphill's vehicle. They were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to be evaluated.<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;

Two injured in accident Near Nickerson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced a minor schedule change for one of the grandstand acts. The Nelly concert is being moved to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18. The show was originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start the same day.&nbsp;

After signing on for the 2021 Kansas State Fair lineup, the artist was asked to perform at the iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas on the same day. Nelly will perform at 2 p.m. followed by rising country/R&amp;B star Willie Jones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580759300680.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced a minor schedule change for one of the grandstand acts. The Nelly concert is being moved to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18. The show was originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start the same day.&nbsp;After signing on for the 2021 Kansas State Fair lineup, the artist was asked to perform at the iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas on the same day. Nelly will perform at 2 p.m. followed by rising country/R&amp;B star Willie Jones.<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;

KSF announces concert time change

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson is inviting Hutchinson residents to join the National Boys &amp; Girls Club Week June 21-25.&nbsp;

The celebration offers the public the opportunity to experience the life-changing programs the Boys &amp; Girls Club offers to children and teens in Hutchinson. As part of the week, some 4,700 Boys &amp; Girls Clubs across America and on U.S. military installations worldwide will host weeklong celebrations featuring the many ways that Boys &amp; Girls Clubs are doing whatever it takes to help youth stay on track as the nation begins to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

“Day in and day out, our Boys &amp; Girls Club Vision Leaders deliver quality experiences that make a difference in a youth’s life beyond their time at the Club. Research shows that kids who attend their local Boys &amp; Girls Club on a regular basis are also more likely to have positive self-esteem, volunteer, and be engaged in school,” Skip Wilson, Chief Professional Officer of Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, said. “National Boys &amp; Girls Club Week is a special time when we welcome the community to witness the amazing impact Clubs have on the lives of kids and teens.”

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bgchutch">Follow the Club on social media</a> to enjoy daily stories of the Club’s impact as well as see photos of Club members celebrating Boys &amp; Girls Club Week. Learn more about programs and activities offered by Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson at <a href="https://www.bgchutch.com/">www.bgchutch.com</a> or (620) 665-7171.

Planned activities open to the public during National Boys &amp; Girls Club Week at Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson are listed below:&nbsp;

• Panda Express Neighborhood Fundraiser: Tuesday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dine in or order out from Panda. Let your server know you want your purchase to support the Club. If ordering online, use promotional code 325187.&nbsp;

• Eat Wings Raise Funds at Buffalo Wild Wings: Wednesday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dine in or carry out. Let your server know your purchase should benefit the Club.&nbsp;

• Open House at The Mine: Thursday, June 24, from 8 – 9:30 a.m. Drop in and see what's brewing at The Mine. Enjoy a short tour of the site while sipping on great coffee from Scuttlebutts. The Mine serves middle school students and is operated in partnership with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at 111 N. Walnut, Ste. B.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623789035324.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson is inviting Hutchinson residents to join the National Boys &amp; Girls Club Week June 21-25.&nbsp;The celebration offers the public the opportunity to experience the life-changing programs the Boys &amp; Girls Club offers to children and teens in Hutchinson. As part of the week, some 4,700 Boys &amp; Girls Clubs across America and on U.S. military installations worldwide will host weeklong celebrations featuring the many ways that Boys &amp; Girls Clubs are doing whatever it takes to help youth stay on track as the nation begins to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;“Day in and day out, our Boys &amp; Girls Club Vision Leaders deliver quality experiences that make a difference in a youth’s life beyond their time at the Club. Research shows that kids who attend their local Boys &amp; Girls Club on a regular basis are also more likely to have positive self-esteem, volunteer, and be engaged in school,” Skip Wilson, Chief Professional Officer of Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, said. “National Boys &amp; Girls Club Week is a special time when we welcome the community to witness the amazing impact Clubs have on the lives of kids and teens.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623789090725.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bgchutch">Follow the Club on social media</a> to enjoy daily stories of the Club’s impact as well as see photos of Club members celebrating Boys &amp; Girls Club Week. Learn more about programs and activities offered by Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson at <a href="https://www.bgchutch.com/">www.bgchutch.com</a> or (620) 665-7171.Planned activities open to the public during National Boys &amp; Girls Club Week at Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson are listed below:&nbsp;• Panda Express Neighborhood Fundraiser: Tuesday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dine in or order out from Panda. Let your server know you want your purchase to support the Club. If ordering online, use promotional code 325187.&nbsp;• Eat Wings Raise Funds at Buffalo Wild Wings: Wednesday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dine in or carry out. Let your server know your purchase should benefit the Club.&nbsp;• Open House at The Mine: Thursday, June 24, from 8 – 9:30 a.m. Drop in and see what's brewing at The Mine. Enjoy a short tour of the site while sipping on great coffee from Scuttlebutts. The Mine serves middle school students and is operated in partnership with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at 111 N. Walnut, Ste. B.&nbsp;<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;

Boys & Girls Club national celebration is next week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Retiring USD 308 assistant superintendent and director of human resources, Rick Kraus notes that there are some challenges for his replacement, Dr. Dawn Johnson as she comes in July 1, especially when it comes to hiring teachers.

"Ideally, you want to be full by the end of May," Kraus said. "The challenges in the last eight to ten years have made that very difficult to become a reality. We still have a handful of teaching positions that are unfilled, with not a lot of prospects on the horizon."

It's incumbent on the district to find the solid students that are coming into the workforce and get to them first.

"The only way to beat that is to hire early, which means maybe you gamble in December with some mid-year graduates in anticipation of perhaps some openings," Kraus said. "By the same token, when it comes to the life changing events, like the boyfriend finally proposes and they are going to move to Kansas City or whatever, you are left with vacancies in May that there are not a lot of options to get filled."

Kraus is proud of the partnership USD 308 has put together with Sterling College where they have students shadow teachers and then student teach in the same building in an effort to make it a good fit for them once they finish school.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Retiring USD 308 assistant superintendent and director of human resources, Rick Kraus notes that there are some challenges for his replacement, Dr. Dawn Johnson as she comes in July 1, especially when it comes to hiring teachers."Ideally, you want to be full by the end of May," Kraus said. "The challenges in the last eight to ten years have made that very difficult to become a reality. We still have a handful of teaching positions that are unfilled, with not a lot of prospects on the horizon."It's incumbent on the district to find the solid students that are coming into the workforce and get to them first."The only way to beat that is to hire early, which means maybe you gamble in December with some mid-year graduates in anticipation of perhaps some openings," Kraus said. "By the same token, when it comes to the life changing events, like the boyfriend finally proposes and they are going to move to Kansas City or whatever, you are left with vacancies in May that there are not a lot of options to get filled."Kraus is proud of the partnership USD 308 has put together with Sterling College where they have students shadow teachers and then student teach in the same building in an effort to make it a good fit for them once they finish school.

Retiring HR professional says hiring teachers still difficult

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Passengers boarding Amtrak in Hutchinson going east had a long wait Tuesday morning and passengers will have to wait again Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

The delay comes after a BNSF freight train left the tracks Tuesday near Pueblo, New Mexico. Amtrak's Marc Magliari says passengers who boarded the westbound train in Kansas on Monday were put up in hotels in Albuquerque and are being sent on the westbound train today.&nbsp;

The line where the derailment occurred is back open, but the backlog of freight trains will push the eastbound Chief back.

Tuesday's eastbound train into Hutchinson was more than five hours late. Those boarding in Hutchinson or Newton for Wednesday morning should contact Amtrak to get the latest information on the eastbound train. The number is 1-800-USA-RAIL.&nbsp;

The rest of the schedule for the Southwest Chief will run as normal.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580416889608.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Passengers boarding Amtrak in Hutchinson going east had a long wait Tuesday morning and passengers will have to wait again Wednesday morning.&nbsp;The delay comes after a BNSF freight train left the tracks Tuesday near Pueblo, New Mexico. Amtrak's Marc Magliari says passengers who boarded the westbound train in Kansas on Monday were put up in hotels in Albuquerque and are being sent on the westbound train today.&nbsp;The line where the derailment occurred is back open, but the backlog of freight trains will push the eastbound Chief back.Tuesday's eastbound train into Hutchinson was more than five hours late. Those boarding in Hutchinson or Newton for Wednesday morning should contact Amtrak to get the latest information on the eastbound train. The number is 1-800-USA-RAIL.&nbsp;The rest of the schedule for the Southwest Chief will run as normal.&nbsp;<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;

Derailment in New Mexico delays Amtrak service

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — The hot weather has jump started the wheat harvest in Reno County.&nbsp;

The Farmers Co-Op in Pretty Prairie reports that trucks have started coming in with full loads. Moisture has been running around 12% with test weights at 62 to 64 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;

The MKC Co-Op in Haven says they expect to see wheat coming in in the next day or two but did say a load came into their elevator in Castleton. Test weight was around 60 pounds with moisture at 11%.

The latest from the Kansas Ag Statistics Service has the wheat crop at 64% good to excellent, 25% fair and just 11% poor to very poor.

The forecast is for a total harvest of up to 359 million bushels with an average yield of 52 bushels per acre.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598739288757.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — The hot weather has jump started the wheat harvest in Reno County.&nbsp;The Farmers Co-Op in Pretty Prairie reports that trucks have started coming in with full loads. Moisture has been running around 12% with test weights at 62 to 64 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;The MKC Co-Op in Haven says they expect to see wheat coming in in the next day or two but did say a load came into their elevator in Castleton. Test weight was around 60 pounds with moisture at 11%.The latest from the Kansas Ag Statistics Service has the wheat crop at 64% good to excellent, 25% fair and just 11% poor to very poor.The forecast is for a total harvest of up to 359 million bushels with an average yield of 52 bushels per acre.<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;

Harvest is under way in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Following the annual Click It or Ticket campaign the Hutchinson Police Department decided to conduct a nighttime seat belt enforcement operation Monday evening.&nbsp;

Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM officers wrote 64 safety belt citations, three child restraint citations, and five other citations.&nbsp; The enforcement was supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;

The police department and the Reno County Sheriff's Department issued nearly 280 seat belt citations during the Click It or Ticket campaign held May 21st through the 31st.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Following the annual Click It or Ticket campaign the Hutchinson Police Department decided to conduct a nighttime seat belt enforcement operation Monday evening.&nbsp;Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM officers wrote 64 safety belt citations, three child restraint citations, and five other citations.&nbsp; The enforcement was supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;The police department and the Reno County Sheriff's Department issued nearly 280 seat belt citations during the Click It or Ticket campaign held May 21st through the 31st.<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;

HPD conducts seat belt enforcement operation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 Board of Education approved proposed changes to its governance model to the Kansas Association of School Boards format during its regular meeting Monday.

At Monday’s meeting, the USD 308 Board of Education approved the proposal to change their governance model to follow that of Kansas Association of School Boards, while incorporating aspects of Coherent Governance, and will discuss further details during a study session at a later meeting.&nbsp;

The district changed to the Coherent Governance model under the leadership of Dr. David Flowers as a way of evaluating how the district was doing in a variety of areas. Under that model, the board examined all academic areas in a public meeting at some point during the year, setting goals for district staff.

Most of the business side of meetings, once discussed and approved by the board, was conducted during the superintendent’s consent agenda.

Along with other board business, the Board of Education and superintendent Mike Folks thanked retiring assistant superintendent and director of human resources, Rick Kraus, and public information officer, Ray Hemman. Kraus began his career with USD 308 in August of 1994 and Hemman has been with the district since July of 1998.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 Board of Education approved proposed changes to its governance model to the Kansas Association of School Boards format during its regular meeting Monday.At Monday’s meeting, the USD 308 Board of Education approved the proposal to change their governance model to follow that of Kansas Association of School Boards, while incorporating aspects of Coherent Governance, and will discuss further details during a study session at a later meeting.&nbsp;The district changed to the Coherent Governance model under the leadership of Dr. David Flowers as a way of evaluating how the district was doing in a variety of areas. Under that model, the board examined all academic areas in a public meeting at some point during the year, setting goals for district staff.Most of the business side of meetings, once discussed and approved by the board, was conducted during the superintendent’s consent agenda.Along with other board business, the Board of Education and superintendent Mike Folks thanked retiring assistant superintendent and director of human resources, Rick Kraus, and public information officer, Ray Hemman. Kraus began his career with USD 308 in August of 1994 and Hemman has been with the district since July of 1998.&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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 308 Board changes governance model

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 School Board held off on an executive session regarding negotiations with the teachers union during last night's agenda session.&nbsp;

Since nothing new has developed since the last round of negotiations the board decided that the executive session was not needed. The next negotiations between the district and the union is set for July 13.

Also Monday night the board discussed the K-JUMP lawsuit regarding the spike in natural gas prices during the cold snap. The gas supplier Symmetry Energy has ended its contract with the Kansas Association of School Boards and school districts are now looking for a replacement. The district has put out a request for bids on the matter.

And the board approved moving its next meeting from July 12 to July 8 to accommodate a number of summer vacations taking place during that time period.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 School Board held off on an executive session regarding negotiations with the teachers union during last night's agenda session.&nbsp;Since nothing new has developed since the last round of negotiations the board decided that the executive session was not needed. The next negotiations between the district and the union is set for July 13.Also Monday night the board discussed the K-JUMP lawsuit regarding the spike in natural gas prices during the cold snap. The gas supplier Symmetry Energy has ended its contract with the Kansas Association of School Boards and school districts are now looking for a replacement. The district has put out a request for bids on the matter.And the board approved moving its next meeting from July 12 to July 8 to accommodate a number of summer vacations taking place during that time period.<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;

USD 313 discusses energy lawsuit


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Family Community Theater is proud to present Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The 1934 novel has been made in to two movies, adapted for television, and in 2017 was adapted for the stage.

"It's been a great rehearsal process," said director Skye Colaw. "Everyone who is in the cast has been involved in community theatre in Hutch or McPherson or even out of state, so it's been great to work with everybody."

The Orient Express is travelling through Europe when its journey just after midnight is halted by a snowdrift. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on the famous detective Hercule Poirot, who happens to be on his way back to London from Istanbul, to identify the murderer.

"You really get a chance to see the characters and what they are going through as you're kind of questioning this whole whodunit mystery that maybe you know," Colaw said. "Maybe you know what happened because you read the Agatha Christie book or you've seen the movie that recently came out, but it just draws you in."

On Thursday, June 17, The Family Children’s Theatre will be conducting their annual half price season ticket sale at the Flag Theatre from 9:00a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

Performances are June 24-27 Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Family Community Theater is proud to present Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. The 1934 novel has been made in to two movies, adapted for television, and in 2017 was adapted for the stage."It's been a great rehearsal process," said director Skye Colaw. "Everyone who is in the cast has been involved in community theatre in Hutch or McPherson or even out of state, so it's been great to work with everybody."The Orient Express is travelling through Europe when its journey just after midnight is halted by a snowdrift. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on the famous detective Hercule Poirot, who happens to be on his way back to London from Istanbul, to identify the murderer."You really get a chance to see the characters and what they are going through as you're kind of questioning this whole whodunit mystery that maybe you know," Colaw said. "Maybe you know what happened because you read the Agatha Christie book or you've seen the movie that recently came out, but it just draws you in."On Thursday, June 17, The Family Children’s Theatre will be conducting their annual half price season ticket sale at the Flag Theatre from 9:00a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Performances are June 24-27 Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

FCT presenting Murder on the Orient Express later this month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man facing several charges, including kidnapping, is due back in a Reno County courtroom Wednesday on a motion to have his attorney removed from the case.&nbsp;

Charges against 56-year-old Thomas Lee Boyd include one count of kidnapping and one count of stalking. The charges stem from an incident involving a Hutchinson woman after he followed, then confronted, her May 9.

Depending on his past criminal history, he could be facing as many as 20 years in prison if he is tried and convicted of the kidnapping charge.

Boyd is still being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on a bond of $226,100. His hearing is set for 1 p.m. in front of Judge Keith Schroeder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623703695172.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man facing several charges, including kidnapping, is due back in a Reno County courtroom Wednesday on a motion to have his attorney removed from the case.&nbsp;Charges against 56-year-old Thomas Lee Boyd include one count of kidnapping and one count of stalking. The charges stem from an incident involving a Hutchinson woman after he followed, then confronted, her May 9.Depending on his past criminal history, he could be facing as many as 20 years in prison if he is tried and convicted of the kidnapping charge.Boyd is still being held in the Reno County Correctional Facility on a bond of $226,100. His hearing is set for 1 p.m. in front of Judge Keith Schroeder.<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;

Hutchinson man accused of kidnapping has hearing Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Incoming Nickerson USD 309 Superintendent Curtis Nightingale told the board that, when it comes to another try at a school bond issue, it’s time to start over.

“We need to take a breath and start this process over,” he said.&nbsp;

Nightingale, who was not at the meeting in an official capacity, still let his feelings be known when it comes to a second try at a bond issue. Nightingale also suggested that, if the district tries for another bond issue, it should use the construction management at-risk process. The route is similar to what Hutchinson USD 308 did with its last bond issue and what the city of Hutchinson did for the Sports Arena project.

The board was in agreement that the district needed to be much more transparent this time around and put together a firm list of priorities. Any chance of getting the matter on the November ballot is gone and if the district wanted to take another crack at a bond issue it would be in the spring or next November. The pandemic and how it affected schools also has the district thinking more short term with a bond issue rather than looking 30 years ahead. The last bond issue, which was for $30 million, failed by a 4-1 margin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One thing was agreed upon by the board: the district needs to be very forthcoming about what it wants in a bond issue and what the priorities are.&nbsp;

“We’re going to do this for an 'x' amount of dollars,” board member Luke Herren said. “We need to be realistic with what we need.”

No action was taken and the matter was up for discussion only. The board will bring the matter back to the table in July. Nightingale will be on board by that time.

Another matter that drew a lot of discussion was the current track and field project at the high school. Apparently the workmanship for much of the field event areas was so poor that much of the work had to be torn out. Board member Jay Mitzner said the district should push to start the whole project over. Some of the things that were found to be wrong include poor concrete work, which included a footprint in one of the shot put rings, a pole vault platform that is already cracked and overall poor workmanship.&nbsp;

The track itself is already running into problems due to the lack of a proper base for the new running surface. The base issue is forcing the price of the track up well beyond what was budgeted, but the work will need to be done. Until then, the district is going to see what it can do with Mid America, who is the contractor for the project, and what the district says is very shoddy work.

<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623727313031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Incoming Nickerson USD 309 Superintendent Curtis Nightingale told the board that, when it comes to another try at a school bond issue, it’s time to start over.“We need to take a breath and start this process over,” he said.&nbsp;Nightingale, who was not at the meeting in an official capacity, still let his feelings be known when it comes to a second try at a bond issue. Nightingale also suggested that, if the district tries for another bond issue, it should use the construction management at-risk process. The route is similar to what Hutchinson USD 308 did with its last bond issue and what the city of Hutchinson did for the Sports Arena project.The board was in agreement that the district needed to be much more transparent this time around and put together a firm list of priorities. Any chance of getting the matter on the November ballot is gone and if the district wanted to take another crack at a bond issue it would be in the spring or next November. The pandemic and how it affected schools also has the district thinking more short term with a bond issue rather than looking 30 years ahead. The last bond issue, which was for $30 million, failed by a 4-1 margin.&nbsp;&nbsp;One thing was agreed upon by the board: the district needs to be very forthcoming about what it wants in a bond issue and what the priorities are.&nbsp;“We’re going to do this for an 'x' amount of dollars,” board member Luke Herren said. “We need to be realistic with what we need.”No action was taken and the matter was up for discussion only. The board will bring the matter back to the table in July. Nightingale will be on board by that time.Another matter that drew a lot of discussion was the current track and field project at the high school. Apparently the workmanship for much of the field event areas was so poor that much of the work had to be torn out. Board member Jay Mitzner said the district should push to start the whole project over. Some of the things that were found to be wrong include poor concrete work, which included a footprint in one of the shot put rings, a pole vault platform that is already cracked and overall poor workmanship.&nbsp;The track itself is already running into problems due to the lack of a proper base for the new running surface. The base issue is forcing the price of the track up well beyond what was budgeted, but the work will need to be done. Until then, the district is going to see what it can do with Mid America, who is the contractor for the project, and what the district says is very shoddy work.<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

USD 309 discusses bond issue

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The always-popular Reno County Farmers Market will expand its hours starting Wednesday.&nbsp;

The market, which has been open Saturdays since May 22, will open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 27.

The market is located at 115 W. 2nd Ave. If you would like to be a vendor for the Farmers Market, you can <a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/become-a-vendor">fill out an application at rcfmks.com</a> and mail it to Reno County Farmers Market, P.O. Box 2467, Hutchinson, KS 67504.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588825247313.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The always-popular Reno County Farmers Market will expand its hours starting Wednesday.&nbsp;The market, which has been open Saturdays since May 22, will open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 27.The market is located at 115 W. 2nd Ave. If you would like to be a vendor for the Farmers Market, you can <a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/become-a-vendor">fill out an application at rcfmks.com</a> and mail it to Reno County Farmers Market, P.O. Box 2467, Hutchinson, KS 67504.<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;

Farmers Market to expand hours 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of the last parts of the Hutchinson Public Library that was closed due to the pandemic is now open again.

The Makerspace lab reopened for business recently and they are looking for more staff so they can expand hours. The lab is a place where anyone can come and learn a hobby or craft including 3D printing and milling, video game design, scrapbooking and CAD design. Those who come to the lab can create their own items and learn how to design and build various things. The lab is located in the basement of the library and is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The library says if you are interested or know someone who is interested in working as a Makerspace Specialist in the library, contact the library at 663-5441.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588865810156.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of the last parts of the Hutchinson Public Library that was closed due to the pandemic is now open again.The Makerspace lab reopened for business recently and they are looking for more staff so they can expand hours. The lab is a place where anyone can come and learn a hobby or craft including 3D printing and milling, video game design, scrapbooking and CAD design. Those who come to the lab can create their own items and learn how to design and build various things. The lab is located in the basement of the library and is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.The library says if you are interested or know someone who is interested in working as a Makerspace Specialist in the library, contact the library at 663-5441.<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;

Library opens Makerspace lab

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The registration deadline to enter the annual James “Buddy” Bryant Memorial Golf Tournament is Wednesday. This year's benefit tournament will be held June 26th at Carey Park Golf Course.&nbsp;

The format is a four- person scramble with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $380 per team or $95 for a single golfer who will be part of a team that is assembled. The cost includes a golf cart and lunch. Entry forms can be mailed to 18 for Buddy, PO Box 2487, Hutchinson Kansas 67504-2487.

The tournament is to benefit the James “Buddy” Bryant Scholarship Fund. Bryant was a Haven High graduate who was killed in an accident. The memorial Scholarship fund was established in 2006.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620141368674.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The registration deadline to enter the annual James “Buddy” Bryant Memorial Golf Tournament is Wednesday. This year's benefit tournament will be held June 26th at Carey Park Golf Course.&nbsp;The format is a four- person scramble with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $380 per team or $95 for a single golfer who will be part of a team that is assembled. The cost includes a golf cart and lunch. Entry forms can be mailed to 18 for Buddy, PO Box 2487, Hutchinson Kansas 67504-2487.The tournament is to benefit the James “Buddy” Bryant Scholarship Fund. Bryant was a Haven High graduate who was killed in an accident. The memorial Scholarship fund was established in 2006.<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;

Registration deadline for Buddy Bryant golf tournament is Wednesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners is discussing whether or not to put a question on the ballot to expand its membership from three to five members.

"The way the commission is looking at doing it right now, the commission would call for the election by a resolution," said Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "They would put it on the ballot that way. The deadline to have it in to us, a resolution written up and passed, it would need to be on August 3rd."

This would be to put the expansion on the November ballot. Fager also wanted to be sure that when drawing the lines if five members are decided, that there would be consideration of trying to use existing precinct lines.

"If their boundaries don't follow the precinct lines, then that could create more ballot styles in the county," Fager said. "We already have quite a few ballot styles for a city/school. It increases the chance for board worker error."

An example is that because of the way the school district boundaries are drawn in the context of the Hutchinson city limits, there are already several different ballots that have Hutchinson city elections and different school boards.

"In a city/school election currently, I believe it's around 175 ballot styles," Fager said.

The commissioners also asked for County Counselor Joe O'Sullivan to let them know of the legal impacts on the open meetings act of having five members as opposed to three. That will likely be a point of discussion at a future meeting.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners is discussing whether or not to put a question on the ballot to expand its membership from three to five members."The way the commission is looking at doing it right now, the commission would call for the election by a resolution," said Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "They would put it on the ballot that way. The deadline to have it in to us, a resolution written up and passed, it would need to be on August 3rd."This would be to put the expansion on the November ballot. Fager also wanted to be sure that when drawing the lines if five members are decided, that there would be consideration of trying to use existing precinct lines."If their boundaries don't follow the precinct lines, then that could create more ballot styles in the county," Fager said. "We already have quite a few ballot styles for a city/school. It increases the chance for board worker error."An example is that because of the way the school district boundaries are drawn in the context of the Hutchinson city limits, there are already several different ballots that have Hutchinson city elections and different school boards."In a city/school election currently, I believe it's around 175 ballot styles," Fager said.The commissioners also asked for County Counselor Joe O'Sullivan to let them know of the legal impacts on the open meetings act of having five members as opposed to three. That will likely be a point of discussion at a future meeting.

Fager: Board has until August 3 to put vote on ballot

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

“It is a truth universally accepted that a farmer in want of good conversation must remark on the weather.” For anyone who is not a fan of Jane Austen, I should explain that the previous statement is a bit of a play on the opening of her famous novel “Pride &amp; Prejudice.”

The statement is true. Good conversation for farmers must include remarks about precipitation, heat, wind or the lack of any of these things. It will touch on their opinions about the past, present and future weather patterns. They are delighted to talk to someone from outside the county to fill their curiosity about weather in other places. In the case of severe weather, they have a deep need to be informed about the effects of the storm.

Austen’s opening line, like my altered version, also had an air of mockery of others in society.

It is easy to dismiss a farmer’s appreciation for weather as a necessity for not having anything else to say. I am a little chagrined to admit that I used to be a person who thought that way.

In my early adulthood, at a time when it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re superior to older generations, I held a particular distain for talking about the weather. I thought myself so interesting that I could conduct a conversation without ever having to fall back on weather as a topic.

Over the last decade, as I have matured and lived more of life, I have come to realize just how important it is to talk about the weather.

The weather is a universally acceptable topic; a failproof way to start conversation, fill a lull or even a way to break the tension of awkward situations. This universal language is a way to welcome and extend community to anyone you cross paths with. There is little chance of offending, excluding or burning a bridge while talking about the weather. Talking about the weather is a farmer’s way of extending a hand of friendship.

Weather conversation is also entertaining in the same way as someone’s fish story. You’ve heard of raining cats and dog, a bit of a frog strangler or gulley-washer, egg-frying or sweltering hot, colder than a penguin’s bottom or as dry as a dust bowl. I am sure you have had a dozen saying pop into your head just reading this. Good weather anecdotes and the colorful language used to describe weather can be shared and retold all the way across the county, state and country. Sharing the weather is one way farmers tell their story.

Most importantly, the weather is a farmer’s biggest threat. Farmers have spent generations improving techniques, tools and inputs to increase their crop yields. They have found ways to engineer plants to grow with less water and some have irrigation. However, they are almost all still at the mercy of weather. The amount of heat or water brought determines if their crop will grow. Severe weather events have the ability to rob them of an entire year’s work in a matter of minutes. Farmers talk about the weather because it is constantly on their mind.

This week as you start to hear phrases like, “Hot enough for you lately?” or “It is gonna be a scorcher.” I hope you can learn the lesson that my young self was too naive to catch — talking about the weather is so much more than small talk. It is a unique, universal language that has the ability to convey friendship, entertainment and people’s dreams in a brief exchange.

And that is exactly the kind of conversation we need more of in our world.

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher“It is a truth universally accepted that a farmer in want of good conversation must remark on the weather.” For anyone who is not a fan of Jane Austen, I should explain that the previous statement is a bit of a play on the opening of her famous novel “Pride &amp; Prejudice.”The statement is true. Good conversation for farmers must include remarks about precipitation, heat, wind or the lack of any of these things. It will touch on their opinions about the past, present and future weather patterns. They are delighted to talk to someone from outside the county to fill their curiosity about weather in other places. In the case of severe weather, they have a deep need to be informed about the effects of the storm.Austen’s opening line, like my altered version, also had an air of mockery of others in society.It is easy to dismiss a farmer’s appreciation for weather as a necessity for not having anything else to say. I am a little chagrined to admit that I used to be a person who thought that way.In my early adulthood, at a time when it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re superior to older generations, I held a particular distain for talking about the weather. I thought myself so interesting that I could conduct a conversation without ever having to fall back on weather as a topic.Over the last decade, as I have matured and lived more of life, I have come to realize just how important it is to talk about the weather.The weather is a universally acceptable topic; a failproof way to start conversation, fill a lull or even a way to break the tension of awkward situations. This universal language is a way to welcome and extend community to anyone you cross paths with. There is little chance of offending, excluding or burning a bridge while talking about the weather. Talking about the weather is a farmer’s way of extending a hand of friendship.Weather conversation is also entertaining in the same way as someone’s fish story. You’ve heard of raining cats and dog, a bit of a frog strangler or gulley-washer, egg-frying or sweltering hot, colder than a penguin’s bottom or as dry as a dust bowl. I am sure you have had a dozen saying pop into your head just reading this. Good weather anecdotes and the colorful language used to describe weather can be shared and retold all the way across the county, state and country. Sharing the weather is one way farmers tell their story.Most importantly, the weather is a farmer’s biggest threat. Farmers have spent generations improving techniques, tools and inputs to increase their crop yields. They have found ways to engineer plants to grow with less water and some have irrigation. However, they are almost all still at the mercy of weather. The amount of heat or water brought determines if their crop will grow. Severe weather events have the ability to rob them of an entire year’s work in a matter of minutes. Farmers talk about the weather because it is constantly on their mind.This week as you start to hear phrases like, “Hot enough for you lately?” or “It is gonna be a scorcher.” I hope you can learn the lesson that my young self was too naive to catch — talking about the weather is so much more than small talk. It is a unique, universal language that has the ability to convey friendship, entertainment and people’s dreams in a brief exchange.And that is exactly the kind of conversation we need more of in our world."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Talking About Weather


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre is thrilled to open their 90th Anniversary season with the Dirty Dozen Brass band Saturday night.

"They are flying in from New Orleans direct, to do this show," said Chuck Miller with the Fox. "It's been rescheduled a couple of times. I can't tell you how excited we are to bring this historic little band to Hutchinson."

Celebrating over 40 years since their founding in 1977, New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&amp;B/Soul. Tickets for the 8:00 p.m. show are on sale. 

The Fox is going to be busy in its 90th anniversary year.

"We've taken all the shows that were canceled or postponed last year and put them into this season, all the extra shows that we booked, and then some," Miller said. "I think we have 29 or 30 between now and next May."

Miller said performers are looking for places to play.

"They want to come," Miller said. "Riders in the Sky showed up in May. They drove straight from Nashville just to do the show here in Hutch and then went to Kansas City. Ralph Stanley's coming straight from Virginia just to do the show. They want to play. They want to work."

Tickets for all shows are available in the FOX box office, by calling 1 877- FOX-SHOW or on-line at <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com">www.hutchinsonfox.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623678828486.jpeg" alt="Dirty Dozen Brass Band-Photo Courtesy NorthStar Artists" />
 <figcaption>Dirty Dozen Brass Band-Photo Courtesy NorthStar Artists</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre is thrilled to open their 90th Anniversary season with the Dirty Dozen Brass band Saturday night."They are flying in from New Orleans direct, to do this show," said Chuck Miller with the Fox. "It's been rescheduled a couple of times. I can't tell you how excited we are to bring this historic little band to Hutchinson."Celebrating over 40 years since their founding in 1977, New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional foundation of brass band music and incorporated it into a blend of genres including Bebop Jazz, Funk and R&amp;B/Soul. Tickets for the 8:00 p.m. show are on sale. The Fox is going to be busy in its 90th anniversary year."We've taken all the shows that were canceled or postponed last year and put them into this season, all the extra shows that we booked, and then some," Miller said. "I think we have 29 or 30 between now and next May."Miller said performers are looking for places to play."They want to come," Miller said. "Riders in the Sky showed up in May. They drove straight from Nashville just to do the show here in Hutch and then went to Kansas City. Ralph Stanley's coming straight from Virginia just to do the show. They want to play. They want to work."Tickets for all shows are available in the FOX box office, by calling 1 877- FOX-SHOW or on-line at <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com">www.hutchinsonfox.com</a>.

Fox opening 90th season Saturday night


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Central Kansas Veterans Community Partnership and Hospice and Home Care of Reno County are coming together to help get personal care items for veterans.

"When we have patients admitted that we know are veterans, one of our volunteers, who is a veteran themselves, will take a certificate to them," said Micki Wilson with Hospice and Home Care of Reno County. "The certificate says that we thank them for their military service. When a patient dies at Hospice House and that patient is a veteran, the family is presented a folded flag. We're always trying to come up with things that we can do to honor veterans."

We Honor Veterans is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"We have donation barrels around town," Wilson said. "There's one at the American Legion, one at the VFW, one at the Kindred Hospice office, one here at our office, Hospice of Reno County and one at Hospice House. We're asking for things that we're going to put together as a care package and Noel Lodge will be distributing these care packages to homeless veterans here in the area."

The groups have put together a veterans wish list for items to be donated. That list is below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622428061910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Central Kansas Veterans Community Partnership and Hospice and Home Care of Reno County are coming together to help get personal care items for veterans."When we have patients admitted that we know are veterans, one of our volunteers, who is a veteran themselves, will take a certificate to them," said Micki Wilson with Hospice and Home Care of Reno County. "The certificate says that we thank them for their military service. When a patient dies at Hospice House and that patient is a veteran, the family is presented a folded flag. We're always trying to come up with things that we can do to honor veterans."We Honor Veterans is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)."We have donation barrels around town," Wilson said. "There's one at the American Legion, one at the VFW, one at the Kindred Hospice office, one here at our office, Hospice of Reno County and one at Hospice House. We're asking for things that we're going to put together as a care package and Noel Lodge will be distributing these care packages to homeless veterans here in the area."The groups have put together a veterans wish list for items to be donated. That list is below.White socksWhite underwearWhite T-shirtsTravel tissuesPuzzle booksPeanut Butter crackersCheese crackersSingle serving coffeeRain ponchosSmall flashlights/ batteriesInsect repellantSunscreenGallon size zipper style baggiesBackpacksLaundry detergent podsTravel size toothpasteToothbrushesBody washShampooConditionerDeodorantLotion

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