BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council heard a report from developers who want to have a parcel of land rezoned for industrial purposes.&nbsp;

The land which is on the south edge of Buhler would be used for an industrial zone once all of the necessary hoops are jumped through. City Clerk Merrill Peterson says that the 18 acres land is designated in the floodplain which will have to be dealt with. Peterson says no firm plans for the land are in place.

Also Tuesday night, the council got a new member. Charles Taylor was appointed to the council after Jacob Goering resigned his position.

And the council approved the permit for the Spark in the Park celebration which will be held Saturday, July 3rd at Wheatland Park.

<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/2020/1/1579535694180.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council heard a report from developers who want to have a parcel of land rezoned for industrial purposes.&nbsp;The land which is on the south edge of Buhler would be used for an industrial zone once all of the necessary hoops are jumped through. City Clerk Merrill Peterson says that the 18 acres land is designated in the floodplain which will have to be dealt with. Peterson says no firm plans for the land are in place.Also Tuesday night, the council got a new member. Charles Taylor was appointed to the council after Jacob Goering resigned his position.And the council approved the permit for the Spark in the Park celebration which will be held Saturday, July 3rd at Wheatland Park.<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;

Buhler City Council hears presentation on land rezoning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – First District Congressman Tracy Mann expressed his concerns about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list the lesser prairie-chicken, whose habitat includes Kansas, as threatened, and wants to tailor protections under the ESA.

“I am concerned to see the proposed rule to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act,” Mann said. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commended the voluntary efforts in Kansas, including 40,000 acres of habitat conservation, but ultimately decided that the federal government is better equipped to address these local areas.”&nbsp;

Over the last several years, farmers, ranchers, energy sector, and other private landowners have enacted voluntary conservation efforts, and the lesser prairie-chicken’s population has risen in Kansas according to Mann.

Mann says this is another federal overreach that will disrupt industries that are vital to the Kansas economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611661175821.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – First District Congressman Tracy Mann expressed his concerns about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list the lesser prairie-chicken, whose habitat includes Kansas, as threatened, and wants to tailor protections under the ESA.“I am concerned to see the proposed rule to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act,” Mann said. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commended the voluntary efforts in Kansas, including 40,000 acres of habitat conservation, but ultimately decided that the federal government is better equipped to address these local areas.”&nbsp;Over the last several years, farmers, ranchers, energy sector, and other private landowners have enacted voluntary conservation efforts, and the lesser prairie-chicken’s population has risen in Kansas according to Mann.Mann says this is another federal overreach that will disrupt industries that are vital to the Kansas economy.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mann expresses concern over Prairie Chicken designation


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar facilitated a meeting last week with the county's fire chiefs to do fact-finding related to their reactions to the study put forth by Five Bugle earlier this month.

"That meeting took place on May 19th in the evening," Weishaar said. "That was between us, the county administrator's office, commissioner Friesen was there and then all the rural fire chiefs. Each district was represented. The fire chiefs actually had met on their own two days prior to that on May 17th."

A document has been produced as a result of that meeting that will be part of the county commission meeting on June 8th.

"They put a whole bunch of ideas into writing," Weishaar said. "I did a memorandum for record and we will be presenting that. I just sent that memorandum for record out to fire chiefs this morning for them to review."

Weishaar didn't want to go into the specifics of what was in the memo until the chiefs have seen it and signed off on it, but he did say they appeared to want to handle any adjustments to their departments themselves.

"The word accountability got used a whole lot," Weishaar said. "The chiefs want an opportunity to be able to hold themselves accountable."

The consultant seemed to support the idea of hiring a full-time paid fire chief to oversee these rural departments, but it isn't clear where the County Commission is on the issue and whether having the report in hand creates any sort of liability for the commission should they choose not to follow its recommendations.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585131092050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar facilitated a meeting last week with the county's fire chiefs to do fact-finding related to their reactions to the study put forth by Five Bugle earlier this month."That meeting took place on May 19th in the evening," Weishaar said. "That was between us, the county administrator's office, commissioner Friesen was there and then all the rural fire chiefs. Each district was represented. The fire chiefs actually had met on their own two days prior to that on May 17th."A document has been produced as a result of that meeting that will be part of the county commission meeting on June 8th."They put a whole bunch of ideas into writing," Weishaar said. "I did a memorandum for record and we will be presenting that. I just sent that memorandum for record out to fire chiefs this morning for them to review."Weishaar didn't want to go into the specifics of what was in the memo until the chiefs have seen it and signed off on it, but he did say they appeared to want to handle any adjustments to their departments themselves."The word accountability got used a whole lot," Weishaar said. "The chiefs want an opportunity to be able to hold themselves accountable."The consultant seemed to support the idea of hiring a full-time paid fire chief to oversee these rural departments, but it isn't clear where the County Commission is on the issue and whether having the report in hand creates any sort of liability for the commission should they choose not to follow its recommendations.
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Weishaar: Fire chiefs with meeting memo, will be presented to county June 8


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karla Nichols with the Reno County Health Department told the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday that they will be looking at the numbers they have been using for the school gating criteria more closely in the coming weeks.

"CDC, KDHE has actually in the March and April timeframe, they've actually changed some of those metrics, but when we were talking to a lot of the schools, they wanted to leave those metrics the same so there wasn't changing," Nichols said. "Now that school is done, early June, we'll start looking at those metrics and see if we need to be changing any of those metrics or metrics levels."

The big emphasis continues to be vaccination, as Nichols told the commission Tuesday, it's really a choice of getting vaccinated or having the potential consequences of infection, including potential hospitalization. Though they didn't have a specific metric on the dashboard, Karen Hammersmith with the Health Department has been spot-checking to see if any of those hospitalized were also vaccinated.

"We haven't had as many hospitalizations since we started vaccinating," Hammersmith said. "Those that were in the hospital have not been vaccinated, of all of those that I did research. I would say that's probably around ten that I did research and they have not been vaccinated."

Commissioner Daniel Friesen thought making that number of hospitalizations since vaccine has been available and the number of those who have been vaccinated versus those who have not could help to give the public another reason to consider vaccination.

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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Karla Nichols with the Reno County Health Department told the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday that they will be looking at the numbers they have been using for the school gating criteria more closely in the coming weeks."CDC, KDHE has actually in the March and April timeframe, they've actually changed some of those metrics, but when we were talking to a lot of the schools, they wanted to leave those metrics the same so there wasn't changing," Nichols said. "Now that school is done, early June, we'll start looking at those metrics and see if we need to be changing any of those metrics or metrics levels."The big emphasis continues to be vaccination, as Nichols told the commission Tuesday, it's really a choice of getting vaccinated or having the potential consequences of infection, including potential hospitalization. Though they didn't have a specific metric on the dashboard, Karen Hammersmith with the Health Department has been spot-checking to see if any of those hospitalized were also vaccinated."We haven't had as many hospitalizations since we started vaccinating," Hammersmith said. "Those that were in the hospital have not been vaccinated, of all of those that I did research. I would say that's probably around ten that I did research and they have not been vaccinated."Commissioner Daniel Friesen thought making that number of hospitalizations since vaccine has been available and the number of those who have been vaccinated versus those who have not could help to give the public another reason to consider vaccination.

Health Department will look at school metrics, hospitalizations vs. vaccinations

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by Randy Lawayne Henry, 57, Coats, was westbound on Kansas 156 just east of 3rd Road.

A strong gust of wind during a storm blew the drivers trailer over.

EMS transported&nbsp;Henry to the hospital in Ellsworth. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621026328316.png" alt="KHP" />
 <figcaption>KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by Randy Lawayne Henry, 57, Coats, was westbound on Kansas 156 just east of 3rd Road.A strong gust of wind during a storm blew the drivers trailer over.EMS transported&nbsp;Henry to the hospital in Ellsworth. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Pratt Co. man injured after wind blows semi's trailer over

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Department of Aging announced that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is providing low-income seniors who meet age and income requirements $35 in checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets through Nov. 1, 2021. Checks are available in $5 increments.

The application process in Reno County will be conducted by telephone only. The application period begins June 15. Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is gone.&nbsp;

To be eligible to receive assistance, a person must be 60 years old or older, or at least 55 years old and a member of an Indian Tribal Organization on the day the money is issued. The annual gross household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $23,828, or a monthly gross income at or below $1,968.&nbsp;

To apply, seniors may call 620-694–2911 beginning June 15, 2021, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

<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/2020/11/1604505388015.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Department of Aging announced that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is providing low-income seniors who meet age and income requirements $35 in checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets through Nov. 1, 2021. Checks are available in $5 increments.The application process in Reno County will be conducted by telephone only. The application period begins June 15. Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is gone.&nbsp;To be eligible to receive assistance, a person must be 60 years old or older, or at least 55 years old and a member of an Indian Tribal Organization on the day the money is issued. The annual gross household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $23,828, or a monthly gross income at or below $1,968.&nbsp;To apply, seniors may call 620-694–2911 beginning June 15, 2021, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.<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 program available again for seniors

CHENEY, Kan. — It will be another busy weekend at the area lakes as the first big bash of summer kicks off Friday.

Officials with both Cheney State Park and Kanopolis State Park say people haven't been waiting for the holiday to hit the lakes. Kanopolis officials say they have been sold out of camp sites every weekend since Easter. The park still has some walk-in camping available for the weekend on a first come, first served basis. All campsites and boat docks are open.

At Cheney Reservoir, the story is the same. All campsites have been sold out for weeks and primitive campsites are filling up too.

All boat ramps are open. The park expects the usual holiday weekend crowd of about 50,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588189401552.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHENEY, Kan. — It will be another busy weekend at the area lakes as the first big bash of summer kicks off Friday.Officials with both Cheney State Park and Kanopolis State Park say people haven't been waiting for the holiday to hit the lakes. Kanopolis officials say they have been sold out of camp sites every weekend since Easter. The park still has some walk-in camping available for the weekend on a first come, first served basis. All campsites and boat docks are open.At Cheney Reservoir, the story is the same. All campsites have been sold out for weeks and primitive campsites are filling up too.All boat ramps are open. The park expects the usual holiday weekend crowd of about 50,000.<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;

Area lakes will be busy this holiday weekend


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Sunshine Meadows has moved their annual gala for 2021.

"The majority of us are vaccinated, of course, we are not a problem," said Carla Barber with Sunshine Meadows. "It can be a concern for people. We're going out to LaTorre. It's a beautiful, Italian villa-style home and venue just west of Inman."

"We have a great dinner, that's at 5:30 p.m., Friday, June 4th," Barber said. "You can walk around when you're not eating and go check out the silent auction and then we have a sealed bid auction. Normally, we have a live auction. At 7 p.m., there's live music by the Diamond W Wranglers."

Tickets are $75 until May 28th. After that, tickets will only be sold at the door, and the price is $100.00. To buy your ticket and ask questions, call Stacie at (620) 543-2251.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622040481006.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Sunshine Meadows has moved their annual gala for 2021."The majority of us are vaccinated, of course, we are not a problem," said Carla Barber with Sunshine Meadows. "It can be a concern for people. We're going out to LaTorre. It's a beautiful, Italian villa-style home and venue just west of Inman."The food and program will be familiar."We have a great dinner, that's at 5:30 p.m., Friday, June 4th," Barber said. "You can walk around when you're not eating and go check out the silent auction and then we have a sealed bid auction. Normally, we have a live auction. At 7 p.m., there's live music by the Diamond W Wranglers."Tickets are $75 until May 28th. After that, tickets will only be sold at the door, and the price is $100.00. To buy your ticket and ask questions, call Stacie at (620) 543-2251.

Sunshine Meadows gala June 4 at LaTorre Event Venue


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The visitation policy for the Reno County Correctional Facility isn't fully back to normal yet, but they are continuing their efforts to let those who want to visit do so.

Jail supervisor Shawn McClay told Hutch Post that during the height of the pandemic, visitation was cut back to once per week, with masks required and shorter hours to allow for more cleaning.

The shorter hours are still in place, as are the masks, but the county is back to allowing two visits per week.

Two people can visit at one time. Visitors must have a state issued photo ID. Those under 18 may only visit if coming with a parent or legal guardian. Visits are possible between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

Visits are limited to 30 minutes at a time. Visitors are still required to wear a mask. Visiting kiosks are disinfected daily.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622027965039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The visitation policy for the Reno County Correctional Facility isn't fully back to normal yet, but they are continuing their efforts to let those who want to visit do so.Jail supervisor Shawn McClay told Hutch Post that during the height of the pandemic, visitation was cut back to once per week, with masks required and shorter hours to allow for more cleaning.The shorter hours are still in place, as are the masks, but the county is back to allowing two visits per week.Two people can visit at one time. Visitors must have a state issued photo ID. Those under 18 may only visit if coming with a parent or legal guardian. Visits are possible between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Visits are limited to 30 minutes at a time. Visitors are still required to wear a mask. Visiting kiosks are disinfected daily.

County jail back to twice a week visits


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to table the proposed wind farm regulations again. Chairman Ron Hirst voted against the motion by commissioner Daniel Friesen to table the regulations indefinitely.

"To put this on indefinitely, just to wait for somebody's opinion of where they want to go and what they want us to do is not, I consider, in the best interests of Reno County," Hirst said. "We will come to that. I don't mean to sound harsh on this at all and please don't take it that way."

Hirst seems to think that the other commissioners are waiting for NextEra to tell them what they will accept, but Daniel Friesen's comments earlier in the meeting to Hirst seemed to imply that he was waiting on Hirst to move on the issue. 

"Mr. Chairman, I don't know why you're bringing it up when you know we're still too far apart," Friesen said. "Commissioner Sellers, I hear what you're saying. We need to make some progress on this, but we still need to get closer together and I don't feel like we're there today."

Sellers ultimately supported Friesen's tabling motion which did not have a specific date attached, but he did try to make clear that he wants this to go forward sooner than later.

"At some point in time in the near future, we may need to make a decision on this issue," Sellers said. "If another thirty days helps you refine your vote on this, then I will approve the motion, but I think that if all we're doing is putting this off forever, I think that's an improper thing to do."

It's worth noting that the Board of County Commissioners will have three meetings in June on the 8th, 22nd and 29th, so there is that additional meeting if they want to devote some of that time to the discussion.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621676876229.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to table the proposed wind farm regulations again. Chairman Ron Hirst voted against the motion by commissioner Daniel Friesen to table the regulations indefinitely."To put this on indefinitely, just to wait for somebody's opinion of where they want to go and what they want us to do is not, I consider, in the best interests of Reno County," Hirst said. "We will come to that. I don't mean to sound harsh on this at all and please don't take it that way."Hirst seems to think that the other commissioners are waiting for NextEra to tell them what they will accept, but Daniel Friesen's comments earlier in the meeting to Hirst seemed to imply that he was waiting on Hirst to move on the issue. "Mr. Chairman, I don't know why you're bringing it up when you know we're still too far apart," Friesen said. "Commissioner Sellers, I hear what you're saying. We need to make some progress on this, but we still need to get closer together and I don't feel like we're there today."Sellers ultimately supported Friesen's tabling motion which did not have a specific date attached, but he did try to make clear that he wants this to go forward sooner than later."At some point in time in the near future, we may need to make a decision on this issue," Sellers said. "If another thirty days helps you refine your vote on this, then I will approve the motion, but I think that if all we're doing is putting this off forever, I think that's an improper thing to do."It's worth noting that the Board of County Commissioners will have three meetings in June on the 8th, 22nd and 29th, so there is that additional meeting if they want to devote some of that time to the discussion.
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County commissioners push off wind farm regs again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual James “Buddy” Bryant Memorial Golf Tournament is back for another year. This year's benefit tournament will be held June 26 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.&nbsp;

The cost includes a golf cart and lunch. The tournament is to benefit the James “Buddy” Bryant Scholarship Fund. Bryant was a Haven High senior who was killed in an accident. The memorial scholarship fund was established in 2006. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1802181233315135/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%7D">Registration is due by June 15</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621466173250.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual James “Buddy” Bryant Memorial Golf Tournament is back for another year. This year's benefit tournament will be held June 26 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.&nbsp;The cost includes a golf cart and lunch. The tournament is to benefit the James “Buddy” Bryant Scholarship Fund. Bryant was a Haven High senior who was killed in an accident. The memorial scholarship fund was established in 2006. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1802181233315135/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%7D">Registration is due by June 15</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

James 'Buddy' Bryant Golf Tournament is June 26

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson school district and the HNEA met for another round of negotiations on a new teachers contract for next year.

The meeting Monday was mostly to exchange points that both sides want to continue to cover during negotiations. It follows the initial exchange during the first session.

The HNEA listed compensation and hours and amount of work performed including after school activities, lunch periods and meetings. The union wants to discuss a prenatal leave program and a veterans day honorarium. The union also wants to discuss the definition of a classroom, which of course took on a whole new meaning during the pandemic.

The union is asking the district for information regarding salary placement, sick leave information, the number of anticipated full-time employees for next year and the administration salary schedule.

The district also wants to discuss compensation and benefits for next year as well as how grievances are dealt with in the district. The district wants to add language that establishes clear procedures for handling member disciplinary issues and requirements to attend before and after school meetings.

Both sides will meet again for another round of negotiations June 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson school district and the HNEA met for another round of negotiations on a new teachers contract for next year.The meeting Monday was mostly to exchange points that both sides want to continue to cover during negotiations. It follows the initial exchange during the first session.The HNEA listed compensation and hours and amount of work performed including after school activities, lunch periods and meetings. The union wants to discuss a prenatal leave program and a veterans day honorarium. The union also wants to discuss the definition of a classroom, which of course took on a whole new meaning during the pandemic.The union is asking the district for information regarding salary placement, sick leave information, the number of anticipated full-time employees for next year and the administration salary schedule.The district also wants to discuss compensation and benefits for next year as well as how grievances are dealt with in the district. The district wants to add language that establishes clear procedures for handling member disciplinary issues and requirements to attend before and after school meetings.Both sides will meet again for another round of negotiations June 8.<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;

Negotiations continue between USD 308 and teachers union

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is becoming apparent that the cold snap may not have hurt the Kansas wheat crop as much as feared. According to numbers released by the Kansas Ag Statistics Service, 55% of the wheat crop is in good to excellent condition and only 15% is in poor to very poor condition — 30% of the crop is listed in fair condition.

The crop continues to be hampered by cool, wet weather and things will need to start drying out soon so the crop can fully mature and fight off disease that is still hurting the crop.

In south-central Kansas, more than 95% of the wheat is headed and 84% of the wheat is headed statewide. That's ahead of last year and just behind the 85% average for the state. If all goes well, harvest could begin in about a month.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593998109562.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is becoming apparent that the cold snap may not have hurt the Kansas wheat crop as much as feared. According to numbers released by the Kansas Ag Statistics Service, 55% of the wheat crop is in good to excellent condition and only 15% is in poor to very poor condition — 30% of the crop is listed in fair condition.The crop continues to be hampered by cool, wet weather and things will need to start drying out soon so the crop can fully mature and fight off disease that is still hurting the crop.In south-central Kansas, more than 95% of the wheat is headed and 84% of the wheat is headed statewide. That's ahead of last year and just behind the 85% average for the state. If all goes well, harvest could begin in about a month.<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;

Wheat crop still looks good

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KDOT announced Tuesday that a section of Avenue V east of Sterling will be closed between 18th and 19th roads for bridge construction for about a year beginning Tuesday, June 1.

The bridge construction is part of an $81.7 million, 15-mile realignment of K-14 in Reno and Rice counties that recently started. During the realignment construction, traffic can use the existing K-14/96 alignment in the two counties.

The Reno County portion of the realignment will be from 4.45 miles southeast of Nickerson northwest to the Reno/Rice county line. The length is 7.34 miles.

The Rice County portion will be from the Reno/Rice county line to just north of the K-96/Avenue T junction. The length is 8.08 miles.

The project is due to be completed by June 16, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621975984956.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KDOT announced Tuesday that a section of Avenue V east of Sterling will be closed between 18th and 19th roads for bridge construction for about a year beginning Tuesday, June 1.The bridge construction is part of an $81.7 million, 15-mile realignment of K-14 in Reno and Rice counties that recently started. During the realignment construction, traffic can use the existing K-14/96 alignment in the two counties.The Reno County portion of the realignment will be from 4.45 miles southeast of Nickerson northwest to the Reno/Rice county line. The length is 7.34 miles.The Rice County portion will be from the Reno/Rice county line to just north of the K-96/Avenue T junction. The length is 8.08 miles.The project is due to be completed by June 16, 2023.<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;

K-14 project will close section of Avenue V


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners is exploring the idea of expanding its membership from three members to five.

"To have that vote November 2nd, we'd have to get something to the county clerk by August 1st, which would give us only June and July to discuss that before we had a vote by the commission to move towards a five member commission," said commissioner Ron Sellers. "I am for the five member commission."

Daniel Friesen believes it is important enough to make it an ongoing priority.

"I make a motion to set an agenda item, a standing agenda item related to the discussion of adopting a five-member commission for Reno County."

This means there will need to be staff work by the county administrator and the county counselor to provide the commissioners with information on what other counties in the state have done and what the legal implications are of putting the question on the ballot and filling the vacancies. The motion passed unanimously.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599581759047.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners is exploring the idea of expanding its membership from three members to five."To have that vote November 2nd, we'd have to get something to the county clerk by August 1st, which would give us only June and July to discuss that before we had a vote by the commission to move towards a five member commission," said commissioner Ron Sellers. "I am for the five member commission."Daniel Friesen believes it is important enough to make it an ongoing priority."I make a motion to set an agenda item, a standing agenda item related to the discussion of adopting a five-member commission for Reno County."This means there will need to be staff work by the county administrator and the county counselor to provide the commissioners with information on what other counties in the state have done and what the legal implications are of putting the question on the ballot and filling the vacancies. The motion passed unanimously.

County commission to look into expansion


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Forecaster Scott Roberts with the KSStorm Info weather center is concerned about the severe weather potential for south central Kansas, particularly on Thursday.

"I'm really concerned about people getting complacent with our weather situation in Kansas," Roberts said. "Thursday would be a day not to do that. Have your bug out bag, be ready. Have all your important documents gathered up so that you can grab them and go if you need to."

An enhanced risk is already in place from the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma just to the east of Reno County for Thursday, Roberts thinks that might change a bit to the west between now and Thursday and residents should be ready.

"We've got a lot of moisture in the ground, we've got a lot of moisture in the air," Roberts said. "Finally, the upper low pressure system that has been responsible for all of this the past couple of weeks is going to finally come out of the Rockies and push to the east and that's going to create enough impetus to send storms up and there will be enough twist in the atmosphere, especially on Thursday that we're going to have some severe weather coming."

All forms of severe weather, from wind to hail to possibly tornadoes will be on the table on Thursday somewhere in Kansas. The key as to whether it can get started here is how much cloud cover we see early in the day. If the clouds break early, there could be severe weather in the midafternoon, if the clouds hold, it could mitigate the threat in the immediate area.

<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/2021/5/1621960182220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Forecaster Scott Roberts with the KSStorm Info weather center is concerned about the severe weather potential for south central Kansas, particularly on Thursday."I'm really concerned about people getting complacent with our weather situation in Kansas," Roberts said. "Thursday would be a day not to do that. Have your bug out bag, be ready. Have all your important documents gathered up so that you can grab them and go if you need to."An enhanced risk is already in place from the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma just to the east of Reno County for Thursday, Roberts thinks that might change a bit to the west between now and Thursday and residents should be ready."We've got a lot of moisture in the ground, we've got a lot of moisture in the air," Roberts said. "Finally, the upper low pressure system that has been responsible for all of this the past couple of weeks is going to finally come out of the Rockies and push to the east and that's going to create enough impetus to send storms up and there will be enough twist in the atmosphere, especially on Thursday that we're going to have some severe weather coming."All forms of severe weather, from wind to hail to possibly tornadoes will be on the table on Thursday somewhere in Kansas. The key as to whether it can get started here is how much cloud cover we see early in the day. If the clouds break early, there could be severe weather in the midafternoon, if the clouds hold, it could mitigate the threat in the immediate area.
<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.

Roberts watching for severe weather potential Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced that they are celebrating 108 years of the great Kansas get together with a special offer.&nbsp; With 108 days until this year's Fair, for 108 hours only, advance gate tickets are buy one, get one free with no online processing fees.

To get this deal, fairgoers can order tickets between now and Saturday, May 29th.&nbsp; Once a person adds the tickets to their cart and checks out, double the number of tickets ordered will be mailed out.&nbsp; There is a limit of one order per person and a maximum of 15 purchased tickets, which means a maximum of 30 tickets could be mailed to you for the price of 15.

For more information on the deal, visit: <a href="http://link.ss.ksf.ks.gov/ls/click?upn=IbAsoE20Oc2eSLwJ9NMhnk3z4iwkkBsjegsGzCHTDL8ymWbkaoe-2Bww7hxtSvw9EpD1-2B-2B2CMKGd5WGETFm3DoVc5izIMxEuLYgpcTcVrH9ngYlJu-2BmT4VsurCcnxjNgNmYrj7I-2FVbPGXwPB8n3-2BgjL0BR7f-2FjLddyqMhR9aspbgX30n1ZWP4eXLylZeXeSwKIb3fTYdbQOv7Krwt8VaBnoGeU0l-2Faw0s7NMUWTZHHumfds9C5GpmA8zq9ExR44-2BcxZcnK59xVqUQ7g9w6OmyQ7g-3D-3DH1_H_bQt34-2Bek-2BcyJvedJqAHqbgenH5Rk-2FeZiZrj7lw1Zyj63safqRtbedMoM7MBZdt5giqswjuGOuyAXR6-2BpqNvX-2FiLYnJlpuwY58csoM7SnmkFGMEPe5t905DuC7gjDc8ojoK9cVYupxOIVQdUB9m8OR-2BZbsMlMO4-2BiP42Uzbsge1aH7sLQ2e14ZFn3DtV-2FPmpn2zsx3HZx6keyr0PW2u3PTpnC-2FcmI4QBj1BVpNt4Ii-2F8Sdiaj9W9HbANfUcR13tjQ1L-2B8EOxE3-2B-2BLs068G9mCS1oiPQUSVv-2FXp8JUrFn-2FNCDrdXgdKzc7Kn4V50nL4RXcYdt4NYH3iVs1rqtqFofMBnTVnq9hRI1qbJ-2BpWsSCNuOfZ1Y0UQy-2FaEhQSv9IzGzu4SGm-2BGQepFQ2xGpfFmBJ9SNuvFyrgX8ye8kSwAj4blwwmY6kG2IpPZdATX8DKAYR-2BDdw-2FGItwWSry1MruAwUdg-3D-3D">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/tickets/gate-admission</a> or call the ticket office at 620-669.3618.

<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/2020/7/1594650625292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced that they are celebrating 108 years of the great Kansas get together with a special offer.&nbsp; With 108 days until this year's Fair, for 108 hours only, advance gate tickets are buy one, get one free with no online processing fees.To get this deal, fairgoers can order tickets between now and Saturday, May 29th.&nbsp; Once a person adds the tickets to their cart and checks out, double the number of tickets ordered will be mailed out.&nbsp; There is a limit of one order per person and a maximum of 15 purchased tickets, which means a maximum of 30 tickets could be mailed to you for the price of 15.For more information on the deal, visit: <a href="http://link.ss.ksf.ks.gov/ls/click?upn=IbAsoE20Oc2eSLwJ9NMhnk3z4iwkkBsjegsGzCHTDL8ymWbkaoe-2Bww7hxtSvw9EpD1-2B-2B2CMKGd5WGETFm3DoVc5izIMxEuLYgpcTcVrH9ngYlJu-2BmT4VsurCcnxjNgNmYrj7I-2FVbPGXwPB8n3-2BgjL0BR7f-2FjLddyqMhR9aspbgX30n1ZWP4eXLylZeXeSwKIb3fTYdbQOv7Krwt8VaBnoGeU0l-2Faw0s7NMUWTZHHumfds9C5GpmA8zq9ExR44-2BcxZcnK59xVqUQ7g9w6OmyQ7g-3D-3DH1_H_bQt34-2Bek-2BcyJvedJqAHqbgenH5Rk-2FeZiZrj7lw1Zyj63safqRtbedMoM7MBZdt5giqswjuGOuyAXR6-2BpqNvX-2FiLYnJlpuwY58csoM7SnmkFGMEPe5t905DuC7gjDc8ojoK9cVYupxOIVQdUB9m8OR-2BZbsMlMO4-2BiP42Uzbsge1aH7sLQ2e14ZFn3DtV-2FPmpn2zsx3HZx6keyr0PW2u3PTpnC-2FcmI4QBj1BVpNt4Ii-2F8Sdiaj9W9HbANfUcR13tjQ1L-2B8EOxE3-2B-2BLs068G9mCS1oiPQUSVv-2FXp8JUrFn-2FNCDrdXgdKzc7Kn4V50nL4RXcYdt4NYH3iVs1rqtqFofMBnTVnq9hRI1qbJ-2BpWsSCNuOfZ1Y0UQy-2FaEhQSv9IzGzu4SGm-2BGQepFQ2xGpfFmBJ9SNuvFyrgX8ye8kSwAj4blwwmY6kG2IpPZdATX8DKAYR-2BDdw-2FGItwWSry1MruAwUdg-3D-3D">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/tickets/gate-admission</a> or call the ticket office at 620-669.3618.<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.

Kansas State Fair offering BOGO sale

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board met with the Kansas Association of School Boards during study session Monday evening. The meeting came as part of the board's regular agenda session.

The organization’s staff talked about how KASB governance works. Currently, USD 308 is the only district in Kansas to use the Coherent Governance model of school board governance. The district adopted Coherent Governance in 2009. Both models are very similar, but Coherent Governance has additional reporting requirements from district staff to the Board each year known as “results” and “operational expectations” reports. The Board could choose to implement the KASB system and still retain some of the reports. No action was taken.

Also Monday, It’s not every day a gift to the school district fills a room with the smells of happy childhood memories. But the gift John Wills from Halstead gave to district third grade classrooms filled the Administration Center with the aroma of fresh-cut cedar – wooden logs that can be fashioned into houses.&nbsp;

The board formally accepted and thanked Wills for the donation of 32 sets of notched wooden logs that can be fashioned into small houses. Wills hand-crafted the house sets in his home shop. This is the second time Wills has donated the log houses to the district.&nbsp;

Also Monday the board met in executive session to discuss negotiations with the KNEA and voted to rescind all COVID protocols.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board met with the Kansas Association of School Boards during study session Monday evening. The meeting came as part of the board's regular agenda session.The organization’s staff talked about how KASB governance works. Currently, USD 308 is the only district in Kansas to use the Coherent Governance model of school board governance. The district adopted Coherent Governance in 2009. Both models are very similar, but Coherent Governance has additional reporting requirements from district staff to the Board each year known as “results” and “operational expectations” reports. The Board could choose to implement the KASB system and still retain some of the reports. No action was taken.Also Monday, It’s not every day a gift to the school district fills a room with the smells of happy childhood memories. But the gift John Wills from Halstead gave to district third grade classrooms filled the Administration Center with the aroma of fresh-cut cedar – wooden logs that can be fashioned into houses.&nbsp;The board formally accepted and thanked Wills for the donation of 32 sets of notched wooden logs that can be fashioned into small houses. Wills hand-crafted the house sets in his home shop. This is the second time Wills has donated the log houses to the district.&nbsp;Also Monday the board met in executive session to discuss negotiations with the KNEA and voted to rescind all COVID protocols.<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 discusses governance with the KASB

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere announced Tuesday that starting Friday, May 28 they will return to seven days a week of operation.&nbsp;

The new CosmoKids interactive STEM area for children will be fully open and the weekend feature films at the Carey Digital Dome Theater will come back as well.&nbsp;

Two new documentaries launch May 28 and bring the real drama of space to life. The documentary combo of “Asteroid Mission Extreme” and “Astronaut—Ocean to Orbit” feature the science and secrets of asteroids and the intense underwater training that helps NASA astronauts overcome crisis in space.&nbsp;

The Cosmosphere&nbsp; will be open 9 a.m. to 5&nbsp; p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584388004236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere announced Tuesday that starting Friday, May 28 they will return to seven days a week of operation.&nbsp;The new CosmoKids interactive STEM area for children will be fully open and the weekend feature films at the Carey Digital Dome Theater will come back as well.&nbsp;Two new documentaries launch May 28 and bring the real drama of space to life. The documentary combo of “Asteroid Mission Extreme” and “Astronaut—Ocean to Orbit” feature the science and secrets of asteroids and the intense underwater training that helps NASA astronauts overcome crisis in space.&nbsp;The Cosmosphere&nbsp; will be open 9 a.m. to 5&nbsp; p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.&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;

Cosmosphere ready to open full time

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County sales tax revenue was very strong in May.

According to numbers released late Monday by the county treasurer's office total sales tax collected for May was $446,323. That compares with $382,900 in 2020. That is the strongest May since at least 2015.

Sales tax numbers for May reflect shopping for March, so all previous years on record except for 2020 would have included sales tax revenue connected to the NJCAA tournament. The numbers do not this year, because the tournament was moved to April, so that will be reflected in the June numbers. 

To date, the county has taken in just under $2.1 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565223563029.png" alt="Sales Tax" />
 <figcaption>Sales Tax</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County sales tax revenue was very strong in May.According to numbers released late Monday by the county treasurer's office total sales tax collected for May was $446,323. That compares with $382,900 in 2020. That is the strongest May since at least 2015.Sales tax numbers for May reflect shopping for March, so all previous years on record except for 2020 would have included sales tax revenue connected to the NJCAA tournament. The numbers do not this year, because the tournament was moved to April, so that will be reflected in the June numbers. To date, the county has taken in just under $2.1 million.

Sales tax continues strong 2021

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2020-21 Hutchinson Community College football team has already scratched one goal off the preseason wish list – a Jayhawk Conference championship.

Now the Blue Dragons get to go after the other coveted item on that list – to play for a national championship.

The NJCAA announced on Monday that the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (7-0) will play No. 2 Snow College (8-0) in the 2020-21 NJCAA Football Championship game. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 5.

The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.

Tickets for the NJCAA Football National Championship presented by Bob McCloskey Insurance can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">https://www.njcaa.org/tickets</a>. Tickets will range from $12 to $45.

The Blue Dragon Athletic Department is planning on a “Fan Bus” for the championship game. Details on the Fan Bus will be released later this week.

The Blue Dragons will play for a national championship for the first time in the program’s 89-year history. The highest final ranking the Blue Dragons have ever had in football was No. 3 after the 2019 season. The only other seasons the Blue Dragons finished undefeated were 1947 and 1969.

The championship game matchup will be the first between Hutchinson and Snow.

The Badgers will be looking for their second national title in football. Snow won the 1985 championship defeating NEO in the Mid-America Bowl. Snow also played in the 2008 national championship game and lost 37-30 in double overtime to Butler.

That was the first year that the NJCAA started designating bowl games as the national championship game. Then in 2018, the NJCAA created a game for the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the final poll to play for the national championship. In 2018 and 2019, those games were at Pittsburg State University’s Brandenburg Stadium.

Under first-year head coach Drew Dallas, the Blue Dragons rolled through the Jayhawk Conference for its first KJCCC title since 2014 and seventh in program history. Hutchinson outscored its opponents 334-80 this season.

The Blue Dragons own two dominant Top 10 victories this season. Hutchinson defeated then No. 3 (now No. 5) Garden City 23-7 on April 25. One week later, the Blue Dragons traveled to and defeated then No. 6 (now No. 7) Independence 42-24.

Snow opened the season with an impressive 31-30 victory at Iowa Western. The Badgers also own victories of 27-7 at Lackawanna, a 27-6 home win over ASA Miami and back-to-back wins in Iowa of 69-18 at Ellsworth and 48-14 at Iowa Central. Snow closed the season with a 77-0 win over Gordon’s Fine Arts and Sports Academy on May 15.

The Blue Dragons have gone wire-to-wire in the NJCAA Rankings this season. Hutchinson was the preseason No. 1 pick in the poll and did not drop during the regular season. The Blue Dragons and Snow were 1-2 in the final regular-season poll released on Monday. The remainder of the Top 5 was Cisco (7-0), Iowa Western (7-1) and Garden City (7-1).

Blue Dragon Football will be making its 23rd postseason appearance. The Blue Dragons are 13-7-2 in postseason games.

The Blue Dragons bid to become the first Jayhawk Conference team to win a national football title since Garden City in 2016. The Blue Dragons also seek to become the fifth KJCCC school to win a national championship (Butler 6, Coffeyville 3, Garden City 1, Fort Scott 1).

<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.

By STEVE CARPENTERBlue Dragon Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2020-21 Hutchinson Community College football team has already scratched one goal off the preseason wish list – a Jayhawk Conference championship.Now the Blue Dragons get to go after the other coveted item on that list – to play for a national championship.The NJCAA announced on Monday that the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (7-0) will play No. 2 Snow College (8-0) in the 2020-21 NJCAA Football Championship game. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 5.The game will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.Tickets for the NJCAA Football National Championship presented by Bob McCloskey Insurance can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">https://www.njcaa.org/tickets</a>. Tickets will range from $12 to $45.The Blue Dragon Athletic Department is planning on a “Fan Bus” for the championship game. Details on the Fan Bus will be released later this week.The Blue Dragons will play for a national championship for the first time in the program’s 89-year history. The highest final ranking the Blue Dragons have ever had in football was No. 3 after the 2019 season. The only other seasons the Blue Dragons finished undefeated were 1947 and 1969.The championship game matchup will be the first between Hutchinson and Snow.The Badgers will be looking for their second national title in football. Snow won the 1985 championship defeating NEO in the Mid-America Bowl. Snow also played in the 2008 national championship game and lost 37-30 in double overtime to Butler.That was the first year that the NJCAA started designating bowl games as the national championship game. Then in 2018, the NJCAA created a game for the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the final poll to play for the national championship. In 2018 and 2019, those games were at Pittsburg State University’s Brandenburg Stadium.Under first-year head coach Drew Dallas, the Blue Dragons rolled through the Jayhawk Conference for its first KJCCC title since 2014 and seventh in program history. Hutchinson outscored its opponents 334-80 this season.The Blue Dragons own two dominant Top 10 victories this season. Hutchinson defeated then No. 3 (now No. 5) Garden City 23-7 on April 25. One week later, the Blue Dragons traveled to and defeated then No. 6 (now No. 7) Independence 42-24.Snow opened the season with an impressive 31-30 victory at Iowa Western. The Badgers also own victories of 27-7 at Lackawanna, a 27-6 home win over ASA Miami and back-to-back wins in Iowa of 69-18 at Ellsworth and 48-14 at Iowa Central. Snow closed the season with a 77-0 win over Gordon’s Fine Arts and Sports Academy on May 15.The Blue Dragons have gone wire-to-wire in the NJCAA Rankings this season. Hutchinson was the preseason No. 1 pick in the poll and did not drop during the regular season. The Blue Dragons and Snow were 1-2 in the final regular-season poll released on Monday. The remainder of the Top 5 was Cisco (7-0), Iowa Western (7-1) and Garden City (7-1).Blue Dragon Football will be making its 23rd postseason appearance. The Blue Dragons are 13-7-2 in postseason games.The Blue Dragons bid to become the first Jayhawk Conference team to win a national football title since Garden City in 2016. The Blue Dragons also seek to become the fifth KJCCC school to win a national championship (Butler 6, Coffeyville 3, Garden City 1, Fort Scott 1).<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.

🏈 Dragons will play for national championship

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The NBC baseball tournament is coming back to Hutchinson this summer.&nbsp;

The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced its continued partnership with Visit Hutch and Hutch Rec to bring five days of the World Series back to Hobart-Detter Field. The dates of play in Hutchinson will be August 4-8.

The 2021 World Series will feature 16 teams from across the country with all teams playing their first games in Hutchinson. Each day in Hutchinson will feature four games. The last half of the World Series will be played at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the NBC World Series back to Hutchinson this summer. The Hutchinson community has a strong love for baseball, and we are excited to be able to showcase these great players again this year. Hosting this event in Hutchinson will strengthen our partnership with the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission and we are looking forward to continuing to grow that relationship,” LeAnn Cox, vice president of operations &amp; tourism for Visit Hutch, said.

The qualifying teams and full schedule will be released later this summer.&nbsp;

Tickets for both locations go on sale Tuesday, June 8th at 10:00am and can be purchased at www.nbcbaseball.com.

<div><iframe width="660" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4Vrv6ZF6-4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The NBC baseball tournament is coming back to Hutchinson this summer.&nbsp;The Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced its continued partnership with Visit Hutch and Hutch Rec to bring five days of the World Series back to Hobart-Detter Field. The dates of play in Hutchinson will be August 4-8.The 2021 World Series will feature 16 teams from across the country with all teams playing their first games in Hutchinson. Each day in Hutchinson will feature four games. The last half of the World Series will be played at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita.“We are looking forward to welcoming the NBC World Series back to Hutchinson this summer. The Hutchinson community has a strong love for baseball, and we are excited to be able to showcase these great players again this year. Hosting this event in Hutchinson will strengthen our partnership with the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission and we are looking forward to continuing to grow that relationship,” LeAnn Cox, vice president of operations &amp; tourism for Visit Hutch, said.The qualifying teams and full schedule will be released later this summer.&nbsp;Tickets for both locations go on sale Tuesday, June 8th at 10:00am and can be purchased at www.nbcbaseball.com.<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;

NBC coming back to Hutchinson in 2021

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new store opens Wednesday at Uptown Hutch.

Ollie’s will open its doors in part of the former JCPenney store. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is one of America’s largest retailers of closeout merchandise and excess inventory.&nbsp;

The store will offer everything from housewares to sporting goods to flooring and food.&nbsp;

According to the store's website, much of the merchandise comes directly from manufacturers in the country and abroad. Ollie’s also works with financial institutions, helping with companies that are liquidated.

Ollie's opened in July of 1982 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and now has more than 400 stores in 23 states.

<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/2021/5/1621889594913.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new store opens Wednesday at Uptown Hutch.Ollie’s will open its doors in part of the former JCPenney store. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is one of America’s largest retailers of closeout merchandise and excess inventory.&nbsp;The store will offer everything from housewares to sporting goods to flooring and food.&nbsp;According to the store's website, much of the merchandise comes directly from manufacturers in the country and abroad. Ollie’s also works with financial institutions, helping with companies that are liquidated.Ollie's opened in July of 1982 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and now has more than 400 stores in 23 states.<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.

Ollie's opens Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new green will be a little fuzzy and bumpy and the tee boxes may not be fully playable yet, but barring any heavy rain, Carey Park Golf Course will have all 18 holes open for play Tuesday.

The course has been undergoing another round of renovation as part of an overall master plan to renovate the entire course.&nbsp;

This round of renovations includes improvements to the 5th fairway and the 6th, 7th and 8th tee boxes. It also includes new greens on hole 7 and 8, and a new practice area next to the driving range.

The golf course, which saw a major increase in play during the pandemic, will turn 90 years old this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607698980169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new green will be a little fuzzy and bumpy and the tee boxes may not be fully playable yet, but barring any heavy rain, Carey Park Golf Course will have all 18 holes open for play Tuesday.The course has been undergoing another round of renovation as part of an overall master plan to renovate the entire course.&nbsp;This round of renovations includes improvements to the 5th fairway and the 6th, 7th and 8th tee boxes. It also includes new greens on hole 7 and 8, and a new practice area next to the driving range.The golf course, which saw a major increase in play during the pandemic, will turn 90 years old this year.<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.

Carey Park golf to open all 18 holes, weather permitting

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Monday that a portion of Sego Road just north of the Arlington city limits will be reduced to one lane of traffic on Wednesday.

City work crews will be doing repairs to a sewer line throughout the day.&nbsp;

The work will be done in the evening between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The road should be fully open Thursday morning, weather permitting.

If you need any information on this or any other county road project, contact Public Works at 620-694-2976.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621885126584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Monday that a portion of Sego Road just north of the Arlington city limits will be reduced to one lane of traffic on Wednesday.City work crews will be doing repairs to a sewer line throughout the day.&nbsp;The work will be done in the evening between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. The road should be fully open Thursday morning, weather permitting.If you need any information on this or any other county road project, contact Public Works at 620-694-2976.<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;

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