HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Free-market economist Michael Austin is concerned with the latest unemployment numbers from the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1284bb45-d9ab-45e6-93a9-a08e2e7736f8">Kansas Department of Labor </a>and what they might mean for the state.

"The latest Kansas jobs report is almost like a canary in the coal mine, when it comes to unemployment policy," said economist Michael Austin. "Statewide, Kansas job openings are 46% higher than they were in January 2020, but the latest unemployment report says fewer Kansans are filling them."

It is important to remember how the unemployment rate is calculated.

The unemployment rate is the number of working age Kansans that are actively looking for work as a share of the labor force," Austin said. "While a low unemployment rate is generally a sign of economic health, it isn't always. If Kansans aren't actively, and that's the key word there, actively looking for work, they are no longer unemployed, but, it would then push the unemployment rate down."

Austin's concern is that some people aren't looking for work and on a statewide level, that's happening at least a little bit.

"In one month, 8,000 individuals left the labor force, meaning they aren't working and they aren't actively looking for work," Austin said. "Economists call them 'discouraged workers' and that's unfortunately, a rising trend."

The numbers in Reno County aren't necessarily reflecting that trend, as they haven't really haven't moved that much in recent months. According to non seasonally adjusted information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 29,372 Reno County residents were in the labor force in January and the numbers have stayed relatively steady since then, with 29,391 in February and 29,375 in March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621869176346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Free-market economist Michael Austin is concerned with the latest unemployment numbers from the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1284bb45-d9ab-45e6-93a9-a08e2e7736f8">Kansas Department of Labor </a>and what they might mean for the state."The latest Kansas jobs report is almost like a canary in the coal mine, when it comes to unemployment policy," said economist Michael Austin. "Statewide, Kansas job openings are 46% higher than they were in January 2020, but the latest unemployment report says fewer Kansans are filling them."It is important to remember how the unemployment rate is calculated.The unemployment rate is the number of working age Kansans that are actively looking for work as a share of the labor force," Austin said. "While a low unemployment rate is generally a sign of economic health, it isn't always. If Kansans aren't actively, and that's the key word there, actively looking for work, they are no longer unemployed, but, it would then push the unemployment rate down."Austin's concern is that some people aren't looking for work and on a statewide level, that's happening at least a little bit."In one month, 8,000 individuals left the labor force, meaning they aren't working and they aren't actively looking for work," Austin said. "Economists call them 'discouraged workers' and that's unfortunately, a rising trend."The numbers in Reno County aren't necessarily reflecting that trend, as they haven't really haven't moved that much in recent months. According to non seasonally adjusted information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 29,372 Reno County residents were in the labor force in January and the numbers have stayed relatively steady since then, with 29,391 in February and 29,375 in March.

Austin: State unemployment a concern; Reno County labor force steady

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced that another crossroad pipe replacement project is underway.

Longview Road between Worthington Road and Woodberry is scheduled to be closed to all through traffic Monday and Tuesday of this week for a crossroad pipe replacement.

If you have questions about any Reno County Public Works project, call 620-694-2976.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564171611598.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced that another crossroad pipe replacement project is underway.Longview Road between Worthington Road and Woodberry is scheduled to be closed to all through traffic Monday and Tuesday of this week for a crossroad pipe replacement.If you have questions about any Reno County Public Works project, call 620-694-2976.

Longview Road closed between Worthington and Woodberry through Tuesday

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

I traveled to Washington, D.C. this past week. It was really the first time I had traveled in more than a year, and it was the first time I had taken a plane since the pandemic hit us over a year ago. I have had both of my shots so I am fully vaccinated, but I must say I had a little trepidation about traveling. The mask mandate was still in full force in the airports and on the planes, and it was followed by nearly everyone at the airport and everyone on the plane.

When we arrived in D.C., we could go without them outside, but they were required indoors. Was it like traveling before we were told to stay at home? No — it was different. But there was an air of the idea that things were getting more back to normal. Now you could argue about what normal is in terms of D.C., and I would probably not argue back, but it was good to get closer to life pre-pandemic.

We are doing the same thing at Kansas Farm Bureau. Staff is back in the office in Manhattan, meetings are being planned and held in-person, and I think we are all very relieved about that. Zoom meetings are good in some instances, but they can never replace face-to-face meetings for effectiveness. I hope you saw the announcement about our Big Tent Reunion starting June 1 around the state, and I hope you plan on attending the one closest to you. The meetings are planned as a way for all of us to reconnect and enjoy just being in the presence of fellow farmers and ranchers. No strings, no business to conduct, just spending time with old friends.

Word is also getting out about the Summer Summit and Young Farmers and Ranchers conferences in Manhattan the last week in July. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to those events and seeing even more friends from around the state, attending great workshops and, most importantly, getting back to normal. I have had that week highlighted on my calendar for a long time. There was a time I was afraid it would not happen, but I am here to tell you it is full-steam ahead. To register or learn more about all the events planned this summer, visit www.kfb.org.s Or if you are technologically challenged like me, call your county office.

Watch for the announcement of more meetings because they are coming as we start to ramp up and catch up from all we have missed over the last year. I know I cannot wait to get back to normal. Who thought we would miss shaking hands so much? It’s time to come out of the darkness that was the past year and enjoy a breath of fresh air, and that is literal because we will not have to breathe through a mask. Life is good, and it is about to get better.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherI traveled to Washington, D.C. this past week. It was really the first time I had traveled in more than a year, and it was the first time I had taken a plane since the pandemic hit us over a year ago. I have had both of my shots so I am fully vaccinated, but I must say I had a little trepidation about traveling. The mask mandate was still in full force in the airports and on the planes, and it was followed by nearly everyone at the airport and everyone on the plane.When we arrived in D.C., we could go without them outside, but they were required indoors. Was it like traveling before we were told to stay at home? No — it was different. But there was an air of the idea that things were getting more back to normal. Now you could argue about what normal is in terms of D.C., and I would probably not argue back, but it was good to get closer to life pre-pandemic.We are doing the same thing at Kansas Farm Bureau. Staff is back in the office in Manhattan, meetings are being planned and held in-person, and I think we are all very relieved about that. Zoom meetings are good in some instances, but they can never replace face-to-face meetings for effectiveness. I hope you saw the announcement about our Big Tent Reunion starting June 1 around the state, and I hope you plan on attending the one closest to you. The meetings are planned as a way for all of us to reconnect and enjoy just being in the presence of fellow farmers and ranchers. No strings, no business to conduct, just spending time with old friends.Word is also getting out about the Summer Summit and Young Farmers and Ranchers conferences in Manhattan the last week in July. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to those events and seeing even more friends from around the state, attending great workshops and, most importantly, getting back to normal. I have had that week highlighted on my calendar for a long time. There was a time I was afraid it would not happen, but I am here to tell you it is full-steam ahead. To register or learn more about all the events planned this summer, visit www.kfb.org.s Or if you are technologically challenged like me, call your county office.Watch for the announcement of more meetings because they are coming as we start to ramp up and catch up from all we have missed over the last year. I know I cannot wait to get back to normal. Who thought we would miss shaking hands so much? It’s time to come out of the darkness that was the past year and enjoy a breath of fresh air, and that is literal because we will not have to breathe through a mask. Life is good, and it is about to get better."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: Summer Gatherings

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council will make city appointments when it meets in regular session on Tuesday.

The appointments include the police chief, city clerk, city treasurer, municipal judge and city attorney. The council will also make appointments to the planning commission.&nbsp;

Also Tuesday, the council will take action on a fireworks permit for the annual Spark in the Park event Independence Day and go over the resignation and appointment of a city council member.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Buhler city offices at 219 N. Main.

<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/2020/1/1579535694180.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council will make city appointments when it meets in regular session on Tuesday.The appointments include the police chief, city clerk, city treasurer, municipal judge and city attorney. The council will also make appointments to the planning commission.&nbsp;Also Tuesday, the council will take action on a fireworks permit for the annual Spark in the Park event Independence Day and go over the resignation and appointment of a city council member.The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Buhler city offices at 219 N. Main.<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;

Buhler City Council meets Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A third Hutchinson USD 308 elementary school has been approved for launch as a redesign school.

After an hour-long presentation to the Kansas State Department of Education, Lincoln Elementary School staff were given the formal go-ahead from the department to go forward with their redesign efforts.

Lincoln started studying the redesign process in the fall of 2019. In 2020, the school was approved by KSDE to be an Apollo II school.

“As a part of this process, the Redesign Team talked with staff members, businesses, parents, and students,” Darla Fisher, Lincoln principal said.. “These conversations led the staff to create a common reason for wanting to redesign our school. Lincoln will help the students to develop a growth mindset, so that they can become community changers.”

Lincoln did a survey of students, parents, staff and the community, receiving input from 331 individuals.

A vision for Lincoln was also created: “Lincoln will teach the academic and social-emotional skills needed for students to be able to set goals, complete projects, help our community and be successful at a job.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621635695244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A third Hutchinson USD 308 elementary school has been approved for launch as a redesign school.After an hour-long presentation to the Kansas State Department of Education, Lincoln Elementary School staff were given the formal go-ahead from the department to go forward with their redesign efforts.Lincoln started studying the redesign process in the fall of 2019. In 2020, the school was approved by KSDE to be an Apollo II school.“As a part of this process, the Redesign Team talked with staff members, businesses, parents, and students,” Darla Fisher, Lincoln principal said.. “These conversations led the staff to create a common reason for wanting to redesign our school. Lincoln will help the students to develop a growth mindset, so that they can become community changers.”Lincoln did a survey of students, parents, staff and the community, receiving input from 331 individuals.A vision for Lincoln was also created: “Lincoln will teach the academic and social-emotional skills needed for students to be able to set goals, complete projects, help our community and be successful at a job.”<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;

Lincoln school approved for redesign

Investigation continues into a transport tragedy in Italy and a shooting in South Carolina, while work on the Reno County Courthouse is progressing, as well, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigation continues into a transport tragedy in Italy and a shooting in South Carolina, while work on the Reno County Courthouse is progressing, as well, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="May 24, 2021 Morning News" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nx2t4-104566a-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

May 24, 2021 Morning News


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The work on the Reno County Courthouse continues. 

According to an email from Harlan Depew with the county, the window restoration was a planned capital improvement item which has been in the planning stages for a number of years. The windows in the courthouse are original to the building from 1930. The inclusion of the building on the National Historic Registry required the county to restore these windows rather than replacing them.  Currently about half of the 212 windows either have been restored or are in the process, as the contractor works from the bottom of the building to the top.

While they are up there, the exterior weatherization planned maintenance is taking place. This consists of replacing mortar joints that are deteriorating, repairing or replacing any broken brick or stone, cleaning the brick and stone, caulking where appropriate, and applying a water repellant product to the surface.

Two other projects are also being worked on as a result of damage caused by the earthquakes in 2019 and early 2020.

The earthquake in August of 2019 caused significant damage to the upper portion of the dome. The movement from the earthquake was such that it caused the steel truss system at the top of the dome to flex momentarily, while the stone veneer on the exterior was unable to flex.  This movement caused stones to shift, blowing out mortar joints around the higher areas of the dome.

The corrective action being taken is to remove the stones from the dome area, reinforce the steel truss system, install a water proof membrane over the truss system, and then reset the stones.  The goal is to repair the damage that was caused by the earthquake and to stiffen the structure enough to be able to withstand future seismic activity should it occur.

The August 2019 earthquake also caused cracking in the plaster on interior walls on every floor of the building. These walls are being repaired, textured to match surrounding areas, and painted.

The repairs related to the earthquake are covered by insurance, after a $25,000 deductible.

All of the scopes have been designed with approval from the Kansas State Historical Society, and the State Historic Preservation Office, under the protocols set forth in the Preservations Briefs published by the National Parks Service.  Meeting these requirements has allowed the county to qualify for a reimbursement in the form of State Income Tax Credits equal to 40% of the actual costs incurred by the county.  The county does not pay income tax, but these credits can and will be sold to businesses or individuals thru a competitive bidding process once the projects have been completed and the credits are issued.

The work on the exterior of the dome is scheduled to begin in earnest before Memorial Day and should take two or three months to complete.  Once that is done, the exterior weatherization will proceed working from the top of the building to the bottom.

The contractor has committed to completing all four scopes of work by January 2022.

Pishny Restoration Services from Lenexa was awarded the four projects for $3,089,740 last October.

  The project is still on track for meeting the completion target.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621687967255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The work on the Reno County Courthouse continues. According to an email from Harlan Depew with the county, the window restoration was a planned capital improvement item which has been in the planning stages for a number of years. The windows in the courthouse are original to the building from 1930. The inclusion of the building on the National Historic Registry required the county to restore these windows rather than replacing them. Currently about half of the 212 windows either have been restored or are in the process, as the contractor works from the bottom of the building to the top.While they are up there, the exterior weatherization planned maintenance is taking place. This consists of replacing mortar joints that are deteriorating, repairing or replacing any broken brick or stone, cleaning the brick and stone, caulking where appropriate, and applying a water repellant product to the surface.Two other projects are also being worked on as a result of damage caused by the earthquakes in 2019 and early 2020.The earthquake in August of 2019 caused significant damage to the upper portion of the dome. The movement from the earthquake was such that it caused the steel truss system at the top of the dome to flex momentarily, while the stone veneer on the exterior was unable to flex. This movement caused stones to shift, blowing out mortar joints around the higher areas of the dome.The corrective action being taken is to remove the stones from the dome area, reinforce the steel truss system, install a water proof membrane over the truss system, and then reset the stones. The goal is to repair the damage that was caused by the earthquake and to stiffen the structure enough to be able to withstand future seismic activity should it occur.The August 2019 earthquake also caused cracking in the plaster on interior walls on every floor of the building. These walls are being repaired, textured to match surrounding areas, and painted.The repairs related to the earthquake are covered by insurance, after a $25,000 deductible.All of the scopes have been designed with approval from the Kansas State Historical Society, and the State Historic Preservation Office, under the protocols set forth in the Preservations Briefs published by the National Parks Service. Meeting these requirements has allowed the county to qualify for a reimbursement in the form of State Income Tax Credits equal to 40% of the actual costs incurred by the county. The county does not pay income tax, but these credits can and will be sold to businesses or individuals thru a competitive bidding process once the projects have been completed and the credits are issued.The work on the exterior of the dome is scheduled to begin in earnest before Memorial Day and should take two or three months to complete. Once that is done, the exterior weatherization will proceed working from the top of the building to the bottom.The contractor has committed to completing all four scopes of work by January 2022.Pishny Restoration Services from Lenexa was awarded the four projects for $3,089,740 last October. The project is still on track for meeting the completion target.

Courthouse project still on schedule for January completion


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell will go over the implications of new transparency legislation with the City Council as part of its budget study session Monday.

"It's removal of the previous tax lid," Cantrell said. "It does come with some publication requirements that can become a little tricky for cities and taxing entities."

Cantrell sees the city's best path, based on guidance from the League of Kansas Municipalities, as preparing to do the reporting as if they are going to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.

"What is new for us is, the tax lid was about dollars," Cantrell said. "What this new neutral rate is about is the mill levy itself. As valuation changes, the mill levy can be adjusted, really having no impact on property owners, because the dollars can stay the same, but the mill levy might require annual adjustment. It frequently does. In the case of a municipality, it really protects us just to go ahead, hold the hearing up front and to comply with that element, even when we don't know exactly what that mill levy adjustment might be."

Given that this is the first budget process for some of the council, there will be some education that is necessary.

"I think, for our group, it's going to be just an understanding of what the statute requires and perhaps the intent behind it," Cantrell said. "It's probably a better scenario for cities, as long as you have a degree of comfort in complying with the additional hearing requirement. It's not really that big of a deal for us. It's the same budgeting process we've always used, it just puts one more process in it as we go."

Beginning in 2022, the County Clerk will mail Revenue Neutral Rate notifications to all taxpayers. 

<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/2020/6/1592409609109.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell will go over the implications of new transparency legislation with the City Council as part of its budget study session Monday."It's removal of the previous tax lid," Cantrell said. "It does come with some publication requirements that can become a little tricky for cities and taxing entities."Cantrell sees the city's best path, based on guidance from the League of Kansas Municipalities, as preparing to do the reporting as if they are going to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate."What is new for us is, the tax lid was about dollars," Cantrell said. "What this new neutral rate is about is the mill levy itself. As valuation changes, the mill levy can be adjusted, really having no impact on property owners, because the dollars can stay the same, but the mill levy might require annual adjustment. It frequently does. In the case of a municipality, it really protects us just to go ahead, hold the hearing up front and to comply with that element, even when we don't know exactly what that mill levy adjustment might be."Given that this is the first budget process for some of the council, there will be some education that is necessary."I think, for our group, it's going to be just an understanding of what the statute requires and perhaps the intent behind it," Cantrell said. "It's probably a better scenario for cities, as long as you have a degree of comfort in complying with the additional hearing requirement. It's not really that big of a deal for us. It's the same budgeting process we've always used, it just puts one more process in it as we go."Beginning in 2022, the County Clerk will mail Revenue Neutral Rate notifications to all taxpayers. 
<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.

Cantrell: Part of Monday session explaining new reporting regulations


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann along with both U.S. Senators introduced legislation to stop an executive order from the Biden administration that they are concerned could infringe on private property rights in the name of fighting climate change.

"The executive order signed in January was very vague," Mann said. "It referred to ongoing reports. That raised some alarms. The report actually came out week before last and basically, the report still doesn't have a lot of details. The concern would be that the government would make steps toward involuntary conservation."

The so-called 30x30 plan would require federal control of much more land than is currently that way in Kansas.

"Kansas is in an interesting spot, because 98% of our land is not currently in conservation, only 2% is," Mann said. "Other states, much more of their land is already in conservation. We introduced legislation that effectively would block the executive order altogether."

This issue has been incredibly emotional for Kansans.

"This goal of 30% of American lands being in conservation by 2030 should not be the goal and is not the direction that we should go," Mann said. "As a result of this, Kansans are rightly concerned about the potential land grab that could occur. What ought to occur is the executive order to be done away with."

As part of the One Planet Summit in January, at least 50 countries committed to protecting 30 percent of the planet, including land and sea, over the next decade. The U.S. did not participate, as it took place prior to Biden's inauguration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann along with both U.S. Senators introduced legislation to stop an executive order from the Biden administration that they are concerned could infringe on private property rights in the name of fighting climate change."The executive order signed in January was very vague," Mann said. "It referred to ongoing reports. That raised some alarms. The report actually came out week before last and basically, the report still doesn't have a lot of details. The concern would be that the government would make steps toward involuntary conservation."The so-called 30x30 plan would require federal control of much more land than is currently that way in Kansas."Kansas is in an interesting spot, because 98% of our land is not currently in conservation, only 2% is," Mann said. "Other states, much more of their land is already in conservation. We introduced legislation that effectively would block the executive order altogether."This issue has been incredibly emotional for Kansans."This goal of 30% of American lands being in conservation by 2030 should not be the goal and is not the direction that we should go," Mann said. "As a result of this, Kansans are rightly concerned about the potential land grab that could occur. What ought to occur is the executive order to be done away with."As part of the One Planet Summit in January, at least 50 countries committed to protecting 30 percent of the planet, including land and sea, over the next decade. The U.S. did not participate, as it took place prior to Biden's inauguration.

Mann introduces legislation to roll back 30 by 30 order

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It has been an ongoing matter that seems to have no resolution, but Reno County commissioners will try once again to pass some form of wind farm regulations during Tuesday's agenda session.

The regulation came back before the commission, which has been divided over the proposal ever since NextEra failed to get a unanimous vote for a conditional use permit for a new wind farm near Cheney Reservoir. The board did not want to just ban wind farms in the county and instead went to the county planning department to hammer out a new set of regulations. Since then, commissioners have debated details while leaving the larger issue unresolved.

The board was supposed to make a decision on the regulations last month, but Commissioner Daniel Friesen wanted to wait a few weeks to see if any common ground could be found between supporters and opponents of wind energy.

The matter is up as an action item when the board meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621676876229.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It has been an ongoing matter that seems to have no resolution, but Reno County commissioners will try once again to pass some form of wind farm regulations during Tuesday's agenda session.The regulation came back before the commission, which has been divided over the proposal ever since NextEra failed to get a unanimous vote for a conditional use permit for a new wind farm near Cheney Reservoir. The board did not want to just ban wind farms in the county and instead went to the county planning department to hammer out a new set of regulations. Since then, commissioners have debated details while leaving the larger issue unresolved.The board was supposed to make a decision on the regulations last month, but Commissioner Daniel Friesen wanted to wait a few weeks to see if any common ground could be found between supporters and opponents of wind energy.The matter is up as an action item when the board meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.<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;

Wind regs back before commission Tuesday

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Extension Service will host a welcoming reception for new Extension Ag Agent Marcus Preuninger Tuesday, May 25, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

The event will be held in the basement meeting room of the extension office at 2 W. 10th in South Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Preuninger was recently hired as the replacement for Darren Busick, who resigned from the position in February of 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614092258902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Extension Service will host a welcoming reception for new Extension Ag Agent Marcus Preuninger Tuesday, May 25, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.The event will be held in the basement meeting room of the extension office at 2 W. 10th in South Hutchinson.&nbsp;Preuninger was recently hired as the replacement for Darren Busick, who resigned from the position in February of 2020.<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;

Welcome reception for new ag agent May 25

From Ken Johnson, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center

On Monday, Irene Martindell, a beloved and longtime member of the Hutchinson Regional family, marks her milestone 100th birthday. Barely 90,000 Americans, in a population of 328,000,000 can lay claim to being centenarians.

Tom Knight, an aging expert, says people live to see their 100th birthday because they have three things: someone to love, something to do, and a goal to live for. Irene has those and more.

Irene began volunteering for Hutchinson Regional Medical Center 52 years ago, in 1969. Irene, then a mother of four and spouse of Bob Martindell, a prominent Hutchinson attorney, felt a tug to volunteer whatever free time she had for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hutchinson. Her first job was delivering mail and flowers to patients, a perfect fit for Irene’s vivacious personality.

In a 2019 interview, Irene said it was the best volunteer job in the hospital. “Many times, they even asked me if I would mind opening their letters,” Irene said. “If a family member was not present in the room at the time of delivery, they might even ask me to read the letters aloud to them.”

September 10, 1975 is a day Irene will always remember; it was her first day volunteering for what she still calls the “new hospital” or what is now called Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. This stint would remain weekly for the 43 years to follow until 2018.

When Irene decided to step down in 2018, the Hutchinson Regional Auxiliary wasted little time asking her to join the organizations’ board of directors. As Irene states, “If they ever need to know how it was done years ago, they can ask me and I will tell them what I remember.”

Other organizations in Hutchinson have benefited from her generous nature, including the Hutchinson Symphony and Emergency Shelter. In her spare time, which must not be much, Irene is often seen cruising Hutchinson in her Corvette convertible. Over the years, her family circle grew to include five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Her late husband Bob once joked that he might see more of her if she got a full-time job. “God blessed me with a great husband and four wonderful children,” Irene said.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and Irene has served as a role model and mentor for hundreds who give their time in service to our patients. These volunteers do everything from operating the hospital’s gift shop to spending time with patients and families. After a half-century of service, Irene continues to touch the lives of the Hutchinson Regional family through her dedication and service. We very much appreciate her remarkable contributions and wish her a happy, healthy birthday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621680069804.jpeg" alt="Board 2021.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Board 2021.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>From Ken Johnson, Hutchinson Regional Medical CenterOn Monday, Irene Martindell, a beloved and longtime member of the Hutchinson Regional family, marks her milestone 100th birthday. Barely 90,000 Americans, in a population of 328,000,000 can lay claim to being centenarians.Tom Knight, an aging expert, says people live to see their 100th birthday because they have three things: someone to love, something to do, and a goal to live for. Irene has those and more.Irene began volunteering for Hutchinson Regional Medical Center 52 years ago, in 1969. Irene, then a mother of four and spouse of Bob Martindell, a prominent Hutchinson attorney, felt a tug to volunteer whatever free time she had for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hutchinson. Her first job was delivering mail and flowers to patients, a perfect fit for Irene’s vivacious personality.In a 2019 interview, Irene said it was the best volunteer job in the hospital. “Many times, they even asked me if I would mind opening their letters,” Irene said. “If a family member was not present in the room at the time of delivery, they might even ask me to read the letters aloud to them.”September 10, 1975 is a day Irene will always remember; it was her first day volunteering for what she still calls the “new hospital” or what is now called Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. This stint would remain weekly for the 43 years to follow until 2018.When Irene decided to step down in 2018, the Hutchinson Regional Auxiliary wasted little time asking her to join the organizations’ board of directors. As Irene states, “If they ever need to know how it was done years ago, they can ask me and I will tell them what I remember.”Other organizations in Hutchinson have benefited from her generous nature, including the Hutchinson Symphony and Emergency Shelter. In her spare time, which must not be much, Irene is often seen cruising Hutchinson in her Corvette convertible. Over the years, her family circle grew to include five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.Her late husband Bob once joked that he might see more of her if she got a full-time job. “God blessed me with a great husband and four wonderful children,” Irene said.Volunteers are the lifeblood of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and Irene has served as a role model and mentor for hundreds who give their time in service to our patients. These volunteers do everything from operating the hospital’s gift shop to spending time with patients and families. After a half-century of service, Irene continues to touch the lives of the Hutchinson Regional family through her dedication and service. We very much appreciate her remarkable contributions and wish her a happy, healthy birthday.

HRMC CEO wishes long-time volunteer happy birthday as she turns 100

ABBYVILLE, Kan. — The Abbyville Rodeo opened Friday night. The next rodeo is Saturday night with a barbecue. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

<a href="https://abbyvillerodeo.weebly.com/schedule-of-events.html">Get the complete schedule here</a>.&nbsp;

My 93-1 gave listeners a chance to win $93.10 Friday night. Country 102.9 will be at the rodeo Saturday giving listeners a chance to win $102.90.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621649267115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABBYVILLE, Kan. — The Abbyville Rodeo opened Friday night. The next rodeo is Saturday night with a barbecue. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.<a href="https://abbyvillerodeo.weebly.com/schedule-of-events.html">Get the complete schedule here</a>.&nbsp;My 93-1 gave listeners a chance to win $93.10 Friday night. Country 102.9 will be at the rodeo Saturday giving listeners a chance to win $102.90.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621653048341.jpeg" alt="My 93-1 gave listeners a chance to win money Friday night. Country 102.9 will be at the rodeo Saturday night starting at 5:30 p.m. with another chance to win cash." />
 <figcaption>My 93-1 gave listeners a chance to win money Friday night. Country 102.9 will be at the rodeo Saturday night starting at 5:30 p.m. with another chance to win cash.</figcaption>
 </figure>Enjoy this gallery from opening night:<figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621653475657.jpeg" alt="Mutton Bustin winners with Rodeo Royalty. Qualifiers will have a chance to compete at the Kansas State Fair Championships later this year." />
 <figcaption>Mutton Bustin winners with Rodeo Royalty. Qualifiers will have a chance to compete at the Kansas State Fair Championships later this year.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621653534623.jpeg" alt="Friday night was Back the Blue night in honor of law enforcement." />
 <figcaption>Friday night was Back the Blue night in honor of law enforcement.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621653586266.jpeg" alt="Rodeo Royalty" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621653613649.jpeg" alt="Justin Rumford, nine-time PRCA Clown of the Year, returns home to Abbyville." />
 <figcaption>Justin Rumford, nine-time PRCA Clown of the Year, returns home to Abbyville.</figcaption>
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PHOTO GALLERY: Abbyville Rodeo

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County fell for the month of April.&nbsp;

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county fell one half of one percent to 3.2%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2020 was 11.1%.

There were 960 county residents out of work. In Hutchinson the jobless rate was also down half a percentage point to 3.6%. 674 city residents were out of work. In may of 2020, 12% of Hutchinson residents were out of work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560186434781.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County fell for the month of April.&nbsp;According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county fell one half of one percent to 3.2%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2020 was 11.1%.There were 960 county residents out of work. In Hutchinson the jobless rate was also down half a percentage point to 3.6%. 674 city residents were out of work. In may of 2020, 12% of Hutchinson residents were out of work.<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;

Jobless rate falls in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will take action on a proposal to rescind all COVID policies currently in place when they meet on Monday.

If approved, the restrictions that have been in place for more than a year will be lifted. The district, like all others, has had to adjust to the pandemic with remote or hybrid learning. It also had to follow CDC and state guidelines in social distancing and mask wearing.&nbsp;

Also Monday, the board will go into executive session to discuss the latest negotiations with the local teachers union. The two sides will meet earlier in the day.

The board will go over computer purchases for the Career and Technical Education Academy as well, along with several equipment purchases. Monday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Academy at 800 15th Circle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668793667.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will take action on a proposal to rescind all COVID policies currently in place when they meet on Monday.If approved, the restrictions that have been in place for more than a year will be lifted. The district, like all others, has had to adjust to the pandemic with remote or hybrid learning. It also had to follow CDC and state guidelines in social distancing and mask wearing.&nbsp;Also Monday, the board will go into executive session to discuss the latest negotiations with the local teachers union. The two sides will meet earlier in the day.The board will go over computer purchases for the Career and Technical Education Academy as well, along with several equipment purchases. Monday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Academy at 800 15th Circle.<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;

308 School Board to look over COVID policies Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— A 31-year-old Hutchinson woman has accepted a plea deal in a crash that killed one person and injured six others.&nbsp;

Viola Rhodes pleaded guilty Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and six counts of aggravated battery. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to charge her with reckless second-degree murder.&nbsp;

Rhodes was arrested on potential charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcoholic beverage, aggravated battery; DUI, and involuntary homicide after an accident December 5th of 2020.

Rhodes was driving a van on Yoder road that night when the vehicle overturned ejecting 44-year-old Brian Biookout who was killed. Two passengers were taken to Hutchinson Regional and four others were treated by EMS at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607530198056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— A 31-year-old Hutchinson woman has accepted a plea deal in a crash that killed one person and injured six others.&nbsp;Viola Rhodes pleaded guilty Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and six counts of aggravated battery. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to charge her with reckless second-degree murder.&nbsp;Rhodes was arrested on potential charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcoholic beverage, aggravated battery; DUI, and involuntary homicide after an accident December 5th of 2020.Rhodes was driving a van on Yoder road that night when the vehicle overturned ejecting 44-year-old Brian Biookout who was killed. Two passengers were taken to Hutchinson Regional and four others were treated by EMS at the scene.Sentencing for Rhodes is set for July 9.<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;

Hutchinson woman enters plea in fatality accident


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The summer edition of the 2021 Reno County Farmer's Market gets underway Saturday, but every week can bring something new.

"The thing with vegetables is, from week to week, that range changes," said Sheila Corn with the farmer's market. "Now, we're heavy into the spring vegetables, things like lettuce and spinaches and broccoli, in another month, we'll be starting to get tomatoes and stuff like that."

It's also a great place to get either food or gifts for the graduation parties going on this weekend.

"Have Reno County Farmer's Market be a part of your weekend, whether that's fresh greens to make a salad, pies, bread," said Sparkle Faidley with the farmer's market. "We also have really cool unique gifts you can buy from our crafters. We have different soaps and lotions and jewelry that are one of a kind that would be a great gift for one of your graduates."

The Farmer's Market runs Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until October, with Wednesday Farmer's Markets to begin in mid-June at the pavilion at 2nd and Washington in Hutchinson.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593120052049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The summer edition of the 2021 Reno County Farmer's Market gets underway Saturday, but every week can bring something new."The thing with vegetables is, from week to week, that range changes," said Sheila Corn with the farmer's market. "Now, we're heavy into the spring vegetables, things like lettuce and spinaches and broccoli, in another month, we'll be starting to get tomatoes and stuff like that."It's also a great place to get either food or gifts for the graduation parties going on this weekend."Have Reno County Farmer's Market be a part of your weekend, whether that's fresh greens to make a salad, pies, bread," said Sparkle Faidley with the farmer's market. "We also have really cool unique gifts you can buy from our crafters. We have different soaps and lotions and jewelry that are one of a kind that would be a great gift for one of your graduates."The Farmer's Market runs Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until October, with Wednesday Farmer's Markets to begin in mid-June at the pavilion at 2nd and Washington in Hutchinson.

2021 Summer Reno County Farmer's Market starts Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the end of the third trimester, Hutchinson High School will be on a finals schedule the week of May 24.

Senior finals were Wednesday and Friday as graduation is Sunday. Finals for freshmen through juniors will be given on May 24 through 26 at HHS. Wednesday is the final school day for all pre-kindergarten through 11th&nbsp;grade students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the end of the third trimester, Hutchinson High School will be on a finals schedule the week of May 24.Senior finals were Wednesday and Friday as graduation is Sunday. Finals for freshmen through juniors will be given on May 24 through 26 at HHS. Wednesday is the final school day for all pre-kindergarten through 11th&nbsp;grade students.The finals schedule:Monday, May 24, 2021<ul>
 <li>8 to 9:20 a.m.: First Hour</li><li>9:26 to 10:46 a.m.: Second Hour</li>
 </ul>Tuesday, May 25, 2021<ul>
 <li>8 to 9:20 a.m.: Fourth Hour</li><li>9:26 to 10:46 a.m.: Fifth Hour</li>
 </ul>Wednesday, May 26, 2021<ul>
 <li>8 to 9:20 a.m.: Third Hour</li><li>9:26 to 10:46 a.m.: Make-Up Finals</li>
 </ul><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;

Finals set for next week at HHS


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Friday night and Saturday night is the Abbyville Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo and BBQ.

"It really is family," said Tiffany McCaffrey, Miss Rodeo Kansas. "That culture around that just provides such a warm atmosphere. Abbyville is one of the most family friendly rodeos I've ever been to."

For nine-time PRCA Clown of the Year Justin Rumford, it is about coming home.

"Abbyville's my hometown rodeo," Rumford said. "I grew up in Abbyville. I haven't been back to Abbyville since 2012. I was actually here for Pretty Prairie Rodeo two years ago. I don't get to make it back to Reno County very often. I'm pretty excited about it. I've got my triplets here. My sister, who is a stock contractor who raises bucking horses and bulls from California, they are in town. The whole family's here. It's going to be a good weekend."

Bullfighter Jake Welker's father, Jeff, is a long-time member of the rodeo committee in Abbyville. It's his number that is on the event's website for information. Welker has been bullfighting since 2018 in the PRCA, and the Pretty Prairie native's first rodeo with his PRCA card was in 2018 in Abbyville.

"Once the bull riding rolls around, I'll go get ready and put all my protective gear on," Welker said. "My job is just to be the extra safety guy for the bull riders. When they fall off the bull, I'm going to be the first line of defense."

Tickets are good for either night. Twelve and under get in free both nights. You can buy an advance admission ticket for $10 at A5 Western in Hutchinson, Farmers Coop in Abbyville, The Village Place in Arlington, Central Prairie Coop in Sterling and Yoder Auto Center.

Friday night is Back the Blue Night, so wear blue if you're going on Friday. All Law Enforcement get in free with photo ID. Gates open Friday night at 6 p.m., Mutton Bustin is at 7 p.m. and the PRCA performance is at 8 p.m.

Saturday at 8:30 a.m. is Goat Roping, the Ranch Rodeo is at noon, the parade is at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street. The BBQ starts Saturday at 5:45 p.m., with Mutton Bustin again at 7 p.m. and the PRCA performance at 8 p.m.

<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/2020/4/1587483443443.jpeg" alt="Abbyville Rodeo Photo" />
 <figcaption>Abbyville Rodeo Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Friday night and Saturday night is the Abbyville Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo and BBQ."It really is family," said Tiffany McCaffrey, Miss Rodeo Kansas. "That culture around that just provides such a warm atmosphere. Abbyville is one of the most family friendly rodeos I've ever been to."For nine-time PRCA Clown of the Year Justin Rumford, it is about coming home."Abbyville's my hometown rodeo," Rumford said. "I grew up in Abbyville. I haven't been back to Abbyville since 2012. I was actually here for Pretty Prairie Rodeo two years ago. I don't get to make it back to Reno County very often. I'm pretty excited about it. I've got my triplets here. My sister, who is a stock contractor who raises bucking horses and bulls from California, they are in town. The whole family's here. It's going to be a good weekend."Bullfighter Jake Welker's father, Jeff, is a long-time member of the rodeo committee in Abbyville. It's his number that is on the event's website for information. Welker has been bullfighting since 2018 in the PRCA, and the Pretty Prairie native's first rodeo with his PRCA card was in 2018 in Abbyville."Once the bull riding rolls around, I'll go get ready and put all my protective gear on," Welker said. "My job is just to be the extra safety guy for the bull riders. When they fall off the bull, I'm going to be the first line of defense."Tickets are good for either night. Twelve and under get in free both nights. You can buy an advance admission ticket for $10 at A5 Western in Hutchinson, Farmers Coop in Abbyville, The Village Place in Arlington, Central Prairie Coop in Sterling and Yoder Auto Center.Friday night is Back the Blue Night, so wear blue if you're going on Friday. All Law Enforcement get in free with photo ID. Gates open Friday night at 6 p.m., Mutton Bustin is at 7 p.m. and the PRCA performance is at 8 p.m.Saturday at 8:30 a.m. is Goat Roping, the Ranch Rodeo is at noon, the parade is at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street. The BBQ starts Saturday at 5:45 p.m., with Mutton Bustin again at 7 p.m. and the PRCA performance at 8 p.m.
<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.

2021 Abbyville Rodeo this weekend


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt joined 18 of his colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden asking him to reopen the process on the Keystone XL pipeline in light of the cyberattack that shut down a portion of the Colonial Pipeline earlier this month.

"On his first day in office, President Biden canceled the permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline," Schmidt said. "We've sued him over that, because we think that cancellation violated due process. Not only is that a pipeline issue, but who is ever going to make a large investment in any capital project that requires government approval if the government can just turn on a dime and say, I changed my mind, sorry, you've invested billions of dollars, now you're stuck."

Schmidt believes the marketplace will help fix the issues that were caused by the Colonial outage, if it is allowed to work.

"At the end of the day, we don't have sufficient redundancy," Schmidt said. "We don't have sufficient capacity, if a large pipeline goes off line, as the Colonial Pipeline did. The result has been gas lines like we haven't seen since the 1970s on the East Coast and gasoline at $7 a gallon. Markets work, as long as their excesses are properly monitored and controlled. Markets work. We have to trust them and allow that to happen."

Schmidt and 20 other attorneys general filed suit in March in Texas against Biden's order. Their argument is the power to regulate international commerce resides with Congress. Congress expressly permitted the project in the 2011 Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="Kansas AG Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas AG Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt joined 18 of his colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden asking him to reopen the process on the Keystone XL pipeline in light of the cyberattack that shut down a portion of the Colonial Pipeline earlier this month."On his first day in office, President Biden canceled the permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline," Schmidt said. "We've sued him over that, because we think that cancellation violated due process. Not only is that a pipeline issue, but who is ever going to make a large investment in any capital project that requires government approval if the government can just turn on a dime and say, I changed my mind, sorry, you've invested billions of dollars, now you're stuck."Schmidt believes the marketplace will help fix the issues that were caused by the Colonial outage, if it is allowed to work."At the end of the day, we don't have sufficient redundancy," Schmidt said. "We don't have sufficient capacity, if a large pipeline goes off line, as the Colonial Pipeline did. The result has been gas lines like we haven't seen since the 1970s on the East Coast and gasoline at $7 a gallon. Markets work, as long as their excesses are properly monitored and controlled. Markets work. We have to trust them and allow that to happen."Schmidt and 20 other attorneys general filed suit in March in Texas against Biden's order. Their argument is the power to regulate international commerce resides with Congress. Congress expressly permitted the project in the 2011 Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act.

Schmidt: Colonial Pipeline outage shows need for Keystone XL 


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is dedicated to patients who have experienced a significant decline in function. The process starts with an assessment by Chris Ast, RN, a clinical liaison.

"When I get a referral, I'll go out and I'll evaluate the patient and explain rehab to them," Ast said. "Then I bring back the case to our medical director and we say, yeah, we need to get insurance approval and then we start."

Inpatient Rehab may benefit patients who have experienced issues with their brain, heart or lungs, or who can't walk well enough to do an outpatient program.

"Really, it's just if a patient had a complicating situation that now changed how they are able to move around and get to where they need to be," said physical therapist Kari Thiessen. "Those are the patients that we are going to see in inpatient rehab."

The typical inpatient rehab client is involved in a 10 day to two-week program and then it's time to decide what life looks like outside the hospital. That's where case manager Lynsi Giles, RN, comes in. 

"When you leave rehab, we always recommend that your therapy does not end at that time," Giles said. "Whether you continue to need outpatient therapies or home health, I am that person that coordinates all of those."

If you'd like to learn more about all that inpatient rehab does, below is the full interview with Ast, Thiessen and Giles.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is dedicated to patients who have experienced a significant decline in function. The process starts with an assessment by Chris Ast, RN, a clinical liaison."When I get a referral, I'll go out and I'll evaluate the patient and explain rehab to them," Ast said. "Then I bring back the case to our medical director and we say, yeah, we need to get insurance approval and then we start."Inpatient Rehab may benefit patients who have experienced issues with their brain, heart or lungs, or who can't walk well enough to do an outpatient program."Really, it's just if a patient had a complicating situation that now changed how they are able to move around and get to where they need to be," said physical therapist Kari Thiessen. "Those are the patients that we are going to see in inpatient rehab."The typical inpatient rehab client is involved in a 10 day to two-week program and then it's time to decide what life looks like outside the hospital. That's where case manager Lynsi Giles, RN, comes in. "When you leave rehab, we always recommend that your therapy does not end at that time," Giles said. "Whether you continue to need outpatient therapies or home health, I am that person that coordinates all of those."If you'd like to learn more about all that inpatient rehab does, below is the full interview with Ast, Thiessen and Giles.<div><iframe title="Hutch Regional Inpatient Rehab Interview" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ugmgg-1041d95-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>
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Inpatient rehab part of getting patients back to function at HRMC

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man who had amassed five different criminal cases over a three-month period entered guilty pleas to more than a dozen counts Thursday morning in Reno County District Court.

Scott Lee Lutz pleaded to numerous counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, several counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of felony flee and elude.

Lutz went before Judge Joe McCarville Thursday as his preliminary hearing was to begin on two of the five cases. Under the plea agreement, Lutz will not be able to appeal the cases, nor will he be able to withdraw his plea at a later date. His attorney will be allowed to argue for a departure of sentence and whether the sentences in each case will run consecutive or concurrent to each other.

Lutz asked for a reduction in his bond, stating that he was taking drug treatment, would get his job back and wanted to see his daughter before heading to prison. The request was denied. A motion will be filed by the defense in that matter.

Sentencing in the case is set for July 9.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612485427414.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man who had amassed five different criminal cases over a three-month period entered guilty pleas to more than a dozen counts Thursday morning in Reno County District Court.Scott Lee Lutz pleaded to numerous counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, several counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of felony flee and elude.Lutz went before Judge Joe McCarville Thursday as his preliminary hearing was to begin on two of the five cases. Under the plea agreement, Lutz will not be able to appeal the cases, nor will he be able to withdraw his plea at a later date. His attorney will be allowed to argue for a departure of sentence and whether the sentences in each case will run consecutive or concurrent to each other.Lutz asked for a reduction in his bond, stating that he was taking drug treatment, would get his job back and wanted to see his daughter before heading to prison. The request was denied. A motion will be filed by the defense in that matter.Sentencing in the case is set for July 9.<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;

Hutchinson man enters guilty pleas in several cases

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Emanuel Lutheran Church will host the next TEFAP commodity distribution on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the former Dillon Living Center, 1901 E. 23rd.&nbsp;

The program is for low-income people of all ages. TEFAP commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register.&nbsp;

Those receiving assistance are asked to wear masks. You will not be allowed to pick up boxes for anyone other than yourself.&nbsp;

They also ask that motorists form a single line with their vehicles, making sure not to block driveways and intersections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613926645040.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Emanuel Lutheran Church will host the next TEFAP commodity distribution on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the former Dillon Living Center, 1901 E. 23rd.&nbsp;The program is for low-income people of all ages. TEFAP commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register.&nbsp;Those receiving assistance are asked to wear masks. You will not be allowed to pick up boxes for anyone other than yourself.&nbsp;They also ask that motorists form a single line with their vehicles, making sure not to block driveways and intersections.<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;

TEFAP distribution is Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three more area schools will celebrate graduation for the class of 2021 this weekend.

Buhler USD 313 will hold graduation on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Nickerson USD 309 will host graduation ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the Nickerson High School gym.

Hutchinson USD 308 will honor its senior class on Sunday at 2 p.m. The district says it will let the public know whether the ceremony will be held at Gowans Stadium or at the Sports Arena during the 8 a.m. hour on Sunday.&nbsp;

The ceremony will also be broadcast on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD308">district's Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620128367725.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three more area schools will celebrate graduation for the class of 2021 this weekend.Buhler USD 313 will hold graduation on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Nickerson USD 309 will host graduation ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the Nickerson High School gym.Hutchinson USD 308 will honor its senior class on Sunday at 2 p.m. The district says it will let the public know whether the ceremony will be held at Gowans Stadium or at the Sports Arena during the 8 a.m. hour on Sunday.&nbsp;The ceremony will also be broadcast on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD308">district's Facebook page</a>.&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;

Graduations continue this weekend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work continues on Apple Lane in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Starting Sunday, May 23, Public Works says the street will be closed from 23rd Avenue north to Apple Lane Animal Hospital, except to local traffic. Detours will run from 17th Avenue to K-61 Highway, to 30th Avenue.

Apple Lane will be open to all traffic from 17th Avenue north to 23rd. If you have any questions about this or any other city project, contact Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<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/2019/9/1568124441665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work continues on Apple Lane in Hutchinson.&nbsp;Starting Sunday, May 23, Public Works says the street will be closed from 23rd Avenue north to Apple Lane Animal Hospital, except to local traffic. Detours will run from 17th Avenue to K-61 Highway, to 30th Avenue.Apple Lane will be open to all traffic from 17th Avenue north to 23rd. If you have any questions about this or any other city project, contact Public Works at 620-694-1900.<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.

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