WASHINGTON —A <a href="https://www.artskcgo.com/artist/ay-young/">Kansas City native </a>who earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Hesston College, AY Aaron Young is one of a handful of musicians including Akon, Billie Eilish, Bob Weir, Michael Franti, Train and Denise King performing at the Clean Energy for America Inaugural Ball.

On Instagram, Hesston College wrote" Congratulations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aymusik/">@aymusik</a>&nbsp;! We’re so proud of you!"

Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, AY is a producer, writer, rapper, and singer/songwriter and sustainability advocate.&nbsp; AY got his musical start in 2012 on the X Factor TV show, receiving four Yes’ from celebrity judges L.A. Reid, Britney Spears, Louis Walsh, and Demi Lovato, according to the singer's bio.

He recently received a Special Action Resolution from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, Congress, and the State of Missouri, honoring his recognition by the United Nations as "1 of 17" Youth World Leaders. Young powers up his concerts using renewable energy. He was selected from 18,000 nominations from 193 countries, and is the only Youth Leader from the the U.S. Young was also named "40 Under 40" by a national energy magazine. He is the son of Alan Young and State Representative Yolanda Young.

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                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611145249817.png" alt="AY photo courtesy Hesston College" />
                        <figcaption>AY photo courtesy Hesston College</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON —A <a href="https://www.artskcgo.com/artist/ay-young/">Kansas City native </a>who earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Hesston College, AY Aaron Young is one of a handful of musicians including Akon, Billie Eilish, Bob Weir, Michael Franti, Train and Denise King performing at the Clean Energy for America Inaugural Ball.</p><p>On Instagram, Hesston College wrote" Congratulations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aymusik/">@aymusik</a>&nbsp;! We’re so proud of you!"</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKivP0guwB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKivP0guwB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKivP0guwB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by AY Young (-.-) 🔌 (@aymusik)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, AY is a producer, writer, rapper, and singer/songwriter and sustainability advocate.&nbsp; AY got his musical start in 2012 on the X Factor TV show, receiving four Yes’ from celebrity judges L.A. Reid, Britney Spears, Louis Walsh, and Demi Lovato, according to the singer's bio.</p><p>He recently received a Special Action Resolution from Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, Congress, and the State of Missouri, honoring his recognition by the United Nations as "1 of 17" Youth World Leaders. Young powers up his concerts using renewable energy. He was selected from 18,000 nominations from 193 countries, and is the only Youth Leader from the the U.S. Young was also named "40 Under 40" by a national energy magazine. He is the son of Alan Young and State Representative Yolanda Young.</p>

Former Hesston College student to perform at Biden virtual inaugural


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Board of Reno County Commissioners met for two and a half hours in a study session Tuesday night to discuss the proposal on wind farm regulations for the county and seemed to get hung up more on what power they have to make changes than what changes to make.

"Does it just deny it as submitted and before you get to changing it, you've got to send it back," asked county counselor Joe O'Sullivan. "Or, can you change it at that level?"

O'Sullivan wants to be sure that whatever action the County Commission takes, that he is able to defend it legally. County Commissioner Daniel Friesen raised questions about whether or not all the work that has been put in to write new regulations will actually accomplish anything.

"My one worry here is that we're in a cyclical pattern where, if we fast forward to the end of this, are we back to another CUP that potentially gets petitioned against and then needs a 3-0 decision by us to get overriden?" Friesen asked. "I assume the changes here don't effect that end process."

Friesen's point was not to discount the work the planning commission has done. To the contrary, all three commissioners expressed their appreciation for the hard work that has gone in to writing new regulations, but rather that whatever goes on the books is something all three commissioners are going to have to agree on if they want any eventual project to go forward.

"I understand that it's a lot of work to go through if the same thing is going to be petitioned against," said County Commissioner Ron Sellers. "If we come up with rules that the planning commission and us think are applicable to Reno County, we've just got to live with the future."

Another point is that individual proposals will differ and there may be a proposal in ten years that has nothing to do with the one currently being litigated, and the regulations need to be flexible enough to accommodate for that possibility, too. The commissioners didn't appear to be close to any sort of decision as of Tuesday.

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By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Board of Reno County Commissioners met for two and a half hours in a study session Tuesday night to discuss the proposal on wind farm regulations for the county and seemed to get hung up more on what power they have to make changes than what changes to make.</p><p>"Does it just deny it as submitted and before you get to changing it, you've got to send it back," asked county counselor Joe O'Sullivan. "Or, can you change it at that level?"</p><p>O'Sullivan wants to be sure that whatever action the County Commission takes, that he is able to defend it legally. County Commissioner Daniel Friesen raised questions about whether or not all the work that has been put in to write new regulations will actually accomplish anything.</p><p>"My one worry here is that we're in a cyclical pattern where, if we fast forward to the end of this, are we back to another CUP that potentially gets petitioned against and then needs a 3-0 decision by us to get overriden?" Friesen asked. "I assume the changes here don't effect that end process."</p><p>Friesen's point was not to discount the work the planning commission has done. To the contrary, all three commissioners expressed their appreciation for the hard work that has gone in to writing new regulations, but rather that whatever goes on the books is something all three commissioners are going to have to agree on if they want any eventual project to go forward.</p><p>"I understand that it's a lot of work to go through if the same thing is going to be petitioned against," said County Commissioner Ron Sellers. "If we come up with rules that the planning commission and us think are applicable to Reno County, we've just got to live with the future."</p><p>Another point is that individual proposals will differ and there may be a proposal in ten years that has nothing to do with the one currently being litigated, and the regulations need to be flexible enough to accommodate for that possibility, too. The commissioners didn't appear to be close to any sort of decision as of Tuesday.</p>

Lengthy study session leaves legal questions on wind farm regs


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;At 11:50 p.m. Tuesday, Hutchinson firefighters responded to 404 West 5th Avenue for a report of a house fire. 

Crews reported heavy smoke coming from the structure.  One person did escape from the home prior to the department’s arrival. The fire was contained to the area of origin. However, the home sustained smoke and heat damage throughout.  

No one was hurt. No cause has been determined as of Wednesday morning. 

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;At 11:50 p.m. Tuesday, Hutchinson firefighters responded to 404 West 5th Avenue for a report of a house fire. </p><p>Crews reported heavy smoke coming from the structure.  One person did escape from the home prior to the department’s arrival. The fire was contained to the area of origin. However, the home sustained smoke and heat damage throughout.  </p><p>No one was hurt. No cause has been determined as of Wednesday morning. </p>

One resident escapes Hutchinson house fire late Tuesday into Wednesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The regularly scheduled Hutchinson Planning Commission meeting for January 26, 2021 has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next scheduled meeting will be held February 9, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, contact the Planning Department at (620) 259-4132.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The regularly scheduled Hutchinson Planning Commission meeting for January 26, 2021 has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items.</p><p>The next scheduled meeting will be held February 9, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.</p><p>If you have any questions, contact the Planning Department at (620) 259-4132.</p>

City Planning Commission cancels meeting


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education has approved a contract with RSP &amp; Associates.

"I don't want you guys to just come in and do another enrollment boundary study," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. I want you to look at it more comprehensively. I gave them five or six different things that I would like for them to study. You have to give a group a great deal of autonomy. It might go a different direction, you just don't know, but it needs to be looked at."

Included in the project will be an enrollment analysis, current elementary boundary analysis and facilities analysis.

"They will give us options," said district spokesperson Ray Hemman. "They have given us options in the past. The community group will make a recommendation to the board, the direction the community group thinks we should go."

There are no preconceived conclusions going into the study, but the goal is to be as efficient with taxpayer dollars as possible.

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By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education has approved a contract with RSP &amp; Associates.</p><p>"I don't want you guys to just come in and do another enrollment boundary study," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. I want you to look at it more comprehensively. I gave them five or six different things that I would like for them to study. You have to give a group a great deal of autonomy. It might go a different direction, you just don't know, but it needs to be looked at."</p><p>Included in the project will be an enrollment analysis, current elementary boundary analysis and facilities analysis.</p><p>"They will give us options," said district spokesperson Ray Hemman. "They have given us options in the past. The community group will make a recommendation to the board, the direction the community group thinks we should go."</p><p>There are no preconceived conclusions going into the study, but the goal is to be as efficient with taxpayer dollars as possible.</p>

Consulting contract will not presume direction of changes in USD 308


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The vaccination plan for Reno County will be out later this week.

"It takes just a little bit longer to get all of that information organized," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We want all of the parties okay and accepting of the plan."

People are already asking how they can get on the list.

"We want online registrations for that, so that people can get signed up and even pre-register," Hammersmith said. "That takes just a little bit of work as we're working with different electronic medical records and trying to see what we can do to get those registration links that are out there."

This is all without knowing which vaccine the county might get in the next batch or how much.

"We have our own ICS structure here with emergency preparedness," Hammersmith said. "We've also included our partners in this in the community. We've worked so well together and we want to continue that relationship and make sure that everybody's on the same page as we move forward. We've got meetings set up and we'll continue to meet this week and we'll get that plan out as soon as it is finalized."

The county's plan will still follow the state's overall framework and be dependent on how much vaccine the county gets and they don't know that right now.

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                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The vaccination plan for Reno County will be out later this week.</p><p>"It takes just a little bit longer to get all of that information organized," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We want all of the parties okay and accepting of the plan."</p><p>People are already asking how they can get on the list.</p><p>"We want online registrations for that, so that people can get signed up and even pre-register," Hammersmith said. "That takes just a little bit of work as we're working with different electronic medical records and trying to see what we can do to get those registration links that are out there."</p><p>This is all without knowing which vaccine the county might get in the next batch or how much.</p><p>"We have our own ICS structure here with emergency preparedness," Hammersmith said. "We've also included our partners in this in the community. We've worked so well together and we want to continue that relationship and make sure that everybody's on the same page as we move forward. We've got meetings set up and we'll continue to meet this week and we'll get that plan out as soon as it is finalized."</p><p>The county's plan will still follow the state's overall framework and be dependent on how much vaccine the county gets and they don't know that right now.</p>

Reno County vaccination plan will be out this week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners will be considering putting the commission's policies on public comment and meetings in writing, along with reducing to two meetings in most months, with a third meeting possible in months where there are five Tuesdays. Under the proposal brought forward by County Administrator Randy Partington, the county would meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and the fifth Tuesday when there is one, unless that meeting is canceled by the governing body.

"The number of business items does not change," Partington said. "I guess the amount of work technically by the Commission does not change by having fewer meetings in a month. It just means the meetings may be a little longer when you do meet."

County Commissioner Ron Sellers sees this as giving more autonomy to the professional the county has hired.

"We hire a professional administrator to run the county offices and all the division directors to report to that person," Sellers said. "I feel that the commission should be more into policy than into daily management of the county. If we have a good administrator, he or she should be taking care of the policies that the county commission direct."

New Commissioner Daniel Friesen agreed with Sellers.

"It's hard to see what goes on outside of meetings," Friesen said. "From my time as mayor at the City of Buhler and just my brief time here, it seems like 80% of our work is done individually outside of these meetings and I would not expect that to change, so I think, I believe everyone on this commission has a commitment to continue all of our obligations and this is not a reduction in work, it's a way to increase our efficiency."

Chair Ron Hirst concurred with his colleagues.

"Does this decrease any communication?," Hirst asked. "I agree with my fellow commissioners that I don't believe it does, because I think our administrator has done an excellent job with his weekly reports to us and if we have questions we can do that. Also, it doesn't change anything in our relationship with the citizens of our district or the county, because we're always available, whether its a phone call or whether its an email and we can pass that information on to our administrator or whoever can answer that question."

Final language of the new policy will be brought before the commission at a future meeting, with the intent to pass that final language later this month.

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                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners will be considering putting the commission's policies on public comment and meetings in writing, along with reducing to two meetings in most months, with a third meeting possible in months where there are five Tuesdays. Under the proposal brought forward by County Administrator Randy Partington, the county would meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and the fifth Tuesday when there is one, unless that meeting is canceled by the governing body.</p><p>"The number of business items does not change," Partington said. "I guess the amount of work technically by the Commission does not change by having fewer meetings in a month. It just means the meetings may be a little longer when you do meet."</p><p>County Commissioner Ron Sellers sees this as giving more autonomy to the professional the county has hired.</p><p>"We hire a professional administrator to run the county offices and all the division directors to report to that person," Sellers said. "I feel that the commission should be more into policy than into daily management of the county. If we have a good administrator, he or she should be taking care of the policies that the county commission direct."</p><p>New Commissioner Daniel Friesen agreed with Sellers.</p><p>"It's hard to see what goes on outside of meetings," Friesen said. "From my time as mayor at the City of Buhler and just my brief time here, it seems like 80% of our work is done individually outside of these meetings and I would not expect that to change, so I think, I believe everyone on this commission has a commitment to continue all of our obligations and this is not a reduction in work, it's a way to increase our efficiency."</p><p>Chair Ron Hirst concurred with his colleagues.</p><p>"Does this decrease any communication?," Hirst asked. "I agree with my fellow commissioners that I don't believe it does, because I think our administrator has done an excellent job with his weekly reports to us and if we have questions we can do that. Also, it doesn't change anything in our relationship with the citizens of our district or the county, because we're always available, whether its a phone call or whether its an email and we can pass that information on to our administrator or whoever can answer that question."</p><p>Final language of the new policy will be brought before the commission at a future meeting, with the intent to pass that final language later this month.</p>

County commission discusses meeting changes, will vote later

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Hutchinson Fire Department will be conducting firing operations north and east of Hutchinson. The areas north of Hutchinson will include Plum Street from 69th to 108th Avenues, 82nd Avenue from Plum Street to Monroe Street. 95th Avenue at Halstead to the west for a half a mile. The area east of Hutchinson will include 69th Avenue along the Sandhills State Park, Inverness from Spyglass to 30th Avenue, and 30th Avenue from Cedar Ridge to Kent Road.

A coordinated firing operation will burn out the county/city right of way from the road to the fence lines. Several units will be operating in the area, including Hutchinson fire units, Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County and Hutchinson Public Works, and Kansas Forest Service please use extreme caution in these areas while these units are working. Officers may shut down the road during certain times for the safety of vehicles and workers. 30th Avenue will be opened up no later than 3:00 p.m. to accommodate school traffic.

A burn plan has been developed and amble resources will be available to keep the firing operations under control. Burning will begin January 25th until February 12th. The burn will operate under County burning regulations and is dependent on weather conditions. A late morning to early afternoon start time is expected with no burning occurring after dark. 

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                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Hutchinson Fire Department will be conducting firing operations north and east of Hutchinson. The areas north of Hutchinson will include Plum Street from 69th to 108th Avenues, 82nd Avenue from Plum Street to Monroe Street. 95th Avenue at Halstead to the west for a half a mile. The area east of Hutchinson will include 69th Avenue along the Sandhills State Park, Inverness from Spyglass to 30th Avenue, and 30th Avenue from Cedar Ridge to Kent Road.</p><p>A coordinated firing operation will burn out the county/city right of way from the road to the fence lines. Several units will be operating in the area, including Hutchinson fire units, Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County and Hutchinson Public Works, and Kansas Forest Service please use extreme caution in these areas while these units are working. Officers may shut down the road during certain times for the safety of vehicles and workers. 30th Avenue will be opened up no later than 3:00 p.m. to accommodate school traffic.</p><p>A burn plan has been developed and amble resources will be available to keep the firing operations under control. Burning will begin January 25th until February 12th. The burn will operate under County burning regulations and is dependent on weather conditions. A late morning to early afternoon start time is expected with no burning occurring after dark. </p>

Wildfire Mitigation planned for areas north and east of Hutchinson

Garza elected Mayor, Bagwell Vice-Mayor of Hutchinson for 2021


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King was held Sunday through Hutchinson Community College and available for all to see on Monday via Youtube.&nbsp;

With the pandemic, it was a much different celebration, though it didn’t deter the message King wanted to get out. In the program, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community", Joseph Shepard of Newman University noted that we have much to overcome.

“We are at a pivotal point in our nation, where we must rise up and change the course and trajectory of where we are today,” Shepard said. “We must focus on being put back on the path of civility, decency, justice and equity. Where people are put first, not politics.”

Shepard says that the situation was made worse by a pandemic and a government that refused to cooperate, both Republicans and Democrats.

“Kansans all over our state, unemployed, local businesses closing their doors at unprecedented rates," Shepard said. “The political division from all sides of the aisle continues to drive a wedge between relationships, and the home&nbsp; and our community.”&nbsp;

Representative Jason Probst also spoke. Probst has been very vocal about race relations in the community. He said the solutions come locally.

“I would argue that the answer is up to each of us,” Probst said. “A civil society is the aggregation of the people in it.”

Probst said that the pressure to move ahead for some, or keep the past for others, is the challenge for the community.

“There are always tensions and disagreements,” Probst said. ”Some work to move ahead, to see progress, and equality expanded, others hope to protect the status quo, while others seek to reconstitute a bygone world.”&nbsp;

Police Officer Willie Bowles also spoke of growing up as the son of a black police officer in Kansas City. Bowles says his relationship with the police force has helped both his fellow officers and himself.

“With some of my close friends on the department, I’ve learned that my experience as a black man growing up, they will never experience that,” Bowles said. “But me, explaining all of those experiences...helped them better understand and communicate with the black community, but also in situations where their experience helped me as well.”

The program also included remarks from Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho, and new NAACP President Calvin Wright. As always the Buhler Singers provided entertainment, this year in a virtual performance.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579296800718.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
By
ROD ZOOK</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King was held Sunday through Hutchinson Community College and available for all to see on Monday via Youtube.&nbsp;</p><p>With the pandemic, it was a much different celebration, though it didn’t deter the message King wanted to get out. In the program, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community", Joseph Shepard of Newman University noted that we have much to overcome.</p><p>“We are at a pivotal point in our nation, where we must rise up and change the course and trajectory of where we are today,” Shepard said. “We must focus on being put back on the path of civility, decency, justice and equity. Where people are put first, not politics.”</p><p>Shepard says that the situation was made worse by a pandemic and a government that refused to cooperate, both Republicans and Democrats.</p><p>“Kansans all over our state, unemployed, local businesses closing their doors at unprecedented rates," Shepard said. “The political division from all sides of the aisle continues to drive a wedge between relationships, and the home&nbsp; and our community.”&nbsp;</p><p>Representative Jason Probst also spoke. Probst has been very vocal about race relations in the community. He said the solutions come locally.</p><p>“I would argue that the answer is up to each of us,” Probst said. “A civil society is the aggregation of the people in it.”</p><p>Probst said that the pressure to move ahead for some, or keep the past for others, is the challenge for the community.</p><p>“There are always tensions and disagreements,” Probst said. ”Some work to move ahead, to see progress, and equality expanded, others hope to protect the status quo, while others seek to reconstitute a bygone world.”&nbsp;</p><p>Police Officer Willie Bowles also spoke of growing up as the son of a black police officer in Kansas City. Bowles says his relationship with the police force has helped both his fellow officers and himself.</p><p>“With some of my close friends on the department, I’ve learned that my experience as a black man growing up, they will never experience that,” Bowles said. “But me, explaining all of those experiences...helped them better understand and communicate with the black community, but also in situations where their experience helped me as well.”</p><p>The program also included remarks from Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho, and new NAACP President Calvin Wright. As always the Buhler Singers provided entertainment, this year in a virtual performance.</p>

Gathering may have been virtual but message remains with MLK celebration

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 458 as of Monday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 111.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has seventeen active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 72 active cases. Forty-four people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,188 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 449 cases in the community at large. 6,619 people have recovered thus far.

Eighteen Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred thirty-six total have been hospitalized. Ninety-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 31 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 27.24%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.22%. 35.49% of the population has been tested.

There are now two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 458 as of Monday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 111.</p><p>The Correctional Facility cluster type has seventeen active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 72 active cases. Forty-four people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.</p><p>Out of 7,188 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 449 cases in the community at large. 6,619 people have recovered thus far.</p><p>Eighteen Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred thirty-six total have been hospitalized. Ninety-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 31 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.</p><p>The community's positive test rate is at 27.24%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.22%. 35.49% of the population has been tested.</p><p>There are now two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.</p>

Case count at 458, with 449 as of Monday afternoon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time, Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell will give the annual State of the City address.&nbsp;

Hutchinson AMBUCS and the Hutch Chamber are partnering along with Prairie Independent Living Resource Center to bring the "State of the City" virtual breakfast this Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m.&nbsp; This event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required.&nbsp; Registration is filling up fast.

The event was started by AMBUCS to give then City Manager John Deardoff an opportunity to talk about the past year and how things look for the city going into the following year.

To register go to <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">hutchchamber.com</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592409609109.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time, Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell will give the annual State of the City address.&nbsp;</p><p>Hutchinson AMBUCS and the Hutch Chamber are partnering along with Prairie Independent Living Resource Center to bring the "State of the City" virtual breakfast this Wednesday, at 8:30 a.m.&nbsp; This event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required.&nbsp; Registration is filling up fast.</p><p>The event was started by AMBUCS to give then City Manager John Deardoff an opportunity to talk about the past year and how things look for the city going into the following year.</p><p>To register go to <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">hutchchamber.com</a>.</p>

State of the City set for Wednesday

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will have its regular agenda session one day later than usual because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Like the city of Hutchinson, the South Hutchinson City Council will take action on the revised floodplain management ordinance. This is due to FEMA regulations regarding the levee system that protects the city.

The council will also take action on a proposal to pay Maxfield Cleaning $600 per month along with any money from deposits for the community building that are withheld from renters. The council will also discuss an update to reflect changes for fireworks stands.

Tuesday’s meeting of the South Hutchinson City Council begins at 7 p.m. at the Community Building at 101 W. Ave. C.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611007525149.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will have its regular agenda session one day later than usual because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.</p><p>Like the city of Hutchinson, the South Hutchinson City Council will take action on the revised floodplain management ordinance. This is due to FEMA regulations regarding the levee system that protects the city.</p><p>The council will also take action on a proposal to pay Maxfield Cleaning $600 per month along with any money from deposits for the community building that are withheld from renters. The council will also discuss an update to reflect changes for fireworks stands.</p><p>Tuesday’s meeting of the South Hutchinson City Council begins at 7 p.m. at the Community Building at 101 W. Ave. C.</p>

South Hutchinson City Council to take action on floodplain ordinance

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After gaining some traction in getting empty spaces filled, Uptown Hutch is losing a store. Christopher &amp; Banks, which just opened at the mall last spring, is closing down for good along with most, if not all, of its stores.

The Minneapolis-based company announced last week it filed for Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.&nbsp;

Store closing sales have begun at all Christopher &amp; Banks stores nationwide with discounts 40% to 60% off the original prices. The company says it hopes to find a buyer for online business and related assets.

Christopher &amp; Banks had two stores at Uptown Hutch before closing down both of them in 2013. Then in January of 2020, the store chain announced it was coming back to the mall with one store.

The business opened just as the pandemic ratcheted up, forcing stores to close.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611003664699.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After gaining some traction in getting empty spaces filled, Uptown Hutch is losing a store. Christopher &amp; Banks, which just opened at the mall last spring, is closing down for good along with most, if not all, of its stores.</p><p>The Minneapolis-based company announced last week it filed for Chapter 11 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.&nbsp;</p><p>Store closing sales have begun at all Christopher &amp; Banks stores nationwide with discounts 40% to 60% off the original prices. The company says it hopes to find a buyer for online business and related assets.</p><p>Christopher &amp; Banks had two stores at Uptown Hutch before closing down both of them in 2013. Then in January of 2020, the store chain announced it was coming back to the mall with one store.</p><p>The business opened just as the pandemic ratcheted up, forcing stores to close.</p>

Christopher & Banks closing all stores

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Doug Wright, CEO of Superior Boiler, has been named Chair of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association. Wright will serve a two-year term in the role.

“In 2020, effective organizations pivoted quickly to respond to the innumerable changes inflicted by COVID-19,” Wright said. “ABMA did this ably, helping its members manage the impacts of the pandemic. Despite the unprecedented challenges, ABMA remains as strong as ever – the leading voice in the boiler manufacturing and heat recovery industry. I’m proud to serve as its Chair for the next two years and excited to have this platform, along with my fellow board members and ABMA leadership, to continue raising industry visibility and influence.”

With ABMA staff, Wright will be involved in developing BOILER 2022 – ABMA Boiler Conference &amp; Expo, a two-day trade show and educational event that is the first of its kind. Scheduled April 11-13, 2022, the event will share the latest boiler technology advances and educate on all facets of the boiler room. It is part of a strategic initiative for ABMA that shifts the focus to the end users of boiler products.

Wright said ABMA will continue to support its membership on regulatory issues while advancing technology.

“During Doug’s tenure on the board, ABMA has benefitted from his vision and leadership,” ABMA President and CEO Scott Lynch said. “ABMA is fortunate to have Doug ascend to the role of Chair, and I look forward to partnering with him to advance the association and boiler industry over the next two years.”

Superior is in the middle of relocating its Richmond, Virginia, facilities to Hutchinson with hopes to begin moving into the expanded location this spring.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611000118252.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Doug Wright, CEO of Superior Boiler, has been named Chair of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association. Wright will serve a two-year term in the role.</p><p>“In 2020, effective organizations pivoted quickly to respond to the innumerable changes inflicted by COVID-19,” Wright said. “ABMA did this ably, helping its members manage the impacts of the pandemic. Despite the unprecedented challenges, ABMA remains as strong as ever – the leading voice in the boiler manufacturing and heat recovery industry. I’m proud to serve as its Chair for the next two years and excited to have this platform, along with my fellow board members and ABMA leadership, to continue raising industry visibility and influence.”</p><p>With ABMA staff, Wright will be involved in developing BOILER 2022 – ABMA Boiler Conference &amp; Expo, a two-day trade show and educational event that is the first of its kind. Scheduled April 11-13, 2022, the event will share the latest boiler technology advances and educate on all facets of the boiler room. It is part of a strategic initiative for ABMA that shifts the focus to the end users of boiler products.</p><p>Wright said ABMA will continue to support its membership on regulatory issues while advancing technology.</p><p>“During Doug’s tenure on the board, ABMA has benefitted from his vision and leadership,” ABMA President and CEO Scott Lynch said. “ABMA is fortunate to have Doug ascend to the role of Chair, and I look forward to partnering with him to advance the association and boiler industry over the next two years.”</p><p>Superior is in the middle of relocating its Richmond, Virginia, facilities to Hutchinson with hopes to begin moving into the expanded location this spring.</p>

Wright named Chair of ABMA

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.</p><p>Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.</p>

Recent obituaries


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; A majority of the Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education members will participate in a Coherent Governance training from 4 to 7 p.m. today in the Professional Learning Center at Hutchinson High School. 

This is not a Board meeting. As such, no action will be taken. The next regular study session meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; A majority of the Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education members will participate in a Coherent Governance training from 4 to 7 p.m. today in the Professional Learning Center at Hutchinson High School. </p><p>This is not a Board meeting. As such, no action will be taken. The next regular study session meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy.</p>

USD 308 Board members training today at Hutch High

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will hold a final public hearing and then take
action on the revised floodplain maps during Tuesday’s agenda session.

Updates to the floodplain maps began in the Summer of 2017. The flood maps were updated as a requirement of finalizing the levee system
accreditation.

&nbsp;A public open house
was held in April 2018 to introduce the proposed maps to the public and solicit
public comment. A three-month appeal period was opened by FEMA in July 2019.
After the three month appeal period, the maps were reviewed and finalized by FEMA.&nbsp; A Letter of Final Determination (LFD) was
sent to the Mayor and staff in July of last year. &nbsp;The LFD requires the City to conduct a public
hearing and adopt a revised floodplain ordinance, the maps, and the Flood
Insurance study within six months of the letter. The new maps and study will
become effective on January 29, 2021.

The revised maps add over 200 properties to the floodplain,
most south of downtown Hutchinson along Cow Creek. A small number of properties
have been removed from the floodplain due to improved modeling. 

Federal law requires that properties with federally backed
mortgages obtain flood insurance, and all property owners are encouraged to
look at obtaining flood insurance, as flood damage is not covered in other
insurance policies. Currently, there are 31 active flood insurance policies in
the city. That number will likely increase with the passage of the revised map.

Tuesday’s City Council
meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices. The public can watch the meeting on Youtube.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610986634844.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will hold a final public hearing and then take
action on the revised floodplain maps during Tuesday’s agenda session.</p><p>Updates to the floodplain maps began in the Summer of 2017. The flood maps were updated as a requirement of finalizing the levee system
accreditation.</p><p>&nbsp;A public open house
was held in April 2018 to introduce the proposed maps to the public and solicit
public comment. A three-month appeal period was opened by FEMA in July 2019.
After the three month appeal period, the maps were reviewed and finalized by FEMA.&nbsp; A Letter of Final Determination (LFD) was
sent to the Mayor and staff in July of last year. &nbsp;The LFD requires the City to conduct a public
hearing and adopt a revised floodplain ordinance, the maps, and the Flood
Insurance study within six months of the letter. The new maps and study will
become effective on January 29, 2021.</p><p>The revised maps add over 200 properties to the floodplain,
most south of downtown Hutchinson along Cow Creek. A small number of properties
have been removed from the floodplain due to improved modeling. </p><p>Federal law requires that properties with federally backed
mortgages obtain flood insurance, and all property owners are encouraged to
look at obtaining flood insurance, as flood damage is not covered in other
insurance policies. Currently, there are 31 active flood insurance policies in
the city. That number will likely increase with the passage of the revised map.</p><p>Tuesday’s City Council
meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices. The public can watch the meeting on Youtube.</p>

City Council to take action on revised floodplain


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch notes that basketball season is different this year for the Blue Dragons and for fans.

"The first basketball games will be here at home for us on January 22, it's a Friday night, a 5:30 and 7:30 p.m start," Gooch said. "Unfortunately, this year and at this point in time, through the month of January, no fans are going to be allowed to attend our games."

Because of that, the college has worked on making it easier for fans to watch on the internet.

"We have really done a great job, I think, of upgrading our live stream platform," Gooch said. "Steve Carpenter, our Sports Information Director has worked with our IT department to provide a high quality stream and I know our fans will look forward to hearing the calls for those."

In early February, the KJCCC Presidents will re-convene to discuss the future of fans after February 5th. Ticket information will be finalized when spectator amounts and dates are decided.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588955468734.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch notes that basketball season is different this year for the Blue Dragons and for fans.</p><p>"The first basketball games will be here at home for us on January 22, it's a Friday night, a 5:30 and 7:30 p.m start," Gooch said. "Unfortunately, this year and at this point in time, through the month of January, no fans are going to be allowed to attend our games."</p><p>Because of that, the college has worked on making it easier for fans to watch on the internet.</p><p>"We have really done a great job, I think, of upgrading our live stream platform," Gooch said. "Steve Carpenter, our Sports Information Director has worked with our IT department to provide a high quality stream and I know our fans will look forward to hearing the calls for those."</p><p>In early February, the KJCCC Presidents will re-convene to discuss the future of fans after February 5th. Ticket information will be finalized when spectator amounts and dates are decided.</p>

No fans at HutchCC games until at least February 5, season opens Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced that a
portion of Poplar Street between 8th
and 9th Avenue will be closed on Wednesday.

Crews will be doing tree removal and curb repairs in that area. The
street is expected to reopen on Wednesday evening.

If you have any questions on this or any other street project, contact Hutchinson Public Works at 694-1900.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564171611598.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced that a
portion of Poplar Street between 8th
and 9th Avenue will be closed on Wednesday.</p><p>Crews will be doing tree removal and curb repairs in that area. The
street is expected to reopen on Wednesday evening.</p><p>If you have any questions on this or any other street project, contact Hutchinson Public Works at 694-1900.</p>

Small portion of Poplar to close on Wednesday

<i>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher</i>

We just completed the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 102nd Convention, virtually. It went as well as it could have, there were a few things that were a little wonky. By the way, wonky is my new favorite pandemic word and really is a good descriptor of most of what has happened because of the pandemic. But I digress, the annual meeting and convention was different, but it did bring a certain amount of normalcy in a time that is anything but normal.

It was good to hear debate on issues surfaced by our members from across the United States. I find these debates fascinating. I know, I am weird that way but often I learn about issues facing different regions I did not know about before. I also find out different regions can view the same issue very differently, and they may even be on opposite sides of the same issue. It can lead to a lot of debate and discussion, but that is what makes Farm Bureau so great.

I have heard Farm Bureau described as a “big tent” organization, and I think that is a great way to describe our organization. It would be my wish that all of you could attend an AFBF convention so you could get a taste of all the types of ag, viewpoints and opinions we represent. Every commodity and method of production have a place at the table.  All the policy in our book comes from grassroots members in counties in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Every piece of policy we have at the state or national level started in a county board meeting somewhere, and that is something to be proud of.

That is why I say listening to the debate and discussion from the business meeting made things seem just a little more normal. I must say my seat was more comfortable, the coffee was much better and cheaper but watching it all, by myself was not right and is something I hope we never do again. However, I could imagine myself back in that crowded convention room listening to the meeting, and that’s a good thing.

We are an organization that thrives on relationships, and I miss the conversations we did not have at our usual meetings. We have a lot of catching up to do when this is all over and we return to normal.

Virtually is not how we like or prefer to get our work done, but as all of us in agriculture know, the work must be done. I am proud of the way that we adapted and overcame the challenges this pandemic threw our way; I think we made the best out of a bad situation, and I applaud all who made it happen. It was not easy or natural, but we pulled it off.  Until we beat this virus, and I know we will, we will have to embrace the new virtual normal even if it is a bit wonky.

"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><p><i>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher</i></p><p>We just completed the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 102nd Convention, virtually. It went as well as it could have, there were a few things that were a little wonky. By the way, wonky is my new favorite pandemic word and really is a good descriptor of most of what has happened because of the pandemic. But I digress, the annual meeting and convention was different, but it did bring a certain amount of normalcy in a time that is anything but normal.</p><p>It was good to hear debate on issues surfaced by our members from across the United States. I find these debates fascinating. I know, I am weird that way but often I learn about issues facing different regions I did not know about before. I also find out different regions can view the same issue very differently, and they may even be on opposite sides of the same issue. It can lead to a lot of debate and discussion, but that is what makes Farm Bureau so great.</p><p>I have heard Farm Bureau described as a “big tent” organization, and I think that is a great way to describe our organization. It would be my wish that all of you could attend an AFBF convention so you could get a taste of all the types of ag, viewpoints and opinions we represent. Every commodity and method of production have a place at the table.  All the policy in our book comes from grassroots members in counties in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Every piece of policy we have at the state or national level started in a county board meeting somewhere, and that is something to be proud of.</p><p>That is why I say listening to the debate and discussion from the business meeting made things seem just a little more normal. I must say my seat was more comfortable, the coffee was much better and cheaper but watching it all, by myself was not right and is something I hope we never do again. However, I could imagine myself back in that crowded convention room listening to the meeting, and that’s a good thing.</p><p>We are an organization that thrives on relationships, and I miss the conversations we did not have at our usual meetings. We have a lot of catching up to do when this is all over and we return to normal.</p><p>Virtually is not how we like or prefer to get our work done, but as all of us in agriculture know, the work must be done. I am proud of the way that we adapted and overcame the challenges this pandemic threw our way; I think we made the best out of a bad situation, and I applaud all who made it happen. It was not easy or natural, but we pulled it off.  Until we beat this virus, and I know we will, we will have to embrace the new virtual normal even if it is a bit wonky.</p><p>"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. </p><p>Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.</p>

Insight: Inside the Big Tent

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — After many months and hours being put in by the Reno County Planning
Commission, the County Commission will get its first full look at regulations
connected to wind farms during a&nbsp; special study session Tuesday
afternoon. 

The proposed regulations come after the county responded to the negative reaction
from the public regarding a proposed wind farm near Cheney Reservoir.

At that time, the Commission stressed to the Planning Department that they want regulations
that would allow for wind production and not kill off such proposals. 

That still isn't sitting
well with those opposed to wind turbines.&nbsp;
Most were hoping for a complete ban on wind farms much like Sedgwick
County has done.

Tuesday’s
meeting begins at 4 p.m. at Reno County Public Works. No public seating will be
available. The meeting can be viewed on the County's Youtube page.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1567772327040.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — After many months and hours being put in by the Reno County Planning
Commission, the County Commission will get its first full look at regulations
connected to wind farms during a&nbsp; special study session Tuesday
afternoon. </p><p>The proposed regulations come after the county responded to the negative reaction
from the public regarding a proposed wind farm near Cheney Reservoir.</p><p>At that time, the Commission stressed to the Planning Department that they want regulations
that would allow for wind production and not kill off such proposals. </p><p>That still isn't sitting
well with those opposed to wind turbines.&nbsp;
Most were hoping for a complete ban on wind farms much like Sedgwick
County has done.</p><p>Tuesday’s
meeting begins at 4 p.m. at Reno County Public Works. No public seating will be
available. The meeting can be viewed on the County's Youtube page.</p>

Board of Reno County Commissioners to hold wind farm regs study session Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A proposed abortion-related amendment that proponents are calling the Value Them Both amendment will likely be voted on by the Kansas Legislature in the coming weeks. The amendment is in response to a Kansas Supreme Court decision that found that abortion is guaranteed in the state constitution. State Representative Paul Waggoner notes that previous work by the Legislature could be undone by that ruling.

"The effect of it for Kansas is that you can't regulate, or provide any sort of oversight to abortion industry, to the procedure," Waggoner said. "A lot of the things that we'd passed about parental notification, about 24-hour waiting period, about you can't have government funding of abortion, would effectively be overturned by what the Supreme Court did."

The amendment, as proposed, would go to the voters in August of 2022.

"That's the only way you can actually change or overturn what the Kansas Supreme Court did," Waggoner said. "People again, need to understand, this isn't a total discussion about the question of abortion. All this really does is get us back legally to where we were in 2018."

Part of the reason this amendment was not on the 2020 ballot was because Republican legislators could not agree on whether or not it should be on a primary ballot or the general election ballot.

"Everybody can vote on a primary ballot," Waggoner said. "You don't have to be a Republican or Democrat to vote. It's an open issue. There is nothing that prevents anybody from voting. You know it's going to help drive a lot of votes, just simply because the pro and con side on this issue will certainly be advertising heavily."

It is believed that the Republican caucus is more likely to remain unified on this than it was last time, and if that is the case, there would be the necessary two-thirds majorities to put the amendment on the ballot.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587035426296.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>
By
NICK GOSNELL</p><p>
<i>Hutch
Post</i></p><p>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A proposed abortion-related amendment that proponents are calling the Value Them Both amendment will likely be voted on by the Kansas Legislature in the coming weeks. The amendment is in response to a Kansas Supreme Court decision that found that abortion is guaranteed in the state constitution. State Representative Paul Waggoner notes that previous work by the Legislature could be undone by that ruling.</p><p>"The effect of it for Kansas is that you can't regulate, or provide any sort of oversight to abortion industry, to the procedure," Waggoner said. "A lot of the things that we'd passed about parental notification, about 24-hour waiting period, about you can't have government funding of abortion, would effectively be overturned by what the Supreme Court did."</p><p>The amendment, as proposed, would go to the voters in August of 2022.</p><p>"That's the only way you can actually change or overturn what the Kansas Supreme Court did," Waggoner said. "People again, need to understand, this isn't a total discussion about the question of abortion. All this really does is get us back legally to where we were in 2018."</p><p>Part of the reason this amendment was not on the 2020 ballot was because Republican legislators could not agree on whether or not it should be on a primary ballot or the general election ballot.</p><p>"Everybody can vote on a primary ballot," Waggoner said. "You don't have to be a Republican or Democrat to vote. It's an open issue. There is nothing that prevents anybody from voting. You know it's going to help drive a lot of votes, just simply because the pro and con side on this issue will certainly be advertising heavily."</p><p>It is believed that the Republican caucus is more likely to remain unified on this than it was last time, and if that is the case, there would be the necessary two-thirds majorities to put the amendment on the ballot.</p>

Waggoner: Constitutional amendment to be considered soon

Board of Reno County Commissioners to discuss holding fewer meetings

KINGMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30 p.m. Sunday in Kingman County.

THe Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford F250 driven by 34-year-old Luke Edward Rohlman of Pretty Prairie was northbound on Kansas 11 at NW 20th Street.

The pickup attempted to pass a northbound 2011 Ford Focus driven by 82-year-old Anna L. Smith of Kingman who was slowing to make a left turn. The pickup struck the Focus in the driver side door.

EMS transported Smith to the hospital in Kingman. Rohlman was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained a the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592922810332.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KINGMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30 p.m. Sunday in Kingman County.</p><p>THe Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford F250 driven by 34-year-old Luke Edward Rohlman of Pretty Prairie was northbound on Kansas 11 at NW 20th Street.</p><p>The pickup attempted to pass a northbound 2011 Ford Focus driven by 82-year-old Anna L. Smith of Kingman who was slowing to make a left turn. The pickup struck the Focus in the driver side door.</p><p>EMS transported Smith to the hospital in Kingman. Rohlman was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained a the time of the accident, according to the KHP.</p>

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