KYLE MCCASKEY Harvey County PIO

NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission announced the resignation of Harvey County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber at their commission meeting Tuesday. Swartzendruber will continue in the role through Dec. 27. 

"It has been a privilege to serve and work for the citizens of Harvey County. This was not an easy decision for me, but I am excited about the future," Swartzendruber said. "Our County has tremendous working relationships with organizations and economic partners across the region. I also feel our staff is second-to-none. I will miss the many friends and partners I have gotten the opportunity to work alongside the past 14 years, but Harvey County has a bright future and remains in good hands."

Swartzendruber began his career with Harvey County in 2010. He became the administrator in 2017.

The Commission will discuss the administrator vacancy in the coming weeks. The commissioners and the staff of Harvey County are grateful for Anthony's leadership over many years. We wish him the best in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731580049021.jpeg" alt="Harvey County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber" />
 <figcaption>Harvey County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber</figcaption>
 </figure>KYLE MCCASKEY Harvey County PIONEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission announced the resignation of Harvey County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber at their commission meeting Tuesday. Swartzendruber will continue in the role through Dec. 27. "It has been a privilege to serve and work for the citizens of Harvey County. This was not an easy decision for me, but I am excited about the future," Swartzendruber said. "Our County has tremendous working relationships with organizations and economic partners across the region. I also feel our staff is second-to-none. I will miss the many friends and partners I have gotten the opportunity to work alongside the past 14 years, but Harvey County has a bright future and remains in good hands."Swartzendruber began his career with Harvey County in 2010. He became the administrator in 2017.The Commission will discuss the administrator vacancy in the coming weeks. The commissioners and the staff of Harvey County are grateful for Anthony's leadership over many years. We wish him the best in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvey County needs new administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Future Caucus announced the recipients of its seventh annual Rising Star Awards, which recognize Gen Z and millennial state lawmakers who embody the organization’s mission to transcend political tribalism by driving innovative, bipartisan legislation that addresses priority issues for their constituents and states. 

On November 20, the 2024 Rising Star Awards will be presented in Washington, DC to two lawmakers: Kansas State Representative Tory Blew (R) and New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores (D). Both serve as co-chairs of their respective State Future Caucus. The organization will also present its Generational Changemaker Award to businesswoman and socialite Paris Hilton, for her commitment to criminal justice reform and accountability for youth residential facilities, and to actor and producer Sophia Bush, for her commitment to voter education and civic engagement.

Rep. Blew, who filed for candidacy during her senior year of college and was elected at age 23,  has represented Kansas’ 112th State House District since 2017. Blew was selected for the award based both on her long history of cultivating bipartisan partnerships to advance the shared interests of all young Kansans, as well as for her recent efforts to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation and increase criminal penalties and require restitution for animal abuse against dogs and horses.

In 2021, Rep. Blew and her Kansas State Future Caucus co-chairs—Rep. Rui Xu (D), Rep. Brandon Woodard (D), and Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R)—were recipients of the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition for bipartisan work that has been my focus from day one,” said Rep. Blew. “At its core, this role is about listening and finding common ground that serves Kansans across the board, especially the young people who will define our future. I’m grateful to Future Caucus for championing this collaborative vision.”

“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to recognize Rep. Blew’s years of dedication to bipartisan public service with Future Caucus’ annual Rising Star Award,” said Future Caucus president and CEO Layla Zaidane. “Rep. Blew has consistently prioritized results over partisanship, embodying the spirit of public service and always putting Kansans first. She is not only willing, but enthusiastic to engage with those who bring different backgrounds and perspectives to the work of governing, always seeking humanity and commonality in moments of disagreement.”

Blew won election to Kansas Senate District 33 earlier this month. She will take that seat in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711725198885.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tory Marie Blew for SenateWASHINGTON, D.C. — Future Caucus announced the recipients of its seventh annual Rising Star Awards, which recognize Gen Z and millennial state lawmakers who embody the organization’s mission to transcend political tribalism by driving innovative, bipartisan legislation that addresses priority issues for their constituents and states. On November 20, the 2024 Rising Star Awards will be presented in Washington, DC to two lawmakers: Kansas State Representative Tory Blew (R) and New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores (D). Both serve as co-chairs of their respective State Future Caucus. The organization will also present its Generational Changemaker Award to businesswoman and socialite Paris Hilton, for her commitment to criminal justice reform and accountability for youth residential facilities, and to actor and producer Sophia Bush, for her commitment to voter education and civic engagement.Rep. Blew, who filed for candidacy during her senior year of college and was elected at age 23, has represented Kansas’ 112th State House District since 2017. Blew was selected for the award based both on her long history of cultivating bipartisan partnerships to advance the shared interests of all young Kansans, as well as for her recent efforts to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation and increase criminal penalties and require restitution for animal abuse against dogs and horses.In 2021, Rep. Blew and her Kansas State Future Caucus co-chairs—Rep. Rui Xu (D), Rep. Brandon Woodard (D), and Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R)—were recipients of the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award.“It’s an honor to receive this recognition for bipartisan work that has been my focus from day one,” said Rep. Blew. “At its core, this role is about listening and finding common ground that serves Kansans across the board, especially the young people who will define our future. I’m grateful to Future Caucus for championing this collaborative vision.”“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to recognize Rep. Blew’s years of dedication to bipartisan public service with Future Caucus’ annual Rising Star Award,” said Future Caucus president and CEO Layla Zaidane. “Rep. Blew has consistently prioritized results over partisanship, embodying the spirit of public service and always putting Kansans first. She is not only willing, but enthusiastic to engage with those who bring different backgrounds and perspectives to the work of governing, always seeking humanity and commonality in moments of disagreement.”Blew won election to Kansas Senate District 33 earlier this month. She will take that seat in January.

Blew to receive national award

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

11/14/2024 3:04 AM-Trevon	Micah Brisco-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

11/14/2024 12:33 AM-William	David Kateley-Probation Violation&nbsp;

11/13/2024 9:37 PM-Jaedan	Taylor Snell-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

11/13/2024 9:37 PM-Zachary	Carlos Mountain-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

11/13/2024 6:51 PM-Richard	Allen Young-Electronic Solicitation; Believes Child to be 14-15YOA; Indecent Solicitation of a Child; To commit or Submit to an unlawful sexual act; Sexual Exploitation of Child; Offender &gt;18 promote performance &lt; 14; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision; Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case&nbsp;

11/13/2024 2:25 PM-Desiree Jensen-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

11/13/2024 12:50 PM-Marvin	Eugene McClelland Jr.-Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon&nbsp;

11/13/2024 11:23 AM-Candelario	Jaime Gonzales-Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation

11/13/2024 10:13 AM-Ryan	Anthony Chaffin-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11/14/2024 3:04 AM-Trevon	Micah Brisco-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+11/14/2024 12:33 AM-William	David Kateley-Probation Violation&nbsp;11/13/2024 9:37 PM-Jaedan	Taylor Snell-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)11/13/2024 9:37 PM-Zachary	Carlos Mountain-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,00011/13/2024 6:51 PM-Richard	Allen Young-Electronic Solicitation; Believes Child to be 14-15YOA; Indecent Solicitation of a Child; To commit or Submit to an unlawful sexual act; Sexual Exploitation of Child; Offender &gt;18 promote performance &lt; 14; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision; Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case&nbsp;11/13/2024 2:25 PM-Desiree Jensen-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;11/13/2024 12:50 PM-Marvin	Eugene McClelland Jr.-Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon&nbsp;11/13/2024 11:23 AM-Candelario	Jaime Gonzales-Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation11/13/2024 10:13 AM-Ryan	Anthony Chaffin-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners in Reno County passed on Wednesday what one of the commissioners said is one of the most important things to ever come before that body.&nbsp;

"This was drafted by a group called the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition, which I've worked with primarily in Barton County," said Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman. "It's a response to the concern a lot of county local government has had about federal agencies getting involved in conservation of land and water resources, and very specifically to be honest, it's a reaction to the situation at the Quivira Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, which does have at least one or two sections into Reno County. But what it does is, by resolution, puts in place a procedure for Reno County to require a federal agency to go through what they call coordination with us if in the future there is ever a federal agency action which we did not agree with."

There isn't a specific issue right now that this has raised, but they want to get it covered.

"The federal agencies are required under federal statutes to coordinate with local agencies, but only if there is a written resolution in place that requires them to do so," Hoffman said. "By adopting this today, there would be no immediate result from it, however, if ever in the future any of the federal agencies that might be involved in water policy in Reno County took an action that the commissioners in the future did not agree with, we could request and require them to come to a meeting like this one and explain their actions and answer questions and be held accountable for it. So I believe, in my opinion, it's a good thing to put in place just in case that ever happened."

Commissioner Don Bogner was all for the action.

"If we don't OK this, we've stripped ourselves certain city entities and individuals of Reno County, we've stripped ourselves and them of their right to ask for public hearings and other meetings," Bogner said. "I think it's one of the most important things that's ever come before us. And if we fail to pass this, we have hurt ourselves, our cities, and our individual voters of certain rights that they have under the law by not passing this, and anybody that's involved in farming knows about the takeover by federal agencies."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731517342377.jpeg" alt="Reno County Courthouse in Fall-Photo by Sandra Milburn" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Courthouse in Fall-Photo by Sandra Milburn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners in Reno County passed on Wednesday what one of the commissioners said is one of the most important things to ever come before that body.&nbsp;"This was drafted by a group called the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition, which I've worked with primarily in Barton County," said Reno County Counselor Patrick Hoffman. "It's a response to the concern a lot of county local government has had about federal agencies getting involved in conservation of land and water resources, and very specifically to be honest, it's a reaction to the situation at the Quivira Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, which does have at least one or two sections into Reno County. But what it does is, by resolution, puts in place a procedure for Reno County to require a federal agency to go through what they call coordination with us if in the future there is ever a federal agency action which we did not agree with."There isn't a specific issue right now that this has raised, but they want to get it covered."The federal agencies are required under federal statutes to coordinate with local agencies, but only if there is a written resolution in place that requires them to do so," Hoffman said. "By adopting this today, there would be no immediate result from it, however, if ever in the future any of the federal agencies that might be involved in water policy in Reno County took an action that the commissioners in the future did not agree with, we could request and require them to come to a meeting like this one and explain their actions and answer questions and be held accountable for it. So I believe, in my opinion, it's a good thing to put in place just in case that ever happened."Commissioner Don Bogner was all for the action."If we don't OK this, we've stripped ourselves certain city entities and individuals of Reno County, we've stripped ourselves and them of their right to ask for public hearings and other meetings," Bogner said. "I think it's one of the most important things that's ever come before us. And if we fail to pass this, we have hurt ourselves, our cities, and our individual voters of certain rights that they have under the law by not passing this, and anybody that's involved in farming knows about the takeover by federal agencies."The resolution passed unanimously.

County board passes federal explanation resolution

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to a social media post from Reno County Treasurer Richele Calvert, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Tag Department computers at the Reno County Annex will be down for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. 

This downtime will allow the completion of State of Kansas required data system upgrades to facilitate a faster connection with the state.  This notice is being provided to allow customers the opportunity to plan their visit to our office accordingly.  

They are hoping to be back up and running smoothly by 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Thank you for your understanding. Have a wonderful day!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629300596422.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to a social media post from Reno County Treasurer Richele Calvert, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Tag Department computers at the Reno County Annex will be down for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. This downtime will allow the completion of State of Kansas required data system upgrades to facilitate a faster connection with the state. This notice is being provided to allow customers the opportunity to plan their visit to our office accordingly. They are hoping to be back up and running smoothly by 2:30 p.m. Thursday.Thank you for your understanding. Have a wonderful day!

Tag office computers down Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is once again going through the process of a Community Health Assessment.

"The Community Health Assessment is an assessment that partners here in Reno County do every three years to assess health in the places where they live, learn, work, and play," said Megan Gottschalk-Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "I like to think of it as a way where partners take the temperature about what's happening in health around our community and what we can do better and what we're already doing well."

There will be multiple ways to contribute to the assessment.

"We're choosing to do kind of a four-pronged approach this year," Gottschalk-Hammersmith said. "We're going to <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/0545d0323add4655a7dfebe6077a6fb6">kick off the survey this year, and it has to be done in 2025</a>. We'll be kicking off a consensus survey that will be <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/0545d0323add4655a7dfebe6077a6fb6">online</a>. So, we're going to be releasing that via social media, and it can be sent out to friends and family. It should take about five to 10 minutes to complete. We're hoping to have about a thousand individuals complete that. And then, from there, after that, we will be doing a partner survey and holding some focus groups around the priorities that come out of the consensus survey."

The Reno County Health Department will use the data to inform its decision making over the following three years.

"The last iteration of the community health assessment, our priorities were substance misuse, mental health, transportation, childcare, and access to food,"&nbsp;Gottschalk-Hammersmith said. "Communities work on those particular priorities through grassroots efforts, through coalitions, and we put programs into place to save lives."

The online assessment is open through the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724867426943.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is once again going through the process of a Community Health Assessment."The Community Health Assessment is an assessment that partners here in Reno County do every three years to assess health in the places where they live, learn, work, and play," said Megan Gottschalk-Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "I like to think of it as a way where partners take the temperature about what's happening in health around our community and what we can do better and what we're already doing well."There will be multiple ways to contribute to the assessment."We're choosing to do kind of a four-pronged approach this year," Gottschalk-Hammersmith said. "We're going to <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/0545d0323add4655a7dfebe6077a6fb6">kick off the survey this year, and it has to be done in 2025</a>. We'll be kicking off a consensus survey that will be <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/0545d0323add4655a7dfebe6077a6fb6">online</a>. So, we're going to be releasing that via social media, and it can be sent out to friends and family. It should take about five to 10 minutes to complete. We're hoping to have about a thousand individuals complete that. And then, from there, after that, we will be doing a partner survey and holding some focus groups around the priorities that come out of the consensus survey."The Reno County Health Department will use the data to inform its decision making over the following three years."The last iteration of the community health assessment, our priorities were substance misuse, mental health, transportation, childcare, and access to food,"&nbsp;Gottschalk-Hammersmith said. "Communities work on those particular priorities through grassroots efforts, through coalitions, and we put programs into place to save lives."The online assessment is open through the end of the year.

Community Health Assessment begins with online survey

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nov. 21 through Dec. 1, the Hutchinson Police Department will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state for the Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. 

Although all Kansas traffic laws will be enforced, this extra provision will be actively enforcing the occupant protection laws. 

The Hutchinson Police Department will also provide education that serves as a reminder that buckling up saves lives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688388983573.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nov. 21 through Dec. 1, the Hutchinson Police Department will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state for the Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. Although all Kansas traffic laws will be enforced, this extra provision will be actively enforcing the occupant protection laws. The Hutchinson Police Department will also provide education that serves as a reminder that buckling up saves lives.

Hutch PD participating in Thanksgiving enforcement

Department for Children and Families

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that Kansans needing assistance with winter energy bills will be able to begin applying for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Monday, Nov. 18.&nbsp;Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

“Kansas winters can be harsh and unpredictable. When temperatures fall, heating bills rise. By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, we’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2024, over 40,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of $645.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home's heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.&nbsp;The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

DCF and partnering energy companies are planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FDocuments%2FEnergy%2FLIEAP%2520Events%2520English.pdf/1/0101019321f82298-1ea65dde-3075-4519-86c6-ca7e0341a191-000000/2fByyLHzHIj7_4Wfer0hXJDi8YMivJpyOETyWmX11YY=379" target="_blank">dcf.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;Kansans applying for LIEAP should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if living in subsidized housing (a complete list of required information can be found in the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.dcf.ks.gov%2Fees%2FKEESM%2FLIEAP%2FLIEAP_FAQ.pdf/1/0101019321f82298-1ea65dde-3075-4519-86c6-ca7e0341a191-000000/xP18zT1fZznVjwImk6gLoabLXm6-dgm4rFP2iS1rJ_Y=379" target="_blank">FAQ document</a>). Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services, and Midwest Energy, may attend LIEAP application events in their service areas.

Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%25E2%2580%258B/1/0101019321f82298-1ea65dde-3075-4519-86c6-ca7e0341a191-000000/xRrn0BDfsolaWOnQdOgSK9Diren8s3FzSKYby7JkEAE=379" target="_blank">dcf.ks.gov ​</a>by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.&nbsp;LIEAP applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 18 until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588195629664.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Department for Children and FamiliesTOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that Kansans needing assistance with winter energy bills will be able to begin applying for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Monday, Nov. 18.&nbsp;Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.“Kansas winters can be harsh and unpredictable. When temperatures fall, heating bills rise. By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, we’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2024, over 40,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of $645.To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home's heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.&nbsp;The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.DCF and partnering energy companies are planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FDocuments%2FEnergy%2FLIEAP%2520Events%2520English.pdf/1/0101019321f82298-1ea65dde-3075-4519-86c6-ca7e0341a191-000000/2fByyLHzHIj7_4Wfer0hXJDi8YMivJpyOETyWmX11YY=379" target="_blank">dcf.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;Kansans applying for LIEAP should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if living in subsidized housing (a complete list of required information can be found in the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.dcf.ks.gov%2Fees%2FKEESM%2FLIEAP%2FLIEAP_FAQ.pdf/1/0101019321f82298-1ea65dde-3075-4519-86c6-ca7e0341a191-000000/xP18zT1fZznVjwImk6gLoabLXm6-dgm4rFP2iS1rJ_Y=379" target="_blank">FAQ document</a>). Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services, and Midwest Energy, may attend LIEAP application events in their service areas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731467091351.jpeg" alt="2025 LIEAP GUIDELINES" />
 <figcaption>2025 LIEAP GUIDELINES</figcaption>
 </figure>Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%25E2%2580%258B/1/0101019321f82298-1ea65dde-3075-4519-86c6-ca7e0341a191-000000/xRrn0BDfsolaWOnQdOgSK9Diren8s3FzSKYby7JkEAE=379" target="_blank">dcf.ks.gov ​</a>by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.&nbsp;LIEAP applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 18 until 5 p.m. March 31, 2025.

LIEAP applications to start next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cosmosphere president and chief executive officer Jim Remar will continue his role as board chair of the Giant Screen Cinema Association, an international organization with members representing filmmakers, distributors, and theaters from nearly 30 countries.

The Cosmosphere’s two-story Carey Digital Dome Theater features a 4K digital projection system that envelops viewers in an immersive theater experience. The Carey Digital Dome Theater presents several showings of educational documentaries during Cosmosphere’s regular hours, with popular feature films available on weekends.

“I am honored to continue my role as board chair at the GSCA,” said Remar. “With its Carey Digital Dome Theater, the Cosmosphere is an excellent organizational fit for a leadership role&nbsp;within the giant screen film industry.”

Remar has served on the GSCA Board of Directors for the past three years and has been the board’s chairperson for two years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731466799471.jpeg" alt="Jim Remar-Photo Courtesy Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>Jim Remar-Photo Courtesy Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>CHUCK MCCLARY CosmosphereHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cosmosphere president and chief executive officer Jim Remar will continue his role as board chair of the Giant Screen Cinema Association, an international organization with members representing filmmakers, distributors, and theaters from nearly 30 countries.The Cosmosphere’s two-story Carey Digital Dome Theater features a 4K digital projection system that envelops viewers in an immersive theater experience. The Carey Digital Dome Theater presents several showings of educational documentaries during Cosmosphere’s regular hours, with popular feature films available on weekends.“I am honored to continue my role as board chair at the GSCA,” said Remar. “With its Carey Digital Dome Theater, the Cosmosphere is an excellent organizational fit for a leadership role&nbsp;within the giant screen film industry.”Remar has served on the GSCA Board of Directors for the past three years and has been the board’s chairperson for two years.

Remar to remain GSCA board chair

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler High School is performing The Sound of Music this week.

The Sound of Music is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. 

It is loosely based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. He is ordered to accept a commission in the German Navy, but he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria decide on a plan to flee Austria with the children.&nbsp;

Opening night will be Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. The musical will also be performed on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. 

Tickets at the door are $15/adult and $10/student. 

<a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/buhler-high-school/6717ffa07dcb060f6196cfb9"> Advance online tickets are $10/adult and $6/student</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731467993960.jpeg" alt="Buhler Sound of Music" />
 <figcaption>Buhler Sound of Music</figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler High School is performing The Sound of Music this week.The Sound of Music is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is loosely based on the 1949 memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938, the musical tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. He is ordered to accept a commission in the German Navy, but he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria decide on a plan to flee Austria with the children.&nbsp;Opening night will be Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. The musical will also be performed on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets at the door are $15/adult and $10/student. <a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/buhler-high-school/6717ffa07dcb060f6196cfb9"> Advance online tickets are $10/adult and $6/student</a>.&nbsp;

The Sound of Music on Buhler stage

TURON, Kan. — The Turon Community Library&nbsp;Fundraiser and Holiday Market is Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turon Grade School gym, 501 East Price St. in Turon.

Get ready for Christmas and do all your shopping in one location! 

There will be crafts, lots of gently used books, bookmarks, sewn goods and aprons, jewelry, holiday wreaths and decor, sweet treats, dog treats, t-shirts, paintings, Mary Kay, Thirty One bags, leather goods, and lots more. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731468619257.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TURON, Kan. — The Turon Community Library&nbsp;Fundraiser and Holiday Market is Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turon Grade School gym, 501 East Price St. in Turon.Get ready for Christmas and do all your shopping in one location! There will be crafts, lots of gently used books, bookmarks, sewn goods and aprons, jewelry, holiday wreaths and decor, sweet treats, dog treats, t-shirts, paintings, Mary Kay, Thirty One bags, leather goods, and lots more. There will also be options for lunch.

Turon library fundraiser Saturday

JENNIFER WEATHERS Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Agri-Business of the Year Award is intended to honor the agri-businesses in Reno County and thank them for the important role they play in strengthening the local ag economy.  This year’s Agri-Business of the Year Award went to Ehling Custom Mills.

Custom mills were first founded in 1972 by three gentlemen that called the business MTN standing for Miller, Troyer and Nisly in a shed on Miller’s farm. In two years, they built on a site in Pleasantview. In 1999 Sam Miller bought the mill and changed it to Custom mills. Debra started to work for Sam in the office and was his office manager. Sam added grain storage and a seed warehouse.

In 2011, Sam sold the business to Randall and Debra, who have since enhanced operations by adding another feed truck and larger scales. With a dedicated team of nine employees, Custom Mills has successfully grown its customer base while continuing to cater to the livestock industry, serving cattle, hogs, poultry, dairy, sheep, goats, and horses across nine counties around Hutchinson.

Custom Mills prides itself on producing custom-made feed using high-quality local grains. The company is committed to meeting the unique needs of its customers, ensuring timely delivery and satisfaction.

Randall and Debra Ehling are also proud supporters of FFA and 4-H in their surrounding counties, reinforcing their commitment to the community and the next generation of agricultural leaders.

With a focus on quality products and exceptional service, Custom Mills thrives on strong relationships with customers and employees alike, making it a cornerstone of the local agricultural community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731332807904.jpeg" alt="Ehling Custom Mills is the 2024 Agri-Business of the Year. Photo Courtesy Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>Ehling Custom Mills is the 2024 Agri-Business of the Year. Photo Courtesy Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>JENNIFER WEATHERS Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of CommerceHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Agri-Business of the Year Award is intended to honor the agri-businesses in Reno County and thank them for the important role they play in strengthening the local ag economy. This year’s Agri-Business of the Year Award went to Ehling Custom Mills.Custom mills were first founded in 1972 by three gentlemen that called the business MTN standing for Miller, Troyer and Nisly in a shed on Miller’s farm. In two years, they built on a site in Pleasantview. In 1999 Sam Miller bought the mill and changed it to Custom mills. Debra started to work for Sam in the office and was his office manager. Sam added grain storage and a seed warehouse.In 2011, Sam sold the business to Randall and Debra, who have since enhanced operations by adding another feed truck and larger scales. With a dedicated team of nine employees, Custom Mills has successfully grown its customer base while continuing to cater to the livestock industry, serving cattle, hogs, poultry, dairy, sheep, goats, and horses across nine counties around Hutchinson.Custom Mills prides itself on producing custom-made feed using high-quality local grains. The company is committed to meeting the unique needs of its customers, ensuring timely delivery and satisfaction.Randall and Debra Ehling are also proud supporters of FFA and 4-H in their surrounding counties, reinforcing their commitment to the community and the next generation of agricultural leaders.With a focus on quality products and exceptional service, Custom Mills thrives on strong relationships with customers and employees alike, making it a cornerstone of the local agricultural community.

Ehling Custom Mills is Agri-Business of the Year

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

11/12/2024 8:13 PM-Christina	Ann Penner-DUI; 1st conv; combination of drugs and alcohol; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of THC; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;

11/12/2024 7:15 PM-Steven	Chad Reed II-Failure to Appear

11/12/2024 6:09 PM-Kip	Elijah Mason Jr.-Failure to Appear

11/12/2024 6:09 PM-Leshawn	Wontel Trass-Probation Violation

11/12/2024 5:10 PM-Amanda	Lucille Davis-Failure to Appear

11/12/2024 5:00 PM-Maria	Melony Swartz-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard

11/12/2024 2:10 PM-Jeremy	Ray Smith-Viol protection order; Restraining order

11/12/2024 12:17 PM-Brian	Samuel Stubbs-Probation Violation; Failure to Appear

11/12/2024 9:12 AM-Mykle	Charles Mitchell-Probation Violation

11/12/2024 8:06 AM-Derrick	Jarard Bruton-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11/12/2024 8:13 PM-Christina	Ann Penner-DUI; 1st conv; combination of drugs and alcohol; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of THC; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;11/12/2024 7:15 PM-Steven	Chad Reed II-Failure to Appear11/12/2024 6:09 PM-Kip	Elijah Mason Jr.-Failure to Appear11/12/2024 6:09 PM-Leshawn	Wontel Trass-Probation Violation11/12/2024 5:10 PM-Amanda	Lucille Davis-Failure to Appear11/12/2024 5:00 PM-Maria	Melony Swartz-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard11/12/2024 2:10 PM-Jeremy	Ray Smith-Viol protection order; Restraining order11/12/2024 12:17 PM-Brian	Samuel Stubbs-Probation Violation; Failure to Appear11/12/2024 9:12 AM-Mykle	Charles Mitchell-Probation Violation11/12/2024 8:06 AM-Derrick	Jarard Bruton-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

BURRTON, Kan. — According to a social media post from Burrton police, schools in that Harvey County community were locked down briefly on Tuesday.

Police say they responded just after 10:30 Tuesday morning to the area of Sedgwick Ave. and Monroe St. for the report of a disturbance involving a firearm.

Burrton Police, North Newton Police and Harvey County Sheriff's Officers responded. They found a person had discharged a gun several times inside a home.&nbsp;

Police tried to contact the person by phone and by loudspeaker.

That person eventually came out and was arrested without further incident. Because the incident was close to the school, it was locked down as a precautionary measure. The incident did not involve the school, and no threats were made to students or staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711403777148.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BURRTON, Kan. — According to a social media post from Burrton police, schools in that Harvey County community were locked down briefly on Tuesday.Police say they responded just after 10:30 Tuesday morning to the area of Sedgwick Ave. and Monroe St. for the report of a disturbance involving a firearm.Burrton Police, North Newton Police and Harvey County Sheriff's Officers responded. They found a person had discharged a gun several times inside a home.&nbsp;Police tried to contact the person by phone and by loudspeaker.That person eventually came out and was arrested without further incident. Because the incident was close to the school, it was locked down as a precautionary measure. The incident did not involve the school, and no threats were made to students or staff.

Burrton schools locked down during Tuesday incident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Christmas is just around the corner! 

<a href="https://www.country1029.com/">Country 102.9</a> and <a href="https://www.khmyfm.com/">My 93-1</a> have joined with Vermeer Great Plains&nbsp;and the Department for Children and Families for the annual Adopt-A-Child program. This is your opportunity to provide gifts for one or more kids on our list and have those presents delivered by Santa's secret elves just in time for Christmas!

We have the Christmas wish lists from more than 200 deserving kids in need from our area, ages newborn to teen. If you'd like to shop for one or more children, just&nbsp;call us at (620) 662-4486 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We'll help you choose a child to shop for and email you their list. You can also email <a href="mailto:randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com">randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com</a>.

Please bring your wrapped gifts to our gift drop-off party at the EAGLE Media Center at 825 N. Main on Friday, Dec. 13, from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy pizza, drinks and cookies as a thank you for your kind generosity this holiday season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730910354424.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Christmas is just around the corner! <a href="https://www.country1029.com/">Country 102.9</a> and <a href="https://www.khmyfm.com/">My 93-1</a> have joined with Vermeer Great Plains&nbsp;and the Department for Children and Families for the annual Adopt-A-Child program. This is your opportunity to provide gifts for one or more kids on our list and have those presents delivered by Santa's secret elves just in time for Christmas!We have the Christmas wish lists from more than 200 deserving kids in need from our area, ages newborn to teen. If you'd like to shop for one or more children, just&nbsp;call us at (620) 662-4486 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. We'll help you choose a child to shop for and email you their list. You can also email <a href="mailto:randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com">randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com</a>.Please bring your wrapped gifts to our gift drop-off party at the EAGLE Media Center at 825 N. Main on Friday, Dec. 13, from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy pizza, drinks and cookies as a thank you for your kind generosity this holiday season.THANK YOU FOR ADOPTING A CHILD!

Adopt-A-Child 2024

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County residents can continue to bring their curiosity and ideas for their communities to a series of workshops in the next several days as part of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative.

Workshops have already been held in Buhler, Haven and Hutchinson. The ones left are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Fairfield School Cafeteria, 16115 S. Langdon Road, Langdon, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in Nickerson at the Community Center, 11 N. Nickerson St. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in Pretty Prairie at the Civic Theatre, 105 W. Main St.&nbsp; 

Families are welcome. For more information or to request special accommodations, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://renosurvey.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2mLIsX0kAG0dcqNB4GG2KWwRYSLTg3ZSxRhVfGLAb0aMX9GERaS95GKwU_aem_6vMVGvONwsBdEf8CkEDv-w" target="_blank">RenoSurvey.com</a>&nbsp;or call 620-663-5293.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728484228684.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County residents can continue to bring their curiosity and ideas for their communities to a series of workshops in the next several days as part of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative.Workshops have already been held in Buhler, Haven and Hutchinson. The ones left are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Fairfield School Cafeteria, 16115 S. Langdon Road, Langdon, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in Nickerson at the Community Center, 11 N. Nickerson St. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in Pretty Prairie at the Civic Theatre, 105 W. Main St.&nbsp; Families are welcome. For more information or to request special accommodations, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://renosurvey.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2mLIsX0kAG0dcqNB4GG2KWwRYSLTg3ZSxRhVfGLAb0aMX9GERaS95GKwU_aem_6vMVGvONwsBdEf8CkEDv-w" target="_blank">RenoSurvey.com</a>&nbsp;or call 620-663-5293.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community workshops wrap up in next few days

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fee Insurance Group has been ranked #6 on the 2024 Best Places to Work in Insurance list for Agents and Brokers by Business Insurance. 

This is Fee's third consecutive year in the top 10. 

This recognition celebrates Fee Insurance's commitment to a work culture of integrity, excellence, leadership, and relationships.&nbsp;

The overall score and ranking are a combination of the employee survey, employer questionnaire, and overall positive response rate from employees for company alignment across eight core focus areas:

Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training, Development and Resources, Pay and Benefits, and Overall Engagement.

Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual sponsored content feature presented by the custom publishing unit of Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731427572440.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Fee Insurance" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Fee Insurance</figcaption>
 </figure>Fee Insurance GroupHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fee Insurance Group has been ranked #6 on the 2024 Best Places to Work in Insurance list for Agents and Brokers by Business Insurance. This is Fee's third consecutive year in the top 10. This recognition celebrates Fee Insurance's commitment to a work culture of integrity, excellence, leadership, and relationships.&nbsp;The overall score and ranking are a combination of the employee survey, employer questionnaire, and overall positive response rate from employees for company alignment across eight core focus areas:Leadership and Planning, Corporate Culture and Communications, Role Satisfaction, Work Environment, Relationship with Supervisor, Training, Development and Resources, Pay and Benefits, and Overall Engagement.Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual sponsored content feature presented by the custom publishing unit of Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

Fee Insurance awarded again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education will pursue a $110 million bond issue after the facilities committee presented to them on Monday night.&nbsp;

"We had 20 plus different versions of this master plan a year ago at this point," said Kari Mailloux with the Facilities Steering Committee. "Lots of different scenarios, depending on which lever we leaned into, where we wanted to focus our priorities and our recommendations, and over the process of this last year have really narrowed that down. 

We centered in on what is the experience for kids entering the school district at three and four years old? What is that transition like into the district and then into kindergarten? And then the other pivotal transition point into middle school, through middle school, and into high school. We are all very proud of the experience our students have at Hutchinson High School. That is kind of the premier experience. We wanted to make sure that started from the day a child enters into our school district and that the parents have and kind of marshaling their children on this journey through 12 plus years in the district. This version of the master plan that we're bringing to you today is informed by all of that.&nbsp;

Every time we got to a decision point, kind of a recommendation point, we would say, okay, does this align with our values that we stated at the beginning? Does this align with what we're hearing from the community, with what we're hearing from the buildings, the staff, and the faculty that we're talking to? 

Since we last came to you in May, and when you said we would consider up to $110 million bond to support the facility master plan implementation, again, we worked back from that. There were two small subcommittees, task forces that worked on those two transition points. If we lean into early childhood, we lean into middle school, what would we create together? What would we recommend that we create together to create that experience that would align with the full experience in the district? 

You all have taken action on a new daycare on your own in the last few months. That is not a part of this master plan. It is part of the future, but not this master plan recommendation."&nbsp;

The buildings the district has will be repurposed, in addition to building a new middle school.

"We centered in on HMS 8 as a prime location for putting Pre-K on the main floor," Mailloux said. "We saw in the community surveys a lot of support for our existing elementary schools. We have six elementary schools. Not all of them have the same amenities and capacity, however. In the last bond issue, some of them got upgrades to add second gyms, cafeterias, safe rooms for tornado warnings. Not all of the elementary schools have that. Also, in the last bond issue that I might be correct on this, the HVAC systems are replaced, and they're coming due. This is a maintenance issue, again, could be dealt with over time through capital outlay, but this is an opportunity to really ensure the safety and security and the maintenance of all of our elementary schools, going to keep them up to date and on par and the most safe for our families, and potentially for our neighborhoods. These are neighborhood schools, and they could be assets even more so for the they reside in. 

"One of our main recommendations is to combine sixth through eighth grades into one new central middle school. We talked a lot through this process about how amazing Hutchinson High School is, and the campus around it, and all of the amenities. And we thought, how could we create even better, more access to those amenities at the high school, if we had a centralized middle school as well? And if we could eliminate those transitions from sixth to eighth, from sixth to seventh, from seventh to eighth, from eighth to ninth, that all students have been going through for the last 20 years? How do we create a more relationship-centered experience for kids and families in a sixth through eighth middle school? 

"Kind of a technicality of offlining the two existing middle schools would be, we need a new production kitchen at that new facility, which would serve the middle school and three elementary schools every day. As Dr. Johnson said, we would not be touching the high school with this master plan.

"The district owns the land that is currently the site of soccer fields and the baseball fields at 23rd and Severance. That land has enough acreage space potential to put the new sixth through eighth middle school, and it's also within close proximity to the high school.&nbsp;We do need to find a new location for the soccer field. And the potential there is to, again, really build on the assets that already exist at Don Michael Field. So this proposal has adding one turf field at Don Michael Field, increasing parking capacity, improving some of the fan experience there, and really making it even more of a hub for sports for the district.

"Alternative learning would be at Avenue A Elementary, so we'd keep that building. Virtual school would go over to Hutch High Bowtech building. The potential here is Jordan spoke to community partnerships and those partners being at the table through this process, but also thinking about what would these moves with facilities, how could they benefit even more partners and more students, more families in the city?Boys and Girls Club could use Lincoln Elementary as their site.

"The other opportunity with HMS 8 being a four-story building is there's lots of potential there to repurpose multiple floors. Again, a pre-K for three- to five-year-old regulations has to be on the main floor. We could repurpose the upper floors for student services. And then we would keep the Naval building and have those ESC, TSC, and information tech in the Naval building. 

"The buildings that this would also affect that I didn't mention, we see potential for HMS 7 to be sold. That is a prime location in downtown Hutchinson. There's a lot of energy going into downtown Hutch right now. There's a downtown master plan and lots of potential investors. So we feel like there is likely to be a strong partner willing to invest in HMS 7 building as a site for redevelopment. We also see potential to sell Grandview, which is on East 4th. That has not been an elementary school for many years and it's currently being used, I think, for just wrestling. So there's potential there. Midtown, that was a pretty recent acquisition of land and facility for the district. Again, to downtown momentum, there's potential there to sell that. And the administration building, this building, could also have another community partner interested in it. And there's potential to move administration over to HMS 8 along with those other services. All of that together, again, we're sure to get under the $110 million mark. And so we did that at $109,530,000."

Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson wanted to make clear that this is actually a slightly reduced scope from the initial thoughts of the committee.

"They took the survey and the momentum above 65%, that's where that amount per $100,000, that's how it came out to what does that equate to, that's the $110 million,"&nbsp; Johnson said. "That's when I think back in May, the board said, sure, continue to look at projects. We don't want to go above, that's where the threshold is for the community to say that they really support it, we don't want to go above that. 

"That is not to say that we looked out there and said, well, let's find $109 million worth of projects. Because I really think what was asked for was probably around $117 million. And so they did not put in a competition middle school football field. We're still going to transport kids where we've always been transporting. They're not going to get that, that probably cuts out a couple million. 

"I have a correction up there, the pre-K is 16 rooms, not ten, but we're also going to keep Shirley J. Hutcherson open. And so we're not creating, we're still going to have two spaces for early childhood. The cost was not, the threshold for the cost was not there to put all of those students into one building. We can't get them all into HMS-8 and building a brand new building, you know, wasn't possible. So remodeling cut down those costs of that. 

"We currently cook at the high school and the two middle schools. If the two middle schools are going to go away, where are we going to cook? You can see the adding of a three elementary plus one middle school for $1.9 million at the middle school. But that's not everything. So we're still going to have to cook at HMS-8. We'll still have three middle school production kitchens that will come out of HMS-8. So we saved another $2 million there."

The timeline between now and the special bond election is below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education will pursue a $110 million bond issue after the facilities committee presented to them on Monday night.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731422268210.jpeg" alt="Scope of 2025 USD 308 Bond" />
 <figcaption>Scope of 2025 USD 308 Bond</figcaption>
 </figure>"We had 20 plus different versions of this master plan a year ago at this point," said Kari Mailloux with the Facilities Steering Committee. "Lots of different scenarios, depending on which lever we leaned into, where we wanted to focus our priorities and our recommendations, and over the process of this last year have really narrowed that down. We centered in on what is the experience for kids entering the school district at three and four years old? What is that transition like into the district and then into kindergarten? And then the other pivotal transition point into middle school, through middle school, and into high school. We are all very proud of the experience our students have at Hutchinson High School. That is kind of the premier experience. We wanted to make sure that started from the day a child enters into our school district and that the parents have and kind of marshaling their children on this journey through 12 plus years in the district. This version of the master plan that we're bringing to you today is informed by all of that.&nbsp;Every time we got to a decision point, kind of a recommendation point, we would say, okay, does this align with our values that we stated at the beginning? Does this align with what we're hearing from the community, with what we're hearing from the buildings, the staff, and the faculty that we're talking to? Since we last came to you in May, and when you said we would consider up to $110 million bond to support the facility master plan implementation, again, we worked back from that. There were two small subcommittees, task forces that worked on those two transition points. If we lean into early childhood, we lean into middle school, what would we create together? What would we recommend that we create together to create that experience that would align with the full experience in the district? You all have taken action on a new daycare on your own in the last few months. That is not a part of this master plan. It is part of the future, but not this master plan recommendation."&nbsp;The buildings the district has will be repurposed, in addition to building a new middle school."We centered in on HMS 8 as a prime location for putting Pre-K on the main floor," Mailloux said. "We saw in the community surveys a lot of support for our existing elementary schools. We have six elementary schools. Not all of them have the same amenities and capacity, however. In the last bond issue, some of them got upgrades to add second gyms, cafeterias, safe rooms for tornado warnings. Not all of the elementary schools have that. Also, in the last bond issue that I might be correct on this, the HVAC systems are replaced, and they're coming due. This is a maintenance issue, again, could be dealt with over time through capital outlay, but this is an opportunity to really ensure the safety and security and the maintenance of all of our elementary schools, going to keep them up to date and on par and the most safe for our families, and potentially for our neighborhoods. These are neighborhood schools, and they could be assets even more so for the they reside in. "One of our main recommendations is to combine sixth through eighth grades into one new central middle school. We talked a lot through this process about how amazing Hutchinson High School is, and the campus around it, and all of the amenities. And we thought, how could we create even better, more access to those amenities at the high school, if we had a centralized middle school as well? And if we could eliminate those transitions from sixth to eighth, from sixth to seventh, from seventh to eighth, from eighth to ninth, that all students have been going through for the last 20 years? How do we create a more relationship-centered experience for kids and families in a sixth through eighth middle school? "Kind of a technicality of offlining the two existing middle schools would be, we need a new production kitchen at that new facility, which would serve the middle school and three elementary schools every day. As Dr. Johnson said, we would not be touching the high school with this master plan."The district owns the land that is currently the site of soccer fields and the baseball fields at 23rd and Severance. That land has enough acreage space potential to put the new sixth through eighth middle school, and it's also within close proximity to the high school.&nbsp;We do need to find a new location for the soccer field. And the potential there is to, again, really build on the assets that already exist at Don Michael Field. So this proposal has adding one turf field at Don Michael Field, increasing parking capacity, improving some of the fan experience there, and really making it even more of a hub for sports for the district."Alternative learning would be at Avenue A Elementary, so we'd keep that building. Virtual school would go over to Hutch High Bowtech building. The potential here is Jordan spoke to community partnerships and those partners being at the table through this process, but also thinking about what would these moves with facilities, how could they benefit even more partners and more students, more families in the city?Boys and Girls Club could use Lincoln Elementary as their site."The other opportunity with HMS 8 being a four-story building is there's lots of potential there to repurpose multiple floors. Again, a pre-K for three- to five-year-old regulations has to be on the main floor. We could repurpose the upper floors for student services. And then we would keep the Naval building and have those ESC, TSC, and information tech in the Naval building. "The buildings that this would also affect that I didn't mention, we see potential for HMS 7 to be sold. That is a prime location in downtown Hutchinson. There's a lot of energy going into downtown Hutch right now. There's a downtown master plan and lots of potential investors. So we feel like there is likely to be a strong partner willing to invest in HMS 7 building as a site for redevelopment. We also see potential to sell Grandview, which is on East 4th. That has not been an elementary school for many years and it's currently being used, I think, for just wrestling. So there's potential there. Midtown, that was a pretty recent acquisition of land and facility for the district. Again, to downtown momentum, there's potential there to sell that. And the administration building, this building, could also have another community partner interested in it. And there's potential to move administration over to HMS 8 along with those other services. All of that together, again, we're sure to get under the $110 million mark. And so we did that at $109,530,000."Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson wanted to make clear that this is actually a slightly reduced scope from the initial thoughts of the committee."They took the survey and the momentum above 65%, that's where that amount per $100,000, that's how it came out to what does that equate to, that's the $110 million,"&nbsp; Johnson said. "That's when I think back in May, the board said, sure, continue to look at projects. We don't want to go above, that's where the threshold is for the community to say that they really support it, we don't want to go above that. "That is not to say that we looked out there and said, well, let's find $109 million worth of projects. Because I really think what was asked for was probably around $117 million. And so they did not put in a competition middle school football field. We're still going to transport kids where we've always been transporting. They're not going to get that, that probably cuts out a couple million. "I have a correction up there, the pre-K is 16 rooms, not ten, but we're also going to keep Shirley J. Hutcherson open. And so we're not creating, we're still going to have two spaces for early childhood. The cost was not, the threshold for the cost was not there to put all of those students into one building. We can't get them all into HMS-8 and building a brand new building, you know, wasn't possible. So remodeling cut down those costs of that. "We currently cook at the high school and the two middle schools. If the two middle schools are going to go away, where are we going to cook? You can see the adding of a three elementary plus one middle school for $1.9 million at the middle school. But that's not everything. So we're still going to have to cook at HMS-8. We'll still have three middle school production kitchens that will come out of HMS-8. So we saved another $2 million there."The timeline between now and the special bond election is below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731425163802.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Board approved the plan unanimously.

Bond issue plan approved, vote will be in April

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Congratulations to the winners of the Kiwanis Chili and Soup Fest on Saturday in Downtown Hutchinson.

1st Place: Hutchinson Fire Department 2nd Place: Reno County Sheriff's Department 3rd Place: Salt City Brewery

1st Place: Heartland Credit Union 2nd Place: APAC Kansas 3rd Place: Gentiva Home Care and Hospice

Best Decorated: Salt City Brewery Most Enthusiastic: Hutchinson Public Works

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729611666676.jpg" alt="chili con carne, chili, cook" />
 <figcaption>chili con carne, chili, cook</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Kiwanis ClubHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Congratulations to the winners of the Kiwanis Chili and Soup Fest on Saturday in Downtown Hutchinson.Chili1st Place: Hutchinson Fire Department 2nd Place: Reno County Sheriff's Department 3rd Place: Salt City BrewerySoup1st Place: Heartland Credit Union 2nd Place: APAC Kansas 3rd Place: Gentiva Home Care and HospiceBest Decorated: Salt City Brewery Most Enthusiastic: Hutchinson Public Works

Chili and Soup Fest results

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — 'I Got You Babe' is in its fifth year of helping out families in need in Reno County. The organization was founded by Hutchinson native, Morgan Turner.

Turner is collecting brand-new baby items to be donated to families in need. Unused diapers in opened packages will be accepted, as well. The drive will run through the month of November, and items can be dropped off at the Reno County Health Department.

"I did found 'I Got You Babe' in 2020, kind of the fall, early winter," Turner said. "Kind of right in the middle of COVID, and I just saw the need for some help in the community. Women with young children, with infants, they're really vulnerable population, and I just wanted to do something in our local community that would make a direct impact for them."

Turner said she received a lot of good feedback after the first year and will continue to do the drive for years to come.

"We had a really positive experience the first year, so I was able to gather quite a few donations and give those to the maternal child health program," Turner said. "When they distributed them, they just gave me such positive feedback from the mothers that were receiving these items and the nurses from the health department just had wonderful things to say, they were so thankful and I just saw that impact that it made and I wanted to continue that."

Turner is a second-year medical student, that doesn't have any children herself, but really enjoys helping others.

"I just have a passion for women's health in general, so that's kind of what inspired me to start this," Turner said.&nbsp;

There are several different ways to donate for the drive.

"The health department can actually take direct donations, you can drop things off there," Turner said. "There is a list of items that are most needed, which include diapers, wipes, sleep sacks are a big thing, we really want to encourage safe sleep habits. They can take items directly, or I accept cash and checks, as well as Venmo, just to go purchase those items in bulk I kind of wrap up the fundraiser."

Other items that are most needed include pacifiers and onesies.

If you wish to make a donation via Venmo, you can do so at @MorganTurner23. If you have any other questions regarding the fundraiser, you can reach Morgan at <a href="mailto:igotyoubabe.renoco@gmail.com">igotyoubabe.renoco@gmail.com</a>.

Although Turner doesn't have kids, this fundraiser means a lot to her.

"Not having children myself, I don't see how everything adds up," Turner said. "You walk through the store and you can see how expensive the baby items are and it really adds up for families."

Turner says spreading the word of the drive would mean a lot.

"Even if you're not able to donate, I'd ask that you just share the message," Turner said. "That's been the big thing is just promoting it. It started on social media, but I've reached out to a lot of people in the community this year to try and reach different groups that might want to help."

The Reno County Health Department is at 209 West 2nd Ave. in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731342144509.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Morgan Turner" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Morgan Turner</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — 'I Got You Babe' is in its fifth year of helping out families in need in Reno County. The organization was founded by Hutchinson native, Morgan Turner.Turner is collecting brand-new baby items to be donated to families in need. Unused diapers in opened packages will be accepted, as well. The drive will run through the month of November, and items can be dropped off at the Reno County Health Department."I did found 'I Got You Babe' in 2020, kind of the fall, early winter," Turner said. "Kind of right in the middle of COVID, and I just saw the need for some help in the community. Women with young children, with infants, they're really vulnerable population, and I just wanted to do something in our local community that would make a direct impact for them."Turner said she received a lot of good feedback after the first year and will continue to do the drive for years to come."We had a really positive experience the first year, so I was able to gather quite a few donations and give those to the maternal child health program," Turner said. "When they distributed them, they just gave me such positive feedback from the mothers that were receiving these items and the nurses from the health department just had wonderful things to say, they were so thankful and I just saw that impact that it made and I wanted to continue that."Turner is a second-year medical student, that doesn't have any children herself, but really enjoys helping others."I just have a passion for women's health in general, so that's kind of what inspired me to start this," Turner said.&nbsp;There are several different ways to donate for the drive."The health department can actually take direct donations, you can drop things off there," Turner said. "There is a list of items that are most needed, which include diapers, wipes, sleep sacks are a big thing, we really want to encourage safe sleep habits. They can take items directly, or I accept cash and checks, as well as Venmo, just to go purchase those items in bulk I kind of wrap up the fundraiser."Other items that are most needed include pacifiers and onesies.If you wish to make a donation via Venmo, you can do so at @MorganTurner23. If you have any other questions regarding the fundraiser, you can reach Morgan at <a href="mailto:igotyoubabe.renoco@gmail.com">igotyoubabe.renoco@gmail.com</a>.Although Turner doesn't have kids, this fundraiser means a lot to her."Not having children myself, I don't see how everything adds up," Turner said. "You walk through the store and you can see how expensive the baby items are and it really adds up for families."Turner says spreading the word of the drive would mean a lot."Even if you're not able to donate, I'd ask that you just share the message," Turner said. "That's been the big thing is just promoting it. It started on social media, but I've reached out to a lot of people in the community this year to try and reach different groups that might want to help."The Reno County Health Department is at 209 West 2nd Ave. in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

'I Got You Babe' helping families in need through November

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thanks to the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act or the PACT Act being signed into law in 2022, more Kansans than ever are able to access their Veterans benefits.

"Over a two-year period, we've seen a 33% increase VA-wide in the number of Veterans who have enrolled for VA health care," said spokesperson Jeff Herndon with the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. "We had over 700,000 enroll over the last two years. Locally, we've had 2,600 enroll, and it would normally take us about three and a half, almost twice as long, about three and a half years to achieve that. So Secretary McDonough early on speculated that this may be the largest expansion ever of Veterans benefits, and I think the numbers are showing that indeed it has been."

"In FY23, we completed over 400,000 outpatient visits," Herndon said. "That's not just in the VA hospital, but also when we're coordinating visits out in the community as well, but over 400,000. We serve about 30,000 veterans a year, so that's absolutely incredible. That's 13, 14 visits per year per veteran on average."

Also available to serve Veterans are Community Based Outpatient Clinics, like the one in Hutchinson at 1625 East 30th Ave.

"Our CBOCs are fully capable of handling the increased enrollment that we've experienced," Herndon said. "We have not had any delays in care there as well, and if a veteran is out in a rural area, they don't have to come to Wichita for specialty care. If there's a provider in their area and we can get them connected through our community care service, we do that."

If you have questions about VA health care, the staff at the Hutchinson CBOC would be happy to help you. Just walk in to the clinic with your DD-214 and they'll get you taken care of.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731343621260.png" alt="Hutch CBOC-Photo Courtesy Veterans Administration" />
 <figcaption>Hutch CBOC-Photo Courtesy Veterans Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thanks to the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act or the PACT Act being signed into law in 2022, more Kansans than ever are able to access their Veterans benefits."Over a two-year period, we've seen a 33% increase VA-wide in the number of Veterans who have enrolled for VA health care," said spokesperson Jeff Herndon with the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. "We had over 700,000 enroll over the last two years. Locally, we've had 2,600 enroll, and it would normally take us about three and a half, almost twice as long, about three and a half years to achieve that. So Secretary McDonough early on speculated that this may be the largest expansion ever of Veterans benefits, and I think the numbers are showing that indeed it has been."Veterans are using that care a lot."In FY23, we completed over 400,000 outpatient visits," Herndon said. "That's not just in the VA hospital, but also when we're coordinating visits out in the community as well, but over 400,000. We serve about 30,000 veterans a year, so that's absolutely incredible. That's 13, 14 visits per year per veteran on average."Also available to serve Veterans are Community Based Outpatient Clinics, like the one in Hutchinson at 1625 East 30th Ave."Our CBOCs are fully capable of handling the increased enrollment that we've experienced," Herndon said. "We have not had any delays in care there as well, and if a veteran is out in a rural area, they don't have to come to Wichita for specialty care. If there's a provider in their area and we can get them connected through our community care service, we do that."If you have questions about VA health care, the staff at the Hutchinson CBOC would be happy to help you. Just walk in to the clinic with your DD-214 and they'll get you taken care of.

PACT Act making Veterans care more accessible

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Several appointments for boards and commissions for Reno County are on the business agenda for the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday.

Included is the appointment of three citizens to serve a three-year term on the Planning Commission, approval of a resolution updating the Reno County Health Department (RCHD)’s Advisory Board Guidelines, replacement appointments to the Reno County Health Department (RCHD) Advisory Board and renewal of appointments to&nbsp;the Reno County Council on Aging to serve three year terms effective January 1, 2025, along with a renewal of appointments to the&nbsp;Reno County Public Transportation Commission for three year terms effective January 1, 2025.

County Commissioner John Whitesel has asked repeatedly to have nominees to such boards and commissions interview with the Board of County Commissioners prior to appointment, and has voted against all appointments that did not follow that procedure during his tenure as County Commissioner. Whitesel lost in the August primary and will be leaving the commission at the end of the year.

As currently proposed, Reno County Administrator Randy Partington expects the commission to approve the department recommendations, which is what they have done lately on 4-1 votes, with Whitesel voting against. However, the commission still could ask for interviews and defer the choice to a meeting between now and the end of the year, if a majority wants that to happen.

The Board of County Commissioners meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716032579635.jpeg" alt="Reno County Commission-File Photo by Sandra Milburn" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Commission-File Photo by Sandra Milburn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Several appointments for boards and commissions for Reno County are on the business agenda for the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday.Included is the appointment of three citizens to serve a three-year term on the Planning Commission, approval of a resolution updating the Reno County Health Department (RCHD)’s Advisory Board Guidelines, replacement appointments to the Reno County Health Department (RCHD) Advisory Board and renewal of appointments to&nbsp;the Reno County Council on Aging to serve three year terms effective January 1, 2025, along with a renewal of appointments to the&nbsp;Reno County Public Transportation Commission for three year terms effective January 1, 2025.County Commissioner John Whitesel has asked repeatedly to have nominees to such boards and commissions interview with the Board of County Commissioners prior to appointment, and has voted against all appointments that did not follow that procedure during his tenure as County Commissioner. Whitesel lost in the August primary and will be leaving the commission at the end of the year.As currently proposed, Reno County Administrator Randy Partington expects the commission to approve the department recommendations, which is what they have done lately on 4-1 votes, with Whitesel voting against. However, the commission still could ask for interviews and defer the choice to a meeting between now and the end of the year, if a majority wants that to happen.The Board of County Commissioners meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

Board approvals on county agenda

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Veterans' Memorial is looking for help to replace a flagpole.

"We had a flagpole break in the windstorm back in May, it was the American flagpole and POW flagpole," said Kelly Danyluk with the Memorial's board. "I apologize for not having that back up yet. We are working with the vendor and trying to work through some, if there's some warranty that might help cover the cost of replacing that."

There is a significant cost to replace the pole.

"The pole is between $7,000 and $8,000," Danyluk said. "They're not cheap, it's 40 feet."

They already have a donor that will help if there is a shortfall, but if you would like to help too, you can contact Danyluk at RCB Bank. The number there is (620) 860-7734. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653742898426.jpeg" alt="Reno County Veterans Memorial-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Veterans Memorial-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Veterans' Memorial is looking for help to replace a flagpole."We had a flagpole break in the windstorm back in May, it was the American flagpole and POW flagpole," said Kelly Danyluk with the Memorial's board. "I apologize for not having that back up yet. We are working with the vendor and trying to work through some, if there's some warranty that might help cover the cost of replacing that."There is a significant cost to replace the pole."The pole is between $7,000 and $8,000," Danyluk said. "They're not cheap, it's 40 feet."They already have a donor that will help if there is a shortfall, but if you would like to help too, you can contact Danyluk at RCB Bank. The number there is (620) 860-7734.

Veterans' Memorial looking to replace flagpole

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Farm Focus Family Award began in 1985 as part of National Farm City Week.  There have now been over 100 families in Reno County that have been recognized for their contributions to Reno County Agriculture. This year’s Farm Focus Family Award goes to the Headings family.

Nestled near Hutchinson, Kansas, Randy and Marie Headings proudly operate their fourth-generation family farm, with the invaluable support of their son, Ben. Together, they cultivate a diverse array of crops, including wheat, sorghum, and soybeans, while also raising beef cattle and producing alfalfa for both feeding and selling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731332606234.jpeg" alt="The Headings Family is the Farm Focus Family of the Year. Image Courtesy Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce." />
 <figcaption>The Headings Family is the Farm Focus Family of the Year. Image Courtesy Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.</figcaption>
 </figure>JENNIFER WEATHERS Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of CommerceHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Farm Focus Family Award began in 1985 as part of National Farm City Week. There have now been over 100 families in Reno County that have been recognized for their contributions to Reno County Agriculture. This year’s Farm Focus Family Award goes to the Headings family.Nestled near Hutchinson, Kansas, Randy and Marie Headings proudly operate their fourth-generation family farm, with the invaluable support of their son, Ben. Together, they cultivate a diverse array of crops, including wheat, sorghum, and soybeans, while also raising beef cattle and producing alfalfa for both feeding and selling.The family’s agricultural legacy continues with their daughter Kendra, who, along with her husband Camron, is raising two daughters, Nora (7) and Naomi (5), ensuring that the values of hard work and dedication to farming are passed down through generations.In addition to their core operations, Randy has historically produced straw for local businesses, further contributing to the community. Headings Farms is a testament to family values, sustainable agriculture, and a commitment to the future of farming.