HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Wednesday statistics from AAA Kansas, prices at the pump are beginning to favor drivers.

"We are heading into a typically lower demand season for driving and gasoline usage," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Here in Kansas, the average is $3.02 a gallon."

Reno County has the lowest average in Kansas at $2.78 a gallon.

"We're definitely seeing a trend in lower prices at the pump," Steward said. "Right now, nine states have an average under $3 per gallon. Kansas is just out of that, being the 10th lowest price in the country."

The fundamentals look good to see a continued price slide, if nothing else changes.

"Right now, crude oil prices are quite low," Steward said. "We're just under $70 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate. That's the lowest we've seen in quite some time."

More than half of the price of a given gallon of gas is based on how much the underlying crude oil costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694531676610.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Wednesday statistics from AAA Kansas, prices at the pump are beginning to favor drivers."We are heading into a typically lower demand season for driving and gasoline usage," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Here in Kansas, the average is $3.02 a gallon."Reno County has the lowest average in Kansas at $2.78 a gallon."We're definitely seeing a trend in lower prices at the pump," Steward said. "Right now, nine states have an average under $3 per gallon. Kansas is just out of that, being the 10th lowest price in the country."The fundamentals look good to see a continued price slide, if nothing else changes."Right now, crude oil prices are quite low," Steward said. "We're just under $70 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate. That's the lowest we've seen in quite some time."More than half of the price of a given gallon of gas is based on how much the underlying crude oil costs.

Reno County with state's lowest gas price average

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The chief executive officers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">Kroger and Albertsons</a>&nbsp;were set to testify in federal court Wednesday, midway through a three-week hearing in which the grocery chains have defended their proposed merger from the U.S. government's attempt to stop it.

The two companies proposed what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest supermarket merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history in October 2022. The Federal Trade Commission sued to prevent the $24.6 billion deal and has asked a U.S. District Court judge in Oregon for an injunction that would block the merger while the complaint goes before an FTC administrative law judge.

The FTC alleges the merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and raise grocery prices at a time of already high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">food price inflation</a>. Kroger and Albertsons say the deal would allow them to compete with big rivals like Walmart and hold down prices by giving them more leverage with suppliers.

The testimony of Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran and Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen was expected to mark a key moment in the hearing, as what they say under oath about prices, potential store closures and the impact on workers will likely be scrutinized in the years ahead if the merger goes through.

During the proceedings, FTC attorneys have noted that Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. Shoppers benefit from that competition and would lose those benefits if the merger is allowed to proceed, they argued.

The FTC and labor union leaders also claim that workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer compete with each other. They’ve additionally expressed concern that potential store closures could create so-called food and pharmacy “deserts” for consumers.

Albertsons has argued the deal could actually bolster union jobs, since many of it and Kroger’s competitors, like Walmart, have few unionized workers.

Under the deal, Kroger and Albertsons would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their locations overlap to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b50f18e7e7dc4701823b2d4346a8bd28">Piggly Wiggly</a>&nbsp;store brands.

Speaking in 2022 before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-prices-alex-padilla-congress-rodney-mcmullen-54929ed8d702642fbc33269fb69b0373">U.S. Senate subcommittee</a>&nbsp;on competition policy, antitrust and consumer rights, the Albertsons CEO said his company’s acquisition of brands such as Safeway over the previous decade had allowed it to increase the number of its stores from 192 to 2,300.

“The intent is not to close stores. The intent is to divest stores,” Sankaran said at the time.

The FTC alleges that C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on those stores. Laura Hall, the FTC’s senior trial counsel, cited internal documents that indicated C&amp;S executives were skeptical about the quality of the stores they would get and may want the option to sell or close them.

C&amp;S CEO Eric Winn, for his part, testified last week in Portland that he thinks his company can be successful in the venture.

In his own statement to the U.S. Senate subcommittee in 2022, McMullen said Kroger has lowered prices after other mergers, like its 2013 acquisition of Harris Teeter.

“From a business standpoint, that is our commitment,” he said..

The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side. Washington and Colorado filed separate cases in state courts seeking to block the merger.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724718577355.png" alt="File photo from an August press conference courtesy United Food and commercial workers union local 3000" />
 <figcaption>File photo from an August press conference courtesy United Food and commercial workers union local 3000</figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The chief executive officers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-grocery-merger-ftc-9fdb26cc044ee21a7a486c03caae6a5d">Kroger and Albertsons</a>&nbsp;were set to testify in federal court Wednesday, midway through a three-week hearing in which the grocery chains have defended their proposed merger from the U.S. government's attempt to stop it.The two companies proposed what would be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-albertsons-companies-inc-0cfbd68f81ba8aab7c1d3012c69804d9">largest supermarket merger</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history in October 2022. The Federal Trade Commission sued to prevent the $24.6 billion deal and has asked a U.S. District Court judge in Oregon for an injunction that would block the merger while the complaint goes before an FTC administrative law judge.The FTC alleges the merger would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-antitrust-grocery-merger-competition-71b47dc86ec7449f29b2b488c1d3f9de">eliminate competition</a>&nbsp;and raise grocery prices at a time of already high&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-price-gouging-ban-inflation-65dc8844bb41159d76886f752b6cab28">food price inflation</a>. Kroger and Albertsons say the deal would allow them to compete with big rivals like Walmart and hold down prices by giving them more leverage with suppliers.The testimony of Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran and Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen was expected to mark a key moment in the hearing, as what they say under oath about prices, potential store closures and the impact on workers will likely be scrutinized in the years ahead if the merger goes through.During the proceedings, FTC attorneys have noted that Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup. Shoppers benefit from that competition and would lose those benefits if the merger is allowed to proceed, they argued.The FTC and labor union leaders also claim that workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer compete with each other. They’ve additionally expressed concern that potential store closures could create so-called food and pharmacy “deserts” for consumers.Albertsons has argued the deal could actually bolster union jobs, since many of it and Kroger’s competitors, like Walmart, have few unionized workers.Under the deal, Kroger and Albertsons would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-grocery-9a1d40ba06f752d3c5c3d5db78fede4c">sell 579 stores</a>&nbsp;in places where their locations overlap to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-cs-wholesale-grocer-401520f2a25ea2ae5fd06be4973b7c48">C&amp;S Wholesale Grocers</a>, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b50f18e7e7dc4701823b2d4346a8bd28">Piggly Wiggly</a>&nbsp;store brands.Speaking in 2022 before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-prices-alex-padilla-congress-rodney-mcmullen-54929ed8d702642fbc33269fb69b0373">U.S. Senate subcommittee</a>&nbsp;on competition policy, antitrust and consumer rights, the Albertsons CEO said his company’s acquisition of brands such as Safeway over the previous decade had allowed it to increase the number of its stores from 192 to 2,300.“The intent is not to close stores. The intent is to divest stores,” Sankaran said at the time.The FTC alleges that C&amp;S is ill-prepared to take on those stores. Laura Hall, the FTC’s senior trial counsel, cited internal documents that indicated C&amp;S executives were skeptical about the quality of the stores they would get and may want the option to sell or close them.C&amp;S CEO Eric Winn, for his part, testified last week in Portland that he thinks his company can be successful in the venture.In his own statement to the U.S. Senate subcommittee in 2022, McMullen said Kroger has lowered prices after other mergers, like its 2013 acquisition of Harris Teeter.“From a business standpoint, that is our commitment,” he said..The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side. Washington and Colorado filed separate cases in state courts seeking to block the merger.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opioid-crisis-settlement-kroger-79356d42ded9c5099e1c2b88d3ffc061">Kroger</a>, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Dillons,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ralphs-supermarkets-california-job-applicants-46a287ac76515ffbbd196202c4ee3c38">Ralphs</a>, Smith’s and Harris Teeter.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-dividends-8c6e67bf9fb0cc3da523c672a6ca9141">Albertsons</a>, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons defend merger plans

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson has started a new program, Get the Lead Out, as part of the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule requirements.&nbsp;

They need residents help to take an inventory of all water service lines in the community. Complete a water service line inspection and report your findings back to the city by completing <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cc10f46f9cbe46d880ac562ea15ec4a8?fbclid=IwY2xjawFFU7FleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcLwrtilfJj13qq3QK6jI0adRjebRPwrDz0wS5ep-6bqWLtuT4oGnjL2HA_aem_5KZDEOlupBhFLbcx5WVuuw">an online survey</a>.

The presence of lead service lines can increase the chance of lead exposure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724151331929.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy City of South Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy City of South Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson has started a new program, Get the Lead Out, as part of the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule requirements.&nbsp;They need residents help to take an inventory of all water service lines in the community. Complete a water service line inspection and report your findings back to the city by completing <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cc10f46f9cbe46d880ac562ea15ec4a8?fbclid=IwY2xjawFFU7FleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcLwrtilfJj13qq3QK6jI0adRjebRPwrDz0wS5ep-6bqWLtuT4oGnjL2HA_aem_5KZDEOlupBhFLbcx5WVuuw">an online survey</a>.The presence of lead service lines can increase the chance of lead exposure.

South Hutch looking for water service line information

HAVEN, Kan. — City of Haven Public Works Director Steve Carmichael provided citizens with some positive news regarding recent power issues at the City Council meeting on Tuesday at Haven City Hall.

Community members have voiced their opinions on social media throughout the past several weeks after several brownouts and/or blackouts following any storms or high winds.

"We've been working really hard on the power issue for the last two weeks. I had Tim Goldson come in and help. He is the utilities director for the City of Kingman. He volunteered his time to come up and walk our system, drive our system, and he did it twice. He found some tiny little things in the city, nothing that was causing the blinks. He brought one of his line crews up on the last day and they went through and changed out some insulators and just took care of some small things."

Carmichael is pleased with how things turned out with the help of Evergy.

"Initially we thought it was a lightning strike, but after talking with Evergy when they came out and fixed it and stuff, we think maybe our gremlin up ahead finally exploded, so it's all been replaced," Carmichael said. "Other problems that we found on Evergy's line when we drove it, that we've been hounding Evergy about, they came out and fixed that."

Carmichael is hopeful the problem has been fixed and won't need to be addressed in the future.

"Let's cross our fingers that that was what the blinking was," Carmichael said. "The blink is literally a needle in a haystack to try and find, until something majorly goes bad. The problem was we looked in our haystack and they looked in their haystack, and we're still just looking for that needle in a haystack that I think we may have got some ground covered on that. I assure you that it wasn't due to a lack of effort. We'll continue to cross our fingers and hope."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725412072819.png" alt="Photo Courtesy City of Haven" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy City of Haven</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — City of Haven Public Works Director Steve Carmichael provided citizens with some positive news regarding recent power issues at the City Council meeting on Tuesday at Haven City Hall.Community members have voiced their opinions on social media throughout the past several weeks after several brownouts and/or blackouts following any storms or high winds."We've been working really hard on the power issue for the last two weeks. I had Tim Goldson come in and help. He is the utilities director for the City of Kingman. He volunteered his time to come up and walk our system, drive our system, and he did it twice. He found some tiny little things in the city, nothing that was causing the blinks. He brought one of his line crews up on the last day and they went through and changed out some insulators and just took care of some small things."Carmichael is pleased with how things turned out with the help of Evergy."Initially we thought it was a lightning strike, but after talking with Evergy when they came out and fixed it and stuff, we think maybe our gremlin up ahead finally exploded, so it's all been replaced," Carmichael said. "Other problems that we found on Evergy's line when we drove it, that we've been hounding Evergy about, they came out and fixed that."Carmichael is hopeful the problem has been fixed and won't need to be addressed in the future."Let's cross our fingers that that was what the blinking was," Carmichael said. "The blink is literally a needle in a haystack to try and find, until something majorly goes bad. The problem was we looked in our haystack and they looked in their haystack, and we're still just looking for that needle in a haystack that I think we may have got some ground covered on that. I assure you that it wasn't due to a lack of effort. We'll continue to cross our fingers and hope."

Haven power issues resolved

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday gave approval for a series of Hutchinson projects in the amount of $4.34 million, along with the approval of general temporary notes in the amount of $1.615 million.

"While we were preparing to bond this, we realized bonding costs may be higher," said Hutchinson City Finance Director Angela Richard. "First on the agenda is to approve the resolution to start the bonding process and then the next two items will amend prior ordinances to authorize higher bonding, because of those projected bonding costs."

Richard also found out that if the city has to pay for the Atrium tear-down itself, it will require another type of financing.

"The bond sale is scheduled to be Oct. 15, with council approval on Oct. 16," Richard said. "Then, we anticipate to close the bonds on Nov. 12. One of the items that you might be thinking about is, why am I not waiting until we find out what's going to happen with the Atrium to bond that project with these, as well? That, according to our legal counsel, would probably be taxable general obligation bonds. These are tax exempt. It would have to be a different sale."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725404113780.jpeg" alt="City Finance Director Angela Richard" />
 <figcaption>City Finance Director Angela Richard</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday gave approval for a series of Hutchinson projects in the amount of $4.34 million, along with the approval of general temporary notes in the amount of $1.615 million."While we were preparing to bond this, we realized bonding costs may be higher," said Hutchinson City Finance Director Angela Richard. "First on the agenda is to approve the resolution to start the bonding process and then the next two items will amend prior ordinances to authorize higher bonding, because of those projected bonding costs."Richard also found out that if the city has to pay for the Atrium tear-down itself, it will require another type of financing."The bond sale is scheduled to be Oct. 15, with council approval on Oct. 16," Richard said. "Then, we anticipate to close the bonds on Nov. 12. One of the items that you might be thinking about is, why am I not waiting until we find out what's going to happen with the Atrium to bond that project with these, as well? That, according to our legal counsel, would probably be taxable general obligation bonds. These are tax exempt. It would have to be a different sale."The resolution was approved unanimously.

City approves bonding at Tuesday meeting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bretz
Injury Law presents its 5th Annual Reno County Veterans’ Memorial
Poker Run on Saturday, Sept. 7.

"If you've never been out there, man, it is a fantastic memorial," said Steven Brubaker with Bretz Injury Law. It's important to this community and it it just supports our veterans, which we have so many of here in Reno County. We're just really glad to be able to be to have put this on for for several straight years."

Registration will begin at 9:30
a.m. at
Salty Cycles, 129 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS.

We'll do kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.," said Brubaker. "Some stops include Nickerson Community Center, Shane Love Insurance in Arlington, Shep Chevrolet in Haven, the Veterans Memorial out in South Hutch, and we'll end up Bretz Injury Law, where we'll do a lunch raffle, door prizes and a draw for the winners."

&nbsp;The
entry fee is $25 a hand or $50 for 3 hands with donations also being
accepted. All street-legal vehicles are welcome to participate.

"How it works is there are five different stops and we have these buckets of chips and there's one chip and each bucket for each card and a deck of cards," Brubaker said. "You draw one out. They mark it down on a hand that you take around with you, and at the end, we look at, you know, what all cards are there and whatever makes up the best poker hand will will win."

The winning hand
will receive 25%, the second best hand will receive 15%, and the
worst hand will receive 10%. The remaining 50% will be donated to the
Reno County Veterans’ Memorial.&nbsp;

For more
information, visit the Facebook event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1043152233989303">here</a>
or call 620-662-3435.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725381378741.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bretz
Injury Law presents its 5th Annual Reno County Veterans’ Memorial
Poker Run on Saturday, Sept. 7."If you've never been out there, man, it is a fantastic memorial," said Steven Brubaker with Bretz Injury Law. It's important to this community and it it just supports our veterans, which we have so many of here in Reno County. We're just really glad to be able to be to have put this on for for several straight years."Registration will begin at 9:30
a.m. at
Salty Cycles, 129 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS.We'll do kickstands up at 10:30 a.m.," said Brubaker. "Some stops include Nickerson Community Center, Shane Love Insurance in Arlington, Shep Chevrolet in Haven, the Veterans Memorial out in South Hutch, and we'll end up Bretz Injury Law, where we'll do a lunch raffle, door prizes and a draw for the winners."&nbsp;The
entry fee is $25 a hand or $50 for 3 hands with donations also being
accepted. All street-legal vehicles are welcome to participate."How it works is there are five different stops and we have these buckets of chips and there's one chip and each bucket for each card and a deck of cards," Brubaker said. "You draw one out. They mark it down on a hand that you take around with you, and at the end, we look at, you know, what all cards are there and whatever makes up the best poker hand will will win."The winning hand
will receive 25%, the second best hand will receive 15%, and the
worst hand will receive 10%. The remaining 50% will be donated to the
Reno County Veterans’ Memorial.&nbsp;
For more
information, visit the Facebook event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1043152233989303">here</a>
or call 620-662-3435.

Poker run Saturday to benefit Veterans' Memorial

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Carla Stanfield with the United Way of Reno County is excited about the kickoff of the 24-25 campaign this Friday.

"We'll be out on street corners waving to passersby in the morning drive time all throughout the community down into South Hutch, really just as that visible moment to let folks know, hey, we're out again," Stanfield said. "We're asking you to support this nonprofit work in our community and for business leaders to know that you're going to have a volunteer showing up in your place of business in the next couple of weeks."

The goal for the new campaign is $1.3 million.

"That's our goal this year to support 21 agencies, and actually it's 33 programs inside of those agencies," Stanfield said. "Some agencies receive funding for only one program, like Meals on Wheels. That's all they do, so they get funding for that particular program, but Interfaith Housing, for example, has four programs that receive United Way community donated dollars."

There are many ways to give to nonprofits in the community.

"I love to offer lots of solutions for folks, so we can do a one-time gift," Stanfield said. "You can mail us a check. That's absolutely doable. You can hop on our website and make a one-time gift on a credit card or through an automated payment out of a bank account. I think one thing that's really unique about United Way and the reason we do have so many businesses that choose to participate with us is we allow a payroll deduct option where folks are able to give a reoccurring gift out of their paycheck pre-tax, so it does give you a little lift when it comes tax time."

But, even if you don't have money to give, you can still help.

"As a volunteer, if you can give your time, that's very valuable in the nonprofit community. There is the Volunteer Center here locally. I call them our matchmakers for volunteerism. They will put you in a place that can use your skills and your time. You can also be an advocate, and I think lots of folks when they hear advocacy think political advocacy, and that's one way to be an advocate, but you can also just be an advocate for something that you're passionate about. Maybe it's getting involved in your school PTO. Maybe it's sitting on a civic group. Perhaps it's just engaging in your friends circle in a way that says, hey, y'all, we need to get involved in XYZ because we're passionate about it. So really, truly, I say look for that opportunity to be plugged in in your community."

Give how you're able. Give to what makes your heart feel good. For more information on how to give, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687976834535.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Carla Stanfield with the United Way of Reno County is excited about the kickoff of the 24-25 campaign this Friday."We'll be out on street corners waving to passersby in the morning drive time all throughout the community down into South Hutch, really just as that visible moment to let folks know, hey, we're out again," Stanfield said. "We're asking you to support this nonprofit work in our community and for business leaders to know that you're going to have a volunteer showing up in your place of business in the next couple of weeks."The goal for the new campaign is $1.3 million."That's our goal this year to support 21 agencies, and actually it's 33 programs inside of those agencies," Stanfield said. "Some agencies receive funding for only one program, like Meals on Wheels. That's all they do, so they get funding for that particular program, but Interfaith Housing, for example, has four programs that receive United Way community donated dollars."There are many ways to give to nonprofits in the community."I love to offer lots of solutions for folks, so we can do a one-time gift," Stanfield said. "You can mail us a check. That's absolutely doable. You can hop on our website and make a one-time gift on a credit card or through an automated payment out of a bank account. I think one thing that's really unique about United Way and the reason we do have so many businesses that choose to participate with us is we allow a payroll deduct option where folks are able to give a reoccurring gift out of their paycheck pre-tax, so it does give you a little lift when it comes tax time."But, even if you don't have money to give, you can still help."As a volunteer, if you can give your time, that's very valuable in the nonprofit community. There is the Volunteer Center here locally. I call them our matchmakers for volunteerism. They will put you in a place that can use your skills and your time. You can also be an advocate, and I think lots of folks when they hear advocacy think political advocacy, and that's one way to be an advocate, but you can also just be an advocate for something that you're passionate about. Maybe it's getting involved in your school PTO. Maybe it's sitting on a civic group. Perhaps it's just engaging in your friends circle in a way that says, hey, y'all, we need to get involved in XYZ because we're passionate about it. So really, truly, I say look for that opportunity to be plugged in in your community."Give how you're able. Give to what makes your heart feel good. For more information on how to give, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/</a>.

United Way campaign kicks off Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch, in conjunction with The City of Hutchinson – Human Relations Office and NetWork Kansas, invite the public to join the excitement as local entrepreneurs present their business ideas at the Pitch Contest on Monday, September 16th. The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Blue Dragon Room at the Parker Student Union on the Hutchinson Community College campus. 

This dynamic event is the culmination of the Entrepreneurship Business Basics JUMP© (EBB Jump) program, a 12-week course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. During the contest, participants will showcase their business pitches to a panel of judges in hopes of winning a share of $2,000 in prize money. 

“We’re thrilled to see the creativity and ambition that local entrepreneurs will bring to the Pitch Contest,” said Jackson Swearer, executive director of StartUp Hutch. “This event is an opportunity to witness the next wave of business innovation in Reno County and support the growth of our entrepreneurial community.” 

Community members, business leaders, and supporters of local entrepreneurship are encouraged to attend the event to cheer on the contestants and get inspired by their innovative ideas.  

The Pitch Contest marks the finale of the EBB Jump program, which has been instrumental in equipping participants with essential business skills, insights, and resources over the past three months. Led by facilitator Kira Cheree’ Cobb, the course has provided a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to accelerate their business growth and gain the confidence needed to succeed. 

Location: Blue Dragon Room, Parker Student Union, Hutchinson Community College 

Come out and be part of this exciting event as we celebrate entrepreneurship in Reno County!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330175748.jpeg" alt="StartUp Hutch Square" />
 <figcaption>StartUp Hutch Square</figcaption>
 </figure>StartUp HutchHUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch, in conjunction with The City of Hutchinson – Human Relations Office and NetWork Kansas, invite the public to join the excitement as local entrepreneurs present their business ideas at the Pitch Contest on Monday, September 16th. The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Blue Dragon Room at the Parker Student Union on the Hutchinson Community College campus. This dynamic event is the culmination of the Entrepreneurship Business Basics JUMP© (EBB Jump) program, a 12-week course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. During the contest, participants will showcase their business pitches to a panel of judges in hopes of winning a share of $2,000 in prize money. “We’re thrilled to see the creativity and ambition that local entrepreneurs will bring to the Pitch Contest,” said Jackson Swearer, executive director of StartUp Hutch. “This event is an opportunity to witness the next wave of business innovation in Reno County and support the growth of our entrepreneurial community.” Community members, business leaders, and supporters of local entrepreneurship are encouraged to attend the event to cheer on the contestants and get inspired by their innovative ideas. The Pitch Contest marks the finale of the EBB Jump program, which has been instrumental in equipping participants with essential business skills, insights, and resources over the past three months. Led by facilitator Kira Cheree’ Cobb, the course has provided a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to accelerate their business growth and gain the confidence needed to succeed. Event Details: Date: Monday, September 16th, 2024 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Location: Blue Dragon Room, Parker Student Union, Hutchinson Community College Come out and be part of this exciting event as we celebrate entrepreneurship in Reno County!

Pitch contest coming up September 16

WENDY SKELLENGER Hutchinson Community Foundation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation requests proposals for 2024 Changemakers at Work grants.

Changemakers at Work grants are open to Reno County residents and organizations who have great ideas for bringing community members together on projects that spark community spirit and pride, increase social capital, and build on communities' assets and unique qualities through placemaking. Awards range from $250 to $5,000.

Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Reno County. Individuals or groups that do not have a 501(c)(3) designation must obtain a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 27 via the foundation’s online portal. To learn more about grant requirements and to access the application portal, visit tinyurl.com/yc4ejra7.

To read about the kinds of projects previously funded through Changemakers at Work grants, visit <a href="http://tinyurl.com/yc6kx5tk">tinyurl.com/yc6kx5tk</a>.

Hutchinson Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, leadership and collaboration to strengthen Reno County. Since 1989, the foundation has made grants of more than $104 million to organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722557754618.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Community Foundation Square" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Community Foundation Square</figcaption>
 </figure>WENDY SKELLENGER Hutchinson Community Foundation HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation requests proposals for 2024 Changemakers at Work grants.Changemakers at Work grants are open to Reno County residents and organizations who have great ideas for bringing community members together on projects that spark community spirit and pride, increase social capital, and build on communities' assets and unique qualities through placemaking. Awards range from $250 to $5,000.Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Reno County. Individuals or groups that do not have a 501(c)(3) designation must obtain a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 27 via the foundation’s online portal. To learn more about grant requirements and to access the application portal, visit tinyurl.com/yc4ejra7.To read about the kinds of projects previously funded through Changemakers at Work grants, visit <a href="http://tinyurl.com/yc6kx5tk">tinyurl.com/yc6kx5tk</a>.Grants will be awarded in November.Hutchinson Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, leadership and collaboration to strengthen Reno County. Since 1989, the foundation has made grants of more than $104 million to organizations.

Community foundation accepting grant proposals

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;

9/3/2024 11:35 PM-Jourdaine	Brieon Iverson-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

9/3/2024 11:16 PM-Dakota	Jordan Pearman-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

9/3/2024 9:08 PM-Danny	Wayne Socha-Failure to Appear

9/3/2024 6:20 PM-Joseph	Paul Stropes Jr.-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)&nbsp;

9/3/2024 4:13 PM-Matthew	Edward Whalen-Probation Violation&nbsp;

9/3/2024 1:44 PM-Terrell	Jovan Parker-Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Person; Failure to Appear

9/3/2024 1:14 PM-Peter	Evan Glenn-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

9/3/2024 1:07 PM-Julia	Aurora Mayo-Failure to Appear; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

9/3/2024 12:55 PM-Chandler	Drew Brown-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana; Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); &lt; 3.5g&nbsp;

9/3/2024 12:21 PM-Anthoney	Xavier Collins-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

9/3/2024 11:59 AM-Joshua	Jacob Nachtigal-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

9/3/2024 11:39 AM-Carson	Nicole Painter-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&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;9/3/2024 11:35 PM-Jourdaine	Brieon Iverson-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;9/3/2024 11:16 PM-Dakota	Jordan Pearman-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body9/3/2024 9:08 PM-Danny	Wayne Socha-Failure to Appear9/3/2024 6:20 PM-Joseph	Paul Stropes Jr.-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)&nbsp;9/3/2024 4:13 PM-Matthew	Edward Whalen-Probation Violation&nbsp;9/3/2024 1:44 PM-Terrell	Jovan Parker-Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Person; Failure to Appear9/3/2024 1:14 PM-Peter	Evan Glenn-Failure to Appear&nbsp;9/3/2024 1:07 PM-Julia	Aurora Mayo-Failure to Appear; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;9/3/2024 12:55 PM-Chandler	Drew Brown-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana; Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); &lt; 3.5g&nbsp;9/3/2024 12:21 PM-Anthoney	Xavier Collins-Failure to Appear&nbsp;9/3/2024 11:59 AM-Joshua	Jacob Nachtigal-Failure to Appear&nbsp;9/3/2024 11:39 AM-Carson	Nicole Painter-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

Daily Bookings

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in honor of Arkansas City Firefighter Trevor Rusk.

“Trevor Rusk’s selflessness and courage will be remembered by his colleagues, friends, and family,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Kansas owes him a debt of gratitude for his service and sacrifice. My condolences go out to his loved ones and the Arkansas City community during this difficult time.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Flnks.gd%252Fl%252FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9rYW5zYXMtZmxhZy1ob25vciIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MDYuOTg2NDkzNjEifQ.AiYR5BQA3x1jW9QPDj62IRCNCGeV13kIc8szNUjYJeg%252Fs%252F3103296892%252Fbr%252F246961992824-l%26data=05%257C02%257Cgrace.hoge%2540ks.gov%257C1abce6577eef463c614308dcb6298a43%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638585536734042509%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=spU1NM1RC%252FXKHsbA4LmMVI4MCIRH8LntORqe3zVAZFY%253D%26reserved=0/1/01010191b87bb3c5-d21480a7-1fd9-41e1-a964-9e4de76cba0a-000000/DoHc8BAx8FbQ1ap1GPUSyk3ITTN7xDL23AYYFY_mt0E=368">https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623900641496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Office of the GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in honor of Arkansas City Firefighter Trevor Rusk.“Trevor Rusk’s selflessness and courage will be remembered by his colleagues, friends, and family,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Kansas owes him a debt of gratitude for his service and sacrifice. My condolences go out to his loved ones and the Arkansas City community during this difficult time.”To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Flnks.gd%252Fl%252FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9rYW5zYXMtZmxhZy1ob25vciIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MDYuOTg2NDkzNjEifQ.AiYR5BQA3x1jW9QPDj62IRCNCGeV13kIc8szNUjYJeg%252Fs%252F3103296892%252Fbr%252F246961992824-l%26data=05%257C02%257Cgrace.hoge%2540ks.gov%257C1abce6577eef463c614308dcb6298a43%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638585536734042509%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=spU1NM1RC%252FXKHsbA4LmMVI4MCIRH8LntORqe3zVAZFY%253D%26reserved=0/1/01010191b87bb3c5-d21480a7-1fd9-41e1-a964-9e4de76cba0a-000000/DoHc8BAx8FbQ1ap1GPUSyk3ITTN7xDL23AYYFY_mt0E=368">https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor</a>.

Gov. Kelly orders flags at half-staff in honor of fallen Ark City firefighter

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 City of Hutchinson budget approved by the city council after its hearing Tuesday morning will spend down much of the city's ending balance.&nbsp;

According to budget documents, the 2025 Budget shows a beginning general fund balance of approximately $5.3 million with a projected 2025 year-end fund balance of $913,000.

"The goal here that council has expressed is to keep the mill levy the same," said City of Hutchinson Finance Director Angela Richard. "We are seeing those rising costs but along with that this year we have seen a decrease in our sales tax revenue."

Normally, trends would indicate that the general fund ending balance would be higher than budgeted because the city typically does not spend the full budget. Sales tax collections will greatly impact the balance in 2025, and the city portion of sales tax will actually go down in October when the Sports Arena bonds are paid off.

&nbsp;"The city portion will go from 1.5 to 0.75 percent," Richard said.

The 2025 budgeted expenditures of $47,169,865 exceed the 2024 general fund budgeted expenditures of $44,581,726.

The 2024 assessed valuation for 2025 budget purposes ($380,287,477) reflected a 5.1% increase from the 2023 assessed valuation of $361,840,574.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725374120573.jpeg" alt="City Council September 2" />
 <figcaption>City Council September 2</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 City of Hutchinson budget approved by the city council after its hearing Tuesday morning will spend down much of the city's ending balance.&nbsp;According to budget documents, the 2025 Budget shows a beginning general fund balance of approximately $5.3 million with a projected 2025 year-end fund balance of $913,000."The goal here that council has expressed is to keep the mill levy the same," said City of Hutchinson Finance Director Angela Richard. "We are seeing those rising costs but along with that this year we have seen a decrease in our sales tax revenue."Normally, trends would indicate that the general fund ending balance would be higher than budgeted because the city typically does not spend the full budget. Sales tax collections will greatly impact the balance in 2025, and the city portion of sales tax will actually go down in October when the Sports Arena bonds are paid off.&nbsp;"The city portion will go from 1.5 to 0.75 percent," Richard said.The 2025 budgeted expenditures of $47,169,865 exceed the 2024 general fund budgeted expenditures of $44,581,726.The 2024 assessed valuation for 2025 budget purposes ($380,287,477) reflected a 5.1% increase from the 2023 assessed valuation of $361,840,574.

City passes 2025 budget

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The City of Hutchinson has installed the temporary traffic signals on Main Street for the upcoming Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

The lights have been installed at 20th and Main, along with 23rd and Main. 

The temporary signals will be set to flash mode until Sept. 6, allowing traffic to adjust to the changes. The lights will be set to regular operation from Sept. 6 through Sept. 20.&nbsp;

The reasoning for the temporary traffic signals is to help control possible congestion issues for the upcoming Kansas State Fair, which runs Sept. 6-15.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725368556745.jpeg" alt="The temporary traffic lights installed for the Kansas State Fair at 20th and Main. The lights will be in use until Sept. 20, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>The temporary traffic lights installed for the Kansas State Fair at 20th and Main. The lights will be in use until Sept. 20, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The City of Hutchinson has installed the temporary traffic signals on Main Street for the upcoming Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;The lights have been installed at 20th and Main, along with 23rd and Main. The temporary signals will be set to flash mode until Sept. 6, allowing traffic to adjust to the changes. The lights will be set to regular operation from Sept. 6 through Sept. 20.&nbsp;The reasoning for the temporary traffic signals is to help control possible congestion issues for the upcoming Kansas State Fair, which runs Sept. 6-15.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725369240347.jpeg" alt="The temporary traffic lights installed for the Kansas State Fair at 23rd and Main. The lights will be in use until Sept. 20, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>The temporary traffic lights installed for the Kansas State Fair at 23rd and Main. The lights will be in use until Sept. 20, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Temporary traffic signals ready for Kansas State Fair

RENO COUNTY —&nbsp;Ranger Road between Essex Road and S. Halstead Street will be closed beginning September 3, 2024, until further notice for crossroad pipe replacement. 

If you have questions about this or any other project, Reno County Public Works is located at 600 Scott Blvd. in South Hutchinson and can be reached at (620) 694-2976.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718041258382.jpeg" alt="Reno County Public Works-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Public Works-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —&nbsp;Ranger Road between Essex Road and S. Halstead Street will be closed beginning September 3, 2024, until further notice for crossroad pipe replacement. If you have questions about this or any other project, Reno County Public Works is located at 600 Scott Blvd. in South Hutchinson and can be reached at (620) 694-2976.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ranger Road closed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College President Dr. Tricia Paramore has known for a long time that she wanted to lead in higher education.

"When I was in graduate school at the University of Kansas, my aspiration was to go into higher education teaching and then ultimately administration," Paramore said. "I had a mentor who was really just a great model for me going into a provost type of position and then ultimately a university president and I thought at one point that's what I want to do. So I started off using my degrees in biology and genetics as a faculty member here at the college in 1996. It's when I was hired and did that for about 10 years. I loved it. I still think teaching is the best gig in higher education and then about 10 years in I had the opportunity to become the department chair, which is kind of like what most people think of as a dean, right? Most schools call it a dean position and was in that position for about 17 years and then almost two years ago I moved into the role of the vice president of academic affairs and then this summer I began as the president and you know that president position opened up a little sooner than I was expecting, but here we are."

Paramore said she loves the people she works with, but the students are what get her up in the morning to go to work.

"I love being around the students," Paramore said. "When they started coming back in mid late July, I was like, yeah, here we go. This is why we're here and it really kind of keeps the focus on our purpose, which is to help them."

Paramore wants to help the whole school chart a direction. It's not a job she wants to do alone.&nbsp;

"I've had a number of opportunities where folks have said, Hey, what do you want to do with this? What direction do you want to go with this? What do you see as this, you know, for this initiative, whatever it may be. My approach is, is typically, well, what about we, is it just what I want to do or is it what we want to do as an institution? Let's get some other people around the table who have some voice and impact on this and talk about what we would like to do rather than just what Tricia wants to do."

Paramore told the staff when they came back for fall classes in August that she wants the institution to push forward, but it may still take a while to see exactly what that looks like.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713466226667.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College President Dr. Tricia Paramore has known for a long time that she wanted to lead in higher education."When I was in graduate school at the University of Kansas, my aspiration was to go into higher education teaching and then ultimately administration," Paramore said. "I had a mentor who was really just a great model for me going into a provost type of position and then ultimately a university president and I thought at one point that's what I want to do. So I started off using my degrees in biology and genetics as a faculty member here at the college in 1996. It's when I was hired and did that for about 10 years. I loved it. I still think teaching is the best gig in higher education and then about 10 years in I had the opportunity to become the department chair, which is kind of like what most people think of as a dean, right? Most schools call it a dean position and was in that position for about 17 years and then almost two years ago I moved into the role of the vice president of academic affairs and then this summer I began as the president and you know that president position opened up a little sooner than I was expecting, but here we are."Paramore said she loves the people she works with, but the students are what get her up in the morning to go to work."I love being around the students," Paramore said. "When they started coming back in mid late July, I was like, yeah, here we go. This is why we're here and it really kind of keeps the focus on our purpose, which is to help them."Paramore wants to help the whole school chart a direction. It's not a job she wants to do alone.&nbsp;"I've had a number of opportunities where folks have said, Hey, what do you want to do with this? What direction do you want to go with this? What do you see as this, you know, for this initiative, whatever it may be. My approach is, is typically, well, what about we, is it just what I want to do or is it what we want to do as an institution? Let's get some other people around the table who have some voice and impact on this and talk about what we would like to do rather than just what Tricia wants to do."Paramore told the staff when they came back for fall classes in August that she wants the institution to push forward, but it may still take a while to see exactly what that looks like.

New HutchCC president reaching career goal

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board will hold its orientation meeting prior to the fair on Thursday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. in the board room on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

On the agenda for that meeting is potential race dates for 2025, along with various orientation related matters, including security, travel reimbursement, golf cart protocol, media protocol, board events and approvals for alcohol sales for September and October events.

The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the Fair Board will also have a supper meeting in the new 1861 Club at 6 p.m. Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724172564313.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board will hold its orientation meeting prior to the fair on Thursday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. in the board room on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.On the agenda for that meeting is potential race dates for 2025, along with various orientation related matters, including security, travel reimbursement, golf cart protocol, media protocol, board events and approvals for alcohol sales for September and October events.The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and the Fair Board will also have a supper meeting in the new 1861 Club at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Fair Board to take up race dates at Thursday meeting

RACHEL MCMASTER Bluestem Communities

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Three Rings Brewery in McPherson (536 Old U.S. 81) will sponsor a fundraising event, Squeals and Froth, on Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. to benefit area senior citizens.

The evening will feature cold drinks, a bratwurst meal by Krehbiel’s Specialty Meats and Woodie’s BBQ Restaurant and Catering, and live entertainment by Alex Jordan. For every sale of beer, $1 will be donated to the Bluestem PACE Good Neighbor Fund. For the bratwurst meal, there is a suggested donation of $8, the proceeds of which will also benefit the Good Neighbor Fund.

Event sponsors are Three Rings Brewery, Krehbiel Meats, Woodie’s BBQ Restaurant and Catering, Midway Motors, Wise and Reber, L.C., Johns Manville, Farmers Alliance and Rise Private Wealth Management.

With the primary location in McPherson and an alternative care site in Hutchinson, Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) serves individuals aged 55 and better in a six-county south central Kansas region with medical, social, physical and personal care so seniors can remain living independently in their homes for as long as possible.

The PACE Good Neighbor Fund provides financial assistance to program participants in the event of unexpected circumstances, and assists Bluestem PACE in providing highly coordinated and integrated medical, social, physical and personal care.&nbsp;

“We are grateful for this kind of community support that assists older adults with care and services that allow them to live safely and independently in their own homes,” said Derek Yoder, Bluestem Communities vice president of Fund Advancement. “This event will be a good opportunity to enjoy the weekend, entertainment, refreshments and company while also supporting the seniors in our community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631562254497.jpeg" alt="Bluestem communities.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Bluestem communities.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>RACHEL MCMASTER Bluestem CommunitiesMCPHERSON, Kan. — Three Rings Brewery in McPherson (536 Old U.S. 81) will sponsor a fundraising event, Squeals and Froth, on Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. to benefit area senior citizens.The evening will feature cold drinks, a bratwurst meal by Krehbiel’s Specialty Meats and Woodie’s BBQ Restaurant and Catering, and live entertainment by Alex Jordan. For every sale of beer, $1 will be donated to the Bluestem PACE Good Neighbor Fund. For the bratwurst meal, there is a suggested donation of $8, the proceeds of which will also benefit the Good Neighbor Fund.Event sponsors are Three Rings Brewery, Krehbiel Meats, Woodie’s BBQ Restaurant and Catering, Midway Motors, Wise and Reber, L.C., Johns Manville, Farmers Alliance and Rise Private Wealth Management.With the primary location in McPherson and an alternative care site in Hutchinson, Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) serves individuals aged 55 and better in a six-county south central Kansas region with medical, social, physical and personal care so seniors can remain living independently in their homes for as long as possible.The PACE Good Neighbor Fund provides financial assistance to program participants in the event of unexpected circumstances, and assists Bluestem PACE in providing highly coordinated and integrated medical, social, physical and personal care.&nbsp;“We are grateful for this kind of community support that assists older adults with care and services that allow them to live safely and independently in their own homes,” said Derek Yoder, Bluestem Communities vice president of Fund Advancement. “This event will be a good opportunity to enjoy the weekend, entertainment, refreshments and company while also supporting the seniors in our community.”

Three Rings Brewery to host fundraiser to benefit area seniors

KIOWA COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Greensburg Police Department and Kiowa County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a shots fired call in the 400 block of Main Street in Greensburg, according to a media release. 

 When officers arrived, they discovered an 87-year-old man had fired shots inside his residence and barricaded himself inside the residence. 

 Area residents were evacuated and calls for assistance were made to the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Pratt County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

Just after 7 p.m.. negotiations were successful and he was taken into custody without incident.  No injuries were reported to civilians or law enforcement.  The case is being investigated by the Greensburg Police Department.&nbsp; The name of the suspect has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711403777148.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KIOWA COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff.Just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Greensburg Police Department and Kiowa County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a shots fired call in the 400 block of Main Street in Greensburg, according to a media release. When officers arrived, they discovered an 87-year-old man had fired shots inside his residence and barricaded himself inside the residence. Area residents were evacuated and calls for assistance were made to the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Pratt County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;Just after 7 p.m.. negotiations were successful and he was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported to civilians or law enforcement. The case is being investigated by the Greensburg Police Department.&nbsp; The name of the suspect has not been released.

87-year-old jailed after standoff in Greensburg 

McPherson County Community Foundation

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Community Foundation is seeking volunteers to help complete tax returns of McPherson County residents in 2025. These volunteers would be participants under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program under MCCF will be the first in McPherson County.

People who generally make $64,000 or less

All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing.

The Foundation is looking for volunteers that are either current or former financial professionals, current or former accountants and those that feel comfortable with the tax return process.

MCCF plans to schedule availability from Monday to Saturday and can be flexible with volunteers to better fit their needs, though they do ask that volunteers set aside 2-3 hours per session.

The program will be open from February 1 to April 15 of each year.

For more information about the program or to talk about volunteering, please reach out to Michelle Huddle, MCCF CFO, at <a href="mailto:Michelle@McPhersonFoundation.org">Michelle@McPhersonFoundation.org</a> or (620) 245-9070.

An announcement on appointment scheduling will be sent out in Jan. of 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708975908202.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>McPherson County Community FoundationMCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — The McPherson County Community Foundation is seeking volunteers to help complete tax returns of McPherson County residents in 2025. These volunteers would be participants under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program under MCCF will be the first in McPherson County.The VITA program primarily serves:People who generally make $64,000 or lessPersons with disabilitiesLimited English-speaking taxpayersAll VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing.The Foundation is looking for volunteers that are either current or former financial professionals, current or former accountants and those that feel comfortable with the tax return process.MCCF plans to schedule availability from Monday to Saturday and can be flexible with volunteers to better fit their needs, though they do ask that volunteers set aside 2-3 hours per session.The program will be open from February 1 to April 15 of each year.For more information about the program or to talk about volunteering, please reach out to Michelle Huddle, MCCF CFO, at <a href="mailto:Michelle@McPhersonFoundation.org">Michelle@McPhersonFoundation.org</a> or (620) 245-9070.An announcement on appointment scheduling will be sent out in Jan. of 2025.

McPherson County to start VITA program; seeking volunteers

RICE COUNTY — Sterling USD 379 will host a visit from Wichita author, illustrator, and cartoonist&nbsp;Grant Snider&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sept. 30. He will visit the grade school and jr./sr. high school to give presentations for K-12 students and conduct comic-making workshops. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students will learn about his books in storytime, and Mrs. Brownlee will promote comics and graphic novels through library lessons and book recommendations. Mrs. Madden will also do some follow-up lessons in art class.&nbsp;

Mr. Snider is unique in that he's written books for all ages, including picture books for young readers and comics for middle grade up through adult. You can learn more about his books on his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protection.usd376.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grantsnider.com%2Fbooks&amp;id=72d0&amp;rcpt=all_staff%40usd376.com&amp;tss=1724764417&amp;msgid=2b5a5d55-6476-11ef-becb-3f1fd3c4d572&amp;html=1&amp;h=8fd5144e">website</a>. He also has a blog called&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protection.usd376.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.incidentalcomics.com%2F&amp;id=72d0&amp;rcpt=all_staff%40usd376.com&amp;tss=1724764417&amp;msgid=2b5a5d55-6476-11ef-becb-3f1fd3c4d572&amp;html=1&amp;h=90430f1a">Incidental Comics</a>.

Students and staff are invited to purchase his books to be autographed on the day of his visit. Mrs. Miller is coordinating book orders through a local bookstore, or you are welcome to purchase a book on your own and bring it to school for autographing. Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u16tSST4f3DYcB8burHR2flRXO01_ryB/view?usp=sharing">here</a>&nbsp;to access the book order form.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725066050009.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Sterling USD 379" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Sterling USD 379</figcaption>
 </figure>AMY BROWNLEE Sterling USD 379RICE COUNTY — Sterling USD 379 will host a visit from Wichita author, illustrator, and cartoonist&nbsp;Grant Snider&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sept. 30. He will visit the grade school and jr./sr. high school to give presentations for K-12 students and conduct comic-making workshops. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students will learn about his books in storytime, and Mrs. Brownlee will promote comics and graphic novels through library lessons and book recommendations. Mrs. Madden will also do some follow-up lessons in art class.&nbsp;Mr. Snider is unique in that he's written books for all ages, including picture books for young readers and comics for middle grade up through adult. You can learn more about his books on his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protection.usd376.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grantsnider.com%2Fbooks&amp;id=72d0&amp;rcpt=all_staff%40usd376.com&amp;tss=1724764417&amp;msgid=2b5a5d55-6476-11ef-becb-3f1fd3c4d572&amp;html=1&amp;h=8fd5144e">website</a>. He also has a blog called&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://protection.usd376.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.incidentalcomics.com%2F&amp;id=72d0&amp;rcpt=all_staff%40usd376.com&amp;tss=1724764417&amp;msgid=2b5a5d55-6476-11ef-becb-3f1fd3c4d572&amp;html=1&amp;h=90430f1a">Incidental Comics</a>.Students and staff are invited to purchase his books to be autographed on the day of his visit. Mrs. Miller is coordinating book orders through a local bookstore, or you are welcome to purchase a book on your own and bring it to school for autographing. Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u16tSST4f3DYcB8burHR2flRXO01_ryB/view?usp=sharing">here</a>&nbsp;to access the book order form.

Comic cartoonist coming to Sterling

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

Although the temperatures outside suggest otherwise, summer is over as the kids have returned to school. While I always miss the extra daily chaos of the kids being home all day during the summer, I also always enjoy a bit of calm during the days following their return to school. 

Yes, there are generally a couple days of transition involved as all of our routines return. It’s generally pretty quiet once the kids go back to school, and I think our farm dog, Rosie, and I both recognize the sharp contrast of days full of activities, noise and constant chaos to the calmer, quieter days where we can’t wait for a school bus to appear in the afternoon to welcome our people home.

Leading up to the days before the start of this new school year, I had grand plans of tackling projects I’ve set aside until the kids returned to school. Never mind tackling the laundry or the dishes or dedicating some major cleaning attention to my kitchen.

Two of the first things I planned to do once the kids got back on that school bus for another year was to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee at my pace before spending a day in our farm office working on the books. I planned to have the television channel of my choice playing in the background while I worked on the computer and perhaps enjoy a second cup of coffee at my pace. It was a pace that I envisioned would allow me to ease back into reality. 

These were grand plans that would allow me to slowly reacclimate back onto the reality of life without kids at home all the time. Little did I know, once the kids loaded up on the bus and headed to back to school to begin a new school year, I would be loading myself up into the tractor and be headed into our dryland corn fields to begin harvest.

What I originally envisioned for the first few weeks following the start of school included greeting the kids at home once they got off the bus in the afternoons. We’d talk about their school day at the kitchen table while they’d eat a nutritious snack. Little did I know, the kids would get off the bus in the afternoons and make their own after-school snacks because I’d be in a corn field driving the grain cart and unloading corn into our bins.

I should know better by now that my envisioned fall plans very rarely align with the reality of life on the farm every fall. Afterall, after my husband and I returned home from our honeymoon 14 years ago, he immediately headed out to the corn fields to begin harvest. Fourteen years ago there was no time to slowly ease back into reality. Instead, it was time to get back to work.

And 14 years later, that’s where we are as well – returning to reality and getting to work as we kick off both the start of a new school year and a new season of harvest.

"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/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherAlthough the temperatures outside suggest otherwise, summer is over as the kids have returned to school. While I always miss the extra daily chaos of the kids being home all day during the summer, I also always enjoy a bit of calm during the days following their return to school. Yes, there are generally a couple days of transition involved as all of our routines return. It’s generally pretty quiet once the kids go back to school, and I think our farm dog, Rosie, and I both recognize the sharp contrast of days full of activities, noise and constant chaos to the calmer, quieter days where we can’t wait for a school bus to appear in the afternoon to welcome our people home.Leading up to the days before the start of this new school year, I had grand plans of tackling projects I’ve set aside until the kids returned to school. Never mind tackling the laundry or the dishes or dedicating some major cleaning attention to my kitchen.Two of the first things I planned to do once the kids got back on that school bus for another year was to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee at my pace before spending a day in our farm office working on the books. I planned to have the television channel of my choice playing in the background while I worked on the computer and perhaps enjoy a second cup of coffee at my pace. It was a pace that I envisioned would allow me to ease back into reality. These were grand plans that would allow me to slowly reacclimate back onto the reality of life without kids at home all the time. Little did I know, once the kids loaded up on the bus and headed to back to school to begin a new school year, I would be loading myself up into the tractor and be headed into our dryland corn fields to begin harvest.What I originally envisioned for the first few weeks following the start of school included greeting the kids at home once they got off the bus in the afternoons. We’d talk about their school day at the kitchen table while they’d eat a nutritious snack. Little did I know, the kids would get off the bus in the afternoons and make their own after-school snacks because I’d be in a corn field driving the grain cart and unloading corn into our bins.I should know better by now that my envisioned fall plans very rarely align with the reality of life on the farm every fall. Afterall, after my husband and I returned home from our honeymoon 14 years ago, he immediately headed out to the corn fields to begin harvest. Fourteen years ago there was no time to slowly ease back into reality. Instead, it was time to get back to work.And 14 years later, that’s where we are as well – returning to reality and getting to work as we kick off both the start of a new school year and a new season of harvest."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Returning to reality

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;

9/2/2024 11:57 PM-Bkye	Leeje Battle-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Possess, Consume, Purchase Alcoholic Liquor/CMB by 18-20 YOA; 1st Conviction&nbsp;

9/2/2024 8:51 PM-Dawyon	Leon Brazil-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

9/2/2024 8:50 PM-Shawn	Christopher Taylor-FTA; Municipal Court&nbsp;

9/2/2024 7:18 PM-Nathan	Alan Evel-Agg battery; DUI cause bodily harm; DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

9/2/2024 5:10 PM-Gary	Lyle Duerson-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Failure to Appear

9/2/2024 9:36 AM-Jasiah	Craig Thomas-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

<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;9/2/2024 11:57 PM-Bkye	Leeje Battle-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Possess, Consume, Purchase Alcoholic Liquor/CMB by 18-20 YOA; 1st Conviction&nbsp;9/2/2024 8:51 PM-Dawyon	Leon Brazil-Failure to Appear&nbsp;9/2/2024 8:50 PM-Shawn	Christopher Taylor-FTA; Municipal Court&nbsp;9/2/2024 7:18 PM-Nathan	Alan Evel-Agg battery; DUI cause bodily harm; DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+9/2/2024 5:10 PM-Gary	Lyle Duerson-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Failure to Appear9/2/2024 9:36 AM-Jasiah	Craig Thomas-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will hold two meetings on Tuesday. 

The first is because the legal notice for the budget related hearings went out with a 9 a.m. time on it, even though the regular meetings are moving to 5:30 p.m. 

Therefore, in order to fulfill legal requirements, the budget hearing is at 9 a.m., with a&nbsp;Resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate also on the morning agenda.

The afternoon agenda will include approval of the Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run as a special event, bond approval for a series of Hutchinson projects in the amount of $4.34 million, along with the approval of general temporary notes in the amount of $1.615 million.

The City will also look to approve an ordinance to replace the 16th and Baker bridge, look at approval of the SRF loan agreement for water distribution improvements.

There will also be proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month and National Recovery Month.

The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707319226663.jpeg" alt="2024 Hutchinson City Council" />
 <figcaption>2024 Hutchinson City Council</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will hold two meetings on Tuesday. The first is because the legal notice for the budget related hearings went out with a 9 a.m. time on it, even though the regular meetings are moving to 5:30 p.m. Therefore, in order to fulfill legal requirements, the budget hearing is at 9 a.m., with a&nbsp;Resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate also on the morning agenda.The afternoon agenda will include approval of the Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run as a special event, bond approval for a series of Hutchinson projects in the amount of $4.34 million, along with the approval of general temporary notes in the amount of $1.615 million.The City will also look to approve an ordinance to replace the 16th and Baker bridge, look at approval of the SRF loan agreement for water distribution improvements.There will also be proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month and National Recovery Month.The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

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