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;

10/26/2024 3:10 AM-Junya Ishii-DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense

10/26/2024 12:30 AM-Corey	Allen Kessler-Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Littering; Private property&nbsp;

10/25/2024 11:53 PM-Britany	Nicole Martin-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

10/25/2024 11:20 PM-Sean	Anthony Roylynn Hogan-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Failure to Appear

10/25/2024 8:55 PM-Abigail	Daphne Gibson-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

10/25/2024 6:56 PM-Seth	Aaron Moss-Probation Violation

10/25/2024 6:52 PM-Andrew	William Washburn-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

10/25/2024 1:23 PM-Dakotah	Keyshawn Gruver-Probation Violation&nbsp;

10/25/2024 11:18 AM-Felix	Gerard Bribiesca Jr.-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises; Failure to Appear; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

<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;10/26/2024 3:10 AM-Junya Ishii-DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense10/26/2024 12:30 AM-Corey	Allen Kessler-Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Littering; Private property&nbsp;10/25/2024 11:53 PM-Britany	Nicole Martin-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)10/25/2024 11:20 PM-Sean	Anthony Roylynn Hogan-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Failure to Appear10/25/2024 8:55 PM-Abigail	Daphne Gibson-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv10/25/2024 6:56 PM-Seth	Aaron Moss-Probation Violation10/25/2024 6:52 PM-Andrew	William Washburn-Failure to Appear&nbsp;10/25/2024 1:23 PM-Dakotah	Keyshawn Gruver-Probation Violation&nbsp;10/25/2024 11:18 AM-Felix	Gerard Bribiesca Jr.-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises; Failure to Appear; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

Daily Bookings

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;K9 Vests Midwest founder Emily Fawcett.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IFlaK6Fz6H8?si=iLlZJWuzDdfRGn2E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;K9 Vests Midwest founder Emily Fawcett.

🎤Forward Ever: K9 Vests Midwest founder Emily Fawcett

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Collins Bus team and their families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon at the company's 2nd&nbsp;annual Fall Festival last weekend.

The event was packed with excitement for everyone, including bounce houses from Sugar Sweet Bounce Houses, face painting, balloon animals, yard games, pumpkin painting, and a petting zoo!&nbsp;

Stretch’s BBQ pork and chicken was provided, and Collins employees competed for bragging rights in the first-ever Chili Cook-Off.&nbsp;Those who entered the chili contest had their chili sampled and voted on by the crowd. 

There was a winner for Best Heat and Best Flavor, which featured choice prizes from Smith’s Market and Jackson Meat.

Official Collins guides provided plant tours so families could get a glimpse of world-class bus manufacturing.

Collins would like to thank the South Hutch Fire and Police Departments along with the Reno County Sheriff Department, who brought their emergency vehicles to display.

They would also like to thank our event sponsors IMMI, Fastenal, and Mel Hambelton Ford, as well as Redemption Animal Rescue for bringing adoptable pets for the team to meet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729872047643.jpeg" alt="Collins Bus employees and their families gathered for the 2nd Annual Fall Festival last weekend. Photo courtesy Collins Bus." />
 <figcaption>Collins Bus employees and their families gathered for the 2nd Annual Fall Festival last weekend. Photo courtesy Collins Bus.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHELBY PEARCE CollinsSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Collins Bus team and their families gathered for a fun-filled afternoon at the company's 2nd&nbsp;annual Fall Festival last weekend.The event was packed with excitement for everyone, including bounce houses from Sugar Sweet Bounce Houses, face painting, balloon animals, yard games, pumpkin painting, and a petting zoo!&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729872135914.jpeg" alt="The petting zoo was part of the Collins Bus Fall Festival last weekend. Photo Courtesy Collins Bus." />
 <figcaption>The petting zoo was part of the Collins Bus Fall Festival last weekend. Photo Courtesy Collins Bus.</figcaption>
 </figure>Stretch’s BBQ pork and chicken was provided, and Collins employees competed for bragging rights in the first-ever Chili Cook-Off.&nbsp;Those who entered the chili contest had their chili sampled and voted on by the crowd. There was a winner for Best Heat and Best Flavor, which featured choice prizes from Smith’s Market and Jackson Meat.Official Collins guides provided plant tours so families could get a glimpse of world-class bus manufacturing.Collins would like to thank the South Hutch Fire and Police Departments along with the Reno County Sheriff Department, who brought their emergency vehicles to display.They would also like to thank our event sponsors IMMI, Fastenal, and Mel Hambelton Ford, as well as Redemption Animal Rescue for bringing adoptable pets for the team to meet.

Collins holds Fall Festival for employee families

Nick Gosnell: With us this morning is another candidate for Reno County Commission. Ron Vincent is running as a Republican. He'll be on the ballot for a portion of the county. Again, that is coming up on November the 5th. Good morning, sir.

Nick Gosnell: All right. Ron, give folks a little bit of your background, but much like your opponent, you've been in the county a long, long time, so a lot of folks probably know you already, but just for those that don't.

Ron Vincent: I was born here and I've never moved away. Spent my whole life here. Raised our children here. I've been in Reno County ever since I can remember.

Nick Gosnell: All right. So, what we, what you, what you've done for the, as your career is have a business that helps with getting wells taken care of, and so there's a piece of what the county does that, or I guess I should say the state does, and the county did some, that is something you are a whole lot more knowledgeable about than I am, and that's the the sanitation code and the way that that works when you dig wells and do work and all those kinds of things. And, and so from the county, from the County Commission seat, that got changed here, oh, was it earlier this year or late last year? And just talk a little bit about what the, what your background will lend to being able to pay attention to that side of policy that maybe a lot of county commissioners don't know about.

Ron Vincent: Well, that policy, you know, got changed. We were, the state has what they call Bulletin 4-2, which, which regulates all these water wells and wastewater systems. And then Reno County elaborated from there, which basically made it quite a bit more restrictive, in fact double separation distance, lots of things that, you know, that was making everything cost a lot more. So on that aspect, you know, we tried to tune that down to where it was, you know, it was affordable, but yet safe. It's still safe. KDHE ain't gonna let you do anything, it's not gonna let you do anything that, you know, it's not gonna affect the environment. That part's already taken care of.

Nick Gosnell: Sure. And that's one of the situations I touched on this a little bit earlier this morning, but the, a lot of what the county does is be, for want of a better way of putting it, and I say this often, a branch office of the state government. By that I mean most of the county elected officials other than the county commission. In other words, the ones like the county treasurer and the county clerk and the county sheriff and so on, they're chiefly governed by state statute more so than even something that the county commission does. So often their, their stuff is just things that you have to say, okay, yeah, I understand that, that you don't have a choice in doing what you, what you're doing right now. One good example that was before the county commission here recently was a county treasurer, Calvert, came in and wanted to add an employee to her office because it was taking every time, taking forever for people to get their tags. Well, Daniel Friesen, who is stepping aside and it's his seat that we're talking about, basically said, why are we still doing tags the way we've done tags forever? And though that's a great question to ask, that's not, the county commission doesn't get to decide that. The state legislature gets to decide that. So when you come up against those situations where you say, this isn't, this isn't quite the way things maybe ought to be done, how as a county commission can you, can you give voice to figuring out how to make processes at this level better when it, when it's statute-based and you don't get to make the individual decision?

Ron Vincent: That's really hard. You know, like I said, that the state does control that and, you know, I think the people down there do the best they can with what they got. We can, we can always try and push for that, but it's, now like on property taxes, you know, we could, you know, if we don't like what it's costing to pay for property tax, we'd always lower the mill levy and make our taxes less. The TAG department, you know, you hear that, you know, that it's state-run, and the state, I've noticed the state and the government are very good about starting programs, setting policy, and then they're, you know, then they're outfunding it. They're not funding it anymore. So, you know, that needs worked on and find out a way to, you know, to try to get them to fund more of it, being said, you know, they're the ones that are regulating it.

Nick Gosnell: Fair enough. Ron's running for County Commission for the seat now held by Daniel Friesen, but he's chosen to step aside, and so Ron is running as a Republican on the ballot in the November 5th election for the northeastern portion of Reno County, and Ron, you talked about potentially cutting the mill levy if that's what the County Commission wants to do to continue to give property tax relief to taxpayers, but if you're going to do that, then you got to cut the budget, and are there any particular areas that you say to yourself, these are the areas I think we maybe need to take a closer look at if I make it on the Commission?

Ron Vincent: I would say one part that I would take a closer look at it is us funding money to the nonprofits. The nonprofits come in every year wanting some money. Basically, I feel that's taking everybody's tax money and donating it to nonprofits of, say, my choice or the Commission's choice. I'd be more careful about that. I would, on this economic development, I believe we need to define what we need to spend the money on on the economic development. I didn't know economic development could get so broad. So basically, watch what we spend. We have needs, we need to fund them, we need to look at our wants really hard.

Nick Gosnell: Economic development, it's hard to know where that line really lies because you can say, just like you can say most anything has to do with taxes, you can say most anything has to do with economic development because you you're trying to bring infrastructure to places so that you can have industrial activity. But then you have to bring people in to work that industry, and then you have to then be able to take care of all those pieces. So when you talk about what economic development is, where do you want those lines drawn? Are we talking about water lines and tax abatements, or are we talking about incentives to get people to move here? Or what's the framework that makes sense there?

Ron Vincent: Well, tax abatements would be a good start because it's actually not giving cash money to someone to start a business. I'd rather do that than the cash. And if the business comes and you let free enterprise take care of itself, I believe the people will follow. That the housing will, the people that are in the developing and house building business will get on the bandwagon, and it will take care of itself if we become quite a bit more friendlier with these people that are, you know, to get them to come in.

Nick Gosnell: Now, one of the tough issues is you can bring jobs to a community, but just because the jobs are in a community doesn't necessarily mean that the people are going to live in that political jurisdiction. I'll give you just an example, my own life. My wife and I live on the other side of the county line, so I'm not a Reno County taxpayer, but I work in Reno County. How do you get those people, when you bring jobs in, like the new electrical plant that they're getting ready to start, or any of these other places that are this economic activity, how do you get that to translate into residents that are taxpayers here, as opposed to people that can drive in 20 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, because it's not like it used to be. You don't have the horse and buggy, you don't have to live 10 miles away anymore.

Ron Vincent: Well, get the jobs, you know, that pay good, that people want. You know, they want to come here and build a home. You know, there's a lot of people from Reno County go work in McPherson County. I mean, that just goes on and on. But, you know, bring the business and companies here that can support these people, and give them, you know, the pay that they think they deserve, and, you know, I believe that, and a place to build a home, or buy a home that they desire.

Nick Gosnell: All right, and how difficult is it for the County Commission when most of the revenue you guys get is from property tax? There's a little bit of sales tax in there, but it's mostly property taxes, and everybody gets frustrated with the property tax valuations going up. But again, like we talked about with the Treasurer's Office earlier, the Appraiser's Office is controlled a whole lot by statute. They've got to value things according to what the statute says. So, how can the County Commission help to affect that? Maybe even other than just cutting the budget, is there anything else policy-wise that the County Commission can do to say, hey, we don't want to make this worse on people than it has to be?

Ron Vincent: I don't think there's much that the County Commissioner can really do about that. I believe that would be the representatives and senators to do that. I, you know, I don't know the whole structure of the state on these mandates, but obviously geographically it's different. You know, I would hope that we're not compared to, you know, Wyandotte, Johnson County, or that we're not compared to Kiowa County. But if the state is more generalized in things, it needs to be more geographical and a little truer value, I think. But again, the Commission can say, well, you know, the valuation's gone up. You know, revenue neutral will make you stay at the same taxes you're paying, not make you pay more taxes. We can always work with the mill levy.

Nick Gosnell: Fair enough. Ron Vincent is with us. He is running as a Republican for County Commission, and he'll be on the ballot for the northeastern portion of the county on November 5th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693414188298.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nick Gosnell: With us this morning is another candidate for Reno County Commission. Ron Vincent is running as a Republican. He'll be on the ballot for a portion of the county. Again, that is coming up on November the 5th. Good morning, sir. Ron Vincent: Good morning. Nick Gosnell: All right. Ron, give folks a little bit of your background, but much like your opponent, you've been in the county a long, long time, so a lot of folks probably know you already, but just for those that don't. Ron Vincent: I was born here and I've never moved away. Spent my whole life here. Raised our children here. I've been in Reno County ever since I can remember. Nick Gosnell: All right. So, what we, what you, what you've done for the, as your career is have a business that helps with getting wells taken care of, and so there's a piece of what the county does that, or I guess I should say the state does, and the county did some, that is something you are a whole lot more knowledgeable about than I am, and that's the the sanitation code and the way that that works when you dig wells and do work and all those kinds of things. And, and so from the county, from the County Commission seat, that got changed here, oh, was it earlier this year or late last year? And just talk a little bit about what the, what your background will lend to being able to pay attention to that side of policy that maybe a lot of county commissioners don't know about. Ron Vincent: Well, that policy, you know, got changed. We were, the state has what they call Bulletin 4-2, which, which regulates all these water wells and wastewater systems. And then Reno County elaborated from there, which basically made it quite a bit more restrictive, in fact double separation distance, lots of things that, you know, that was making everything cost a lot more. So on that aspect, you know, we tried to tune that down to where it was, you know, it was affordable, but yet safe. It's still safe. KDHE ain't gonna let you do anything, it's not gonna let you do anything that, you know, it's not gonna affect the environment. That part's already taken care of.Nick Gosnell: Sure. And that's one of the situations I touched on this a little bit earlier this morning, but the, a lot of what the county does is be, for want of a better way of putting it, and I say this often, a branch office of the state government. By that I mean most of the county elected officials other than the county commission. In other words, the ones like the county treasurer and the county clerk and the county sheriff and so on, they're chiefly governed by state statute more so than even something that the county commission does. So often their, their stuff is just things that you have to say, okay, yeah, I understand that, that you don't have a choice in doing what you, what you're doing right now. One good example that was before the county commission here recently was a county treasurer, Calvert, came in and wanted to add an employee to her office because it was taking every time, taking forever for people to get their tags. Well, Daniel Friesen, who is stepping aside and it's his seat that we're talking about, basically said, why are we still doing tags the way we've done tags forever? And though that's a great question to ask, that's not, the county commission doesn't get to decide that. The state legislature gets to decide that. So when you come up against those situations where you say, this isn't, this isn't quite the way things maybe ought to be done, how as a county commission can you, can you give voice to figuring out how to make processes at this level better when it, when it's statute-based and you don't get to make the individual decision? Ron Vincent: That's really hard. You know, like I said, that the state does control that and, you know, I think the people down there do the best they can with what they got. We can, we can always try and push for that, but it's, now like on property taxes, you know, we could, you know, if we don't like what it's costing to pay for property tax, we'd always lower the mill levy and make our taxes less. The TAG department, you know, you hear that, you know, that it's state-run, and the state, I've noticed the state and the government are very good about starting programs, setting policy, and then they're, you know, then they're outfunding it. They're not funding it anymore. So, you know, that needs worked on and find out a way to, you know, to try to get them to fund more of it, being said, you know, they're the ones that are regulating it. Nick Gosnell: Fair enough. Ron's running for County Commission for the seat now held by Daniel Friesen, but he's chosen to step aside, and so Ron is running as a Republican on the ballot in the November 5th election for the northeastern portion of Reno County, and Ron, you talked about potentially cutting the mill levy if that's what the County Commission wants to do to continue to give property tax relief to taxpayers, but if you're going to do that, then you got to cut the budget, and are there any particular areas that you say to yourself, these are the areas I think we maybe need to take a closer look at if I make it on the Commission? Ron Vincent: I would say one part that I would take a closer look at it is us funding money to the nonprofits. The nonprofits come in every year wanting some money. Basically, I feel that's taking everybody's tax money and donating it to nonprofits of, say, my choice or the Commission's choice. I'd be more careful about that. I would, on this economic development, I believe we need to define what we need to spend the money on on the economic development. I didn't know economic development could get so broad. So basically, watch what we spend. We have needs, we need to fund them, we need to look at our wants really hard. Nick Gosnell: Economic development, it's hard to know where that line really lies because you can say, just like you can say most anything has to do with taxes, you can say most anything has to do with economic development because you you're trying to bring infrastructure to places so that you can have industrial activity. But then you have to bring people in to work that industry, and then you have to then be able to take care of all those pieces. So when you talk about what economic development is, where do you want those lines drawn? Are we talking about water lines and tax abatements, or are we talking about incentives to get people to move here? Or what's the framework that makes sense there? Ron Vincent: Well, tax abatements would be a good start because it's actually not giving cash money to someone to start a business. I'd rather do that than the cash. And if the business comes and you let free enterprise take care of itself, I believe the people will follow. That the housing will, the people that are in the developing and house building business will get on the bandwagon, and it will take care of itself if we become quite a bit more friendlier with these people that are, you know, to get them to come in. Nick Gosnell: Now, one of the tough issues is you can bring jobs to a community, but just because the jobs are in a community doesn't necessarily mean that the people are going to live in that political jurisdiction. I'll give you just an example, my own life. My wife and I live on the other side of the county line, so I'm not a Reno County taxpayer, but I work in Reno County. How do you get those people, when you bring jobs in, like the new electrical plant that they're getting ready to start, or any of these other places that are this economic activity, how do you get that to translate into residents that are taxpayers here, as opposed to people that can drive in 20 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, because it's not like it used to be. You don't have the horse and buggy, you don't have to live 10 miles away anymore. Ron Vincent: Well, get the jobs, you know, that pay good, that people want. You know, they want to come here and build a home. You know, there's a lot of people from Reno County go work in McPherson County. I mean, that just goes on and on. But, you know, bring the business and companies here that can support these people, and give them, you know, the pay that they think they deserve, and, you know, I believe that, and a place to build a home, or buy a home that they desire.Nick Gosnell: All right, and how difficult is it for the County Commission when most of the revenue you guys get is from property tax? There's a little bit of sales tax in there, but it's mostly property taxes, and everybody gets frustrated with the property tax valuations going up. But again, like we talked about with the Treasurer's Office earlier, the Appraiser's Office is controlled a whole lot by statute. They've got to value things according to what the statute says. So, how can the County Commission help to affect that? Maybe even other than just cutting the budget, is there anything else policy-wise that the County Commission can do to say, hey, we don't want to make this worse on people than it has to be? Ron Vincent: I don't think there's much that the County Commissioner can really do about that. I believe that would be the representatives and senators to do that. I, you know, I don't know the whole structure of the state on these mandates, but obviously geographically it's different. You know, I would hope that we're not compared to, you know, Wyandotte, Johnson County, or that we're not compared to Kiowa County. But if the state is more generalized in things, it needs to be more geographical and a little truer value, I think. But again, the Commission can say, well, you know, the valuation's gone up. You know, revenue neutral will make you stay at the same taxes you're paying, not make you pay more taxes. We can always work with the mill levy. Nick Gosnell: Fair enough. Ron Vincent is with us. He is running as a Republican for County Commission, and he'll be on the ballot for the northeastern portion of the county on November 5th.The audio interview is below.<div><iframe title="Ron Vincent" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=befgp-171b4d6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Transcript: Ron Vincent, County Commission District 3

Nick Gosnell: In studio with us this morning is a Reno County Commission candidate Garth Strand. He is running as a Democrat on your ballots on November 5th and so, Garth, first of all just give folks a little bit of your background. Now most folks probably know who you are you've been in the county a long long time but just for those that may be unfamiliar.

Garth Strand: Good morning Nick. I have been in the county a long time about 45 years. I am an original small-town Kansas farm boy grew up on the edge of the Flint Hills on a very traditional small Kansas farm and after I graduated from K-State I found myself here in Hutchinson a place that I had only come to the State Fair before that time. I worked for a local company it was bank called Bankers Investment and they decided well they were actually purchased and moved to California and at that time I discovered credit unions and that is the rest of my story. I spent a 37 year career at what is now Heartland Credit Union the last 28 years as president and during that time achieved some remarkable growth something around 19 million in assets to about 300 million from one location to nine. I had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people volunteers employees and I had a great career. Okay so you talked about growth and how can the Reno County Board of Commissioners foster growth in Reno County what do you think? That's that's one of my primary reasons for running I think we need to have a different kind of leadership for Reno County one that's more positive more forward-looking and creates a culture of more of a culture of yes we can. In my former career I implemented a thing called a no no's policy and that was just to distract our urge to immediately say no to someone who was simply seeking service or help and encourage us to look at all the options before we say no and what we've experienced here in Reno County lately is a lot of no's significantly concerning wind energy and solar energy which clearly are prospering industries around many parts of our country and I feel that we're missing out I won't say that totally yes is the right answer but I really I don't think leadership should lead with no it sends the wrong message to those entertaining coming here it cuts them off from further consideration and it certainly discourages them from even exploring here because I knew especially a new business a new industry coming to town has a lot of homework to do just to get to the point of officially filing and asking and if they if they see no's before they even arrive at the border of Reno County we will likely not see them.

Nick Gosnell: Now this is tangential to the County Commission race but I've got to ask it you're on the Planning Commission now and at least from my seat watching the County Commission meetings and trying to cover them for Hutch Post it seems to me that the County Commissioners are trying to make policy sitting in the County Commission meeting instead of saying to the Planning Commission make this policy especially when it regards wind and solar. If you switch seats and you end up on the County Commission as opposed to on the Planning Commission how do you address that?

Garth Strand: Well I have to be careful because I'm I'm speaking for myself and not as a person sitting on the Planning and Zoning Commission so we'll proceed that way. Your assumption seems clear. We got marching orders to approve a ban for solar I've been on the planning and zoning now for three years so I missed out on on the whole wind process but solar I did I did see that coming I've got to live through it and our marching orders were to approve the ban and planning and zoning we had regulations we spent almost a year working on those we thought they were good and and protected areas and people in the county that need protection and we were ready to go forward and then we were asked to approve a man and I will say as a matter of public record I I was the one that made the motion to not approve the ban and so that was sent back to the County Commission and they have had some discussion and now referred it back for to the planning and zoning for further consideration which I took that as a good sign at the end of the day the County Commission holds the final gavel so we'll see what happens.

Nick Gosnell: But doesn't it seem, forgive the follow-up, but doesn't it seem that this all could happen when you've actually got a proposal sitting in front of you under the conditional use permit process rather than making a bunch of regulations? I mean you have to write regulations but making a ban or not ban decision before you even have a proposal?

Garth Strand: That is the premise of our entire planning and zoning strategy it's all about land use and I made this argument while we were trying to decide on the ban and I said look in our own regulations we give these examples of things that can be considered for land use, adult entertainment, landfills, right down the list of many undesirable things but it's kind of like the no no's policy there are places in Reno County we have a landfill we need a landfill so there there are ways to get to yes usually and just saying we are going to ban something starts out with no and eliminates further consideration.

Nick Gosnell: Garth, the county budgets are somewhat difficult because a lot of what the county does is, for want of a better way of putting it, a branch office of the state government the county treasurer's work is is controlled by statute the county appraiser's work is controlled by statute much of the county clerk's work is controlled by statute all of which the County Commission doesn't get to control. That all comes down from the legislature, so to what degree can a county commissioner any of them actually make a difference in the county's priorities when it comes to spending in the areas that are possible?

Garth Strand: Well, clearly we have to follow statute so there's a couple angles on that. Number one, we need to work closely with not only our local legislators, but the entire legislature. Counties are a significant form of local government and we just need to make sure that we are in Topeka watching what's going on and getting done what what we need to get done at the local level. I've always thought it very strange and hard to imagine being a county administrator when I have department heads that I don't hire and I don't really think that's the best approach going forward. Perhaps at some time in history that was fine. I think that needs to be considered for change it would be big, it would take many years to get over that hurdle, but I do think we should start to restart the conversation. I know it's it's been talked about before. The other thing that comes to mind in that same realm was townships, I think we need to take a close look at the function of townships what's expected how they're performing and is that the best use of funds for for our local government?

Nick Gosnell: Well, and another area that the county's been looking at he has been fire districts because fire districts are their own taxing entities as well there was at least a proposal to make the county basically one fire district for the purposes of consolidating some of the funds and some of the resources and so on now you'd still have the same number of fire trucks and firefighters or awfully close to that I suppose because you've got a huge county and you got to cover it all, but reducing down to one fire district was at least on the table at one point or another I guess, is that something that may be reasonable to do if you can figure out how to get this the the subtext taken care of kind of in the same vein that you just talked about townships?

Garth Strand: Yes it obviously seems reasonable to me, excepting the fact that it's a large task and there's a lot of people to convince and a major shift in county governments across the state. In my mind it is something that County Commission should be spending more time on instead of drilling down into day to day expenditures those are always important, but when you have a professional full-time administrator you have to trust that person, verify the work but spend your time I call it being up in the crow's nest, so to speak, so you can see what as far as you can see into the future what's coming at us and try to get a head start on on challenges and eliminate problems before they even get a chance to be problems.

Nick Gosnell: Garth Strand is running for County Commission, how can folks find out more about your campaign?

Garth Strand: I have a Facebook page. I did not set up a website this year.&nbsp; My phone number is public information and I would love to talk to anybody about issues. That's why I'm running is to represent us all, that was my history I represented a group of members that grew to about 20,000 and there are ways to find value for everyone in an organization or in a county. It's not easy but we all have to come to the table and listen with open minds, not have a predetermined outcome.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693414188298.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nick Gosnell: In studio with us this morning is a Reno County Commission candidate Garth Strand. He is running as a Democrat on your ballots on November 5th and so, Garth, first of all just give folks a little bit of your background. Now most folks probably know who you are you've been in the county a long long time but just for those that may be unfamiliar. Garth Strand: Good morning Nick. I have been in the county a long time about 45 years. I am an original small-town Kansas farm boy grew up on the edge of the Flint Hills on a very traditional small Kansas farm and after I graduated from K-State I found myself here in Hutchinson a place that I had only come to the State Fair before that time. I worked for a local company it was bank called Bankers Investment and they decided well they were actually purchased and moved to California and at that time I discovered credit unions and that is the rest of my story. I spent a 37 year career at what is now Heartland Credit Union the last 28 years as president and during that time achieved some remarkable growth something around 19 million in assets to about 300 million from one location to nine. I had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people volunteers employees and I had a great career. Okay so you talked about growth and how can the Reno County Board of Commissioners foster growth in Reno County what do you think? That's that's one of my primary reasons for running I think we need to have a different kind of leadership for Reno County one that's more positive more forward-looking and creates a culture of more of a culture of yes we can. In my former career I implemented a thing called a no no's policy and that was just to distract our urge to immediately say no to someone who was simply seeking service or help and encourage us to look at all the options before we say no and what we've experienced here in Reno County lately is a lot of no's significantly concerning wind energy and solar energy which clearly are prospering industries around many parts of our country and I feel that we're missing out I won't say that totally yes is the right answer but I really I don't think leadership should lead with no it sends the wrong message to those entertaining coming here it cuts them off from further consideration and it certainly discourages them from even exploring here because I knew especially a new business a new industry coming to town has a lot of homework to do just to get to the point of officially filing and asking and if they if they see no's before they even arrive at the border of Reno County we will likely not see them. Nick Gosnell: Now this is tangential to the County Commission race but I've got to ask it you're on the Planning Commission now and at least from my seat watching the County Commission meetings and trying to cover them for Hutch Post it seems to me that the County Commissioners are trying to make policy sitting in the County Commission meeting instead of saying to the Planning Commission make this policy especially when it regards wind and solar. If you switch seats and you end up on the County Commission as opposed to on the Planning Commission how do you address that? Garth Strand: Well I have to be careful because I'm I'm speaking for myself and not as a person sitting on the Planning and Zoning Commission so we'll proceed that way. Your assumption seems clear. We got marching orders to approve a ban for solar I've been on the planning and zoning now for three years so I missed out on on the whole wind process but solar I did I did see that coming I've got to live through it and our marching orders were to approve the ban and planning and zoning we had regulations we spent almost a year working on those we thought they were good and and protected areas and people in the county that need protection and we were ready to go forward and then we were asked to approve a man and I will say as a matter of public record I I was the one that made the motion to not approve the ban and so that was sent back to the County Commission and they have had some discussion and now referred it back for to the planning and zoning for further consideration which I took that as a good sign at the end of the day the County Commission holds the final gavel so we'll see what happens. Nick Gosnell: But doesn't it seem, forgive the follow-up, but doesn't it seem that this all could happen when you've actually got a proposal sitting in front of you under the conditional use permit process rather than making a bunch of regulations? I mean you have to write regulations but making a ban or not ban decision before you even have a proposal? Garth Strand: That is the premise of our entire planning and zoning strategy it's all about land use and I made this argument while we were trying to decide on the ban and I said look in our own regulations we give these examples of things that can be considered for land use, adult entertainment, landfills, right down the list of many undesirable things but it's kind of like the no no's policy there are places in Reno County we have a landfill we need a landfill so there there are ways to get to yes usually and just saying we are going to ban something starts out with no and eliminates further consideration.Nick Gosnell: Garth, the county budgets are somewhat difficult because a lot of what the county does is, for want of a better way of putting it, a branch office of the state government the county treasurer's work is is controlled by statute the county appraiser's work is controlled by statute much of the county clerk's work is controlled by statute all of which the County Commission doesn't get to control. That all comes down from the legislature, so to what degree can a county commissioner any of them actually make a difference in the county's priorities when it comes to spending in the areas that are possible?Garth Strand: Well, clearly we have to follow statute so there's a couple angles on that. Number one, we need to work closely with not only our local legislators, but the entire legislature. Counties are a significant form of local government and we just need to make sure that we are in Topeka watching what's going on and getting done what what we need to get done at the local level. I've always thought it very strange and hard to imagine being a county administrator when I have department heads that I don't hire and I don't really think that's the best approach going forward. Perhaps at some time in history that was fine. I think that needs to be considered for change it would be big, it would take many years to get over that hurdle, but I do think we should start to restart the conversation. I know it's it's been talked about before. The other thing that comes to mind in that same realm was townships, I think we need to take a close look at the function of townships what's expected how they're performing and is that the best use of funds for for our local government? Nick Gosnell: Well, and another area that the county's been looking at he has been fire districts because fire districts are their own taxing entities as well there was at least a proposal to make the county basically one fire district for the purposes of consolidating some of the funds and some of the resources and so on now you'd still have the same number of fire trucks and firefighters or awfully close to that I suppose because you've got a huge county and you got to cover it all, but reducing down to one fire district was at least on the table at one point or another I guess, is that something that may be reasonable to do if you can figure out how to get this the the subtext taken care of kind of in the same vein that you just talked about townships?Garth Strand: Yes it obviously seems reasonable to me, excepting the fact that it's a large task and there's a lot of people to convince and a major shift in county governments across the state. In my mind it is something that County Commission should be spending more time on instead of drilling down into day to day expenditures those are always important, but when you have a professional full-time administrator you have to trust that person, verify the work but spend your time I call it being up in the crow's nest, so to speak, so you can see what as far as you can see into the future what's coming at us and try to get a head start on on challenges and eliminate problems before they even get a chance to be problems. Nick Gosnell: Garth Strand is running for County Commission, how can folks find out more about your campaign?Garth Strand: I have a Facebook page. I did not set up a website this year.&nbsp; My phone number is public information and I would love to talk to anybody about issues. That's why I'm running is to represent us all, that was my history I represented a group of members that grew to about 20,000 and there are ways to find value for everyone in an organization or in a county. It's not easy but we all have to come to the table and listen with open minds, not have a predetermined outcome.The audio interview is below.<div><iframe title="Garth Strand" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e63yd-171b45e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Transcript: Garth Strand, Reno County Commission District 3

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is seeing strong numbers in early voting. Over 4500 residents have voted as of Friday morning, Oct. 25.

"We've got 43,317 registered voters," said Reno County Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "Over 10% have already voted."

Early voting in 2022 had around 5200 participants total, so this looks to be much more than it was two years ago.

"If we go at the rate that we've been going, today, I'm thinking we should at least match the total amount of voters that early voted in 2022," Fager said.

This is with several events still to come in addition to the regular advance voting at the Reno County Annex at 125 West First Ave. That continues until 5 p.m. on Friday, and is available again Monday through Friday next week and Monday morning before election day.

"Tuesday, Oct. 29, we'll also have a satellite board at HutchCC at Stringer Fine Arts," Fager said.

In addition, Saturday, Nov. 2, the Annex will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629300596422.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County is seeing strong numbers in early voting. Over 4500 residents have voted as of Friday morning, Oct. 25."We've got 43,317 registered voters," said Reno County Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "Over 10% have already voted."Early voting in 2022 had around 5200 participants total, so this looks to be much more than it was two years ago."If we go at the rate that we've been going, today, I'm thinking we should at least match the total amount of voters that early voted in 2022," Fager said.This is with several events still to come in addition to the regular advance voting at the Reno County Annex at 125 West First Ave. That continues until 5 p.m. on Friday, and is available again Monday through Friday next week and Monday morning before election day."Tuesday, Oct. 29, we'll also have a satellite board at HutchCC at Stringer Fine Arts," Fager said.In addition, Saturday, Nov. 2, the Annex will be open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Advance voting strong so far

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — AAA Kansas is commemorating National Teen Driver Safety Week. The important thing is to teach those good habits at every opportunity.

"AAA's really urging parents to be involved and be engaged as possible with their teen drivers as they are in that learning to drive process," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Make sure they are prepared and safe as possible when they get out on the road."

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, drivers ages 15-19 were involved in 11,416 crashes on Kansas roadways in 2022, resulting in 3,996 injuries and 50 fatalities.

"There's a lot of characteristics that are common in fatal teen crashes," Steward said. "Some of those things are driver error and inexperience, which makes sense. If you've never experienced a situation on the road, you may not know how to act and respond. Speeding is another big issue going on, not only with teen drivers, but all drivers. Single-vehicle crashes seem to be very common with teens. That could be a lack of focus, distracted driving, so the teenager maybe runs off the side of the road and overcorrects and loses control. Passengers play a big role, as well. The more passengers, especially under 21 passengers, the more passengers that teen drivers have in the vehicle, the higher the risk is for crashes. Night driving is another thing as well. Often because of inexperience, those teen drivers may not be as safe driving at night."

The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16-19 than among any other age group. Teen drivers in this age group have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"Have your child go through an accredited drivers ed program," Steward said. "Whether that's through the school district, if it's offered, or a private driving instructor, that can pay big dividends and it can get you a discount on your insurance. Require your teens to log as many hours of supervised practice behind the wheel with you as a parent, or another adult in the vehicle. We like to suggest at least 100 hours of supervised practice. The state of Kansas requires 50, ten of those being at night. The more you can practice and the more different experiences on the road that your teen driver experiences can only help. Nighttime driving, driving in the rain, driving on highways versus city streets, just give them a variety and plenty of hours of practice is the big thing."&nbsp; 

AAA resources available for parents include the AAA Teen Driver Safety website to coach their teen through the learning-to-drive process and&nbsp;Smart Start Parent Course, a one-hour live action DVD and illustrated in-car handbook that parents can use to support supervised driving lessons. These and other parent/teen resources are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2FQ-2Fa2OySKwa4EEv0rmKvOpvRyMIKq3LMQ7Iuxsh2qJ8Tcw8vk8HBPV6lSkwdz-2B6KQ-3D-3DMDLN_-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjaFjEPJEmzSnWupdndUCxKg3qklsU8klRaMYHR5Jtx081dBaCnx1NrtiT63oNBzU6F9R4dCpO09pxfWtQoky1r8os-2FIGYPA4EXgesagxAMsAzGO96OYb-2B5rPfnJwVddQPxQ1woMHg93zaP6MDm4VO5mAkQIF6rSVvatISlsAu6SYXYIgjPPkHS7M9LdWhY-2F4odmiWTN-2FifoppaD4DwirlFCdHFxE5N4WrYnkagGLHawRXKGp7i-2F5di6UrahKgIOyawV8nOzyJ-2FtGGNPQZJ3MOaI9n12V4ZKkDy75KpX4Fhcw6PGrsmM-2BLfAGa4HKyeGYBvSlNfBTaz4kG-2Fa5HNu5e50-3D" target="_blank">TeenDriving.AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729853302057.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy AAA Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy AAA Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — AAA Kansas is commemorating National Teen Driver Safety Week. The important thing is to teach those good habits at every opportunity."AAA's really urging parents to be involved and be engaged as possible with their teen drivers as they are in that learning to drive process," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Make sure they are prepared and safe as possible when they get out on the road."According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, drivers ages 15-19 were involved in 11,416 crashes on Kansas roadways in 2022, resulting in 3,996 injuries and 50 fatalities."There's a lot of characteristics that are common in fatal teen crashes," Steward said. "Some of those things are driver error and inexperience, which makes sense. If you've never experienced a situation on the road, you may not know how to act and respond. Speeding is another big issue going on, not only with teen drivers, but all drivers. Single-vehicle crashes seem to be very common with teens. That could be a lack of focus, distracted driving, so the teenager maybe runs off the side of the road and overcorrects and loses control. Passengers play a big role, as well. The more passengers, especially under 21 passengers, the more passengers that teen drivers have in the vehicle, the higher the risk is for crashes. Night driving is another thing as well. Often because of inexperience, those teen drivers may not be as safe driving at night."The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16-19 than among any other age group. Teen drivers in this age group have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety."Have your child go through an accredited drivers ed program," Steward said. "Whether that's through the school district, if it's offered, or a private driving instructor, that can pay big dividends and it can get you a discount on your insurance. Require your teens to log as many hours of supervised practice behind the wheel with you as a parent, or another adult in the vehicle. We like to suggest at least 100 hours of supervised practice. The state of Kansas requires 50, ten of those being at night. The more you can practice and the more different experiences on the road that your teen driver experiences can only help. Nighttime driving, driving in the rain, driving on highways versus city streets, just give them a variety and plenty of hours of practice is the big thing."&nbsp; AAA resources available for parents include the AAA Teen Driver Safety website to coach their teen through the learning-to-drive process and&nbsp;Smart Start Parent Course, a one-hour live action DVD and illustrated in-car handbook that parents can use to support supervised driving lessons. These and other parent/teen resources are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2FQ-2Fa2OySKwa4EEv0rmKvOpvRyMIKq3LMQ7Iuxsh2qJ8Tcw8vk8HBPV6lSkwdz-2B6KQ-3D-3DMDLN_-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjaFjEPJEmzSnWupdndUCxKg3qklsU8klRaMYHR5Jtx081dBaCnx1NrtiT63oNBzU6F9R4dCpO09pxfWtQoky1r8os-2FIGYPA4EXgesagxAMsAzGO96OYb-2B5rPfnJwVddQPxQ1woMHg93zaP6MDm4VO5mAkQIF6rSVvatISlsAu6SYXYIgjPPkHS7M9LdWhY-2F4odmiWTN-2FifoppaD4DwirlFCdHFxE5N4WrYnkagGLHawRXKGp7i-2F5di6UrahKgIOyawV8nOzyJ-2FtGGNPQZJ3MOaI9n12V4ZKkDy75KpX4Fhcw6PGrsmM-2BLfAGa4HKyeGYBvSlNfBTaz4kG-2Fa5HNu5e50-3D" target="_blank">TeenDriving.AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teen Driver Safety Week: Parents need to be involved

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is highlighting the ongoing need for blood and platelet donors as festive schedules ramp up this fall.&nbsp;Eligible individuals − especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets are encouraged to make a donation just ahead of the holiday season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blood supply momentum must remain steady, as the Red Cross has worked this month to recover blood products uncollected due to recent hurricanes. Any disruption in the ability to collect blood can lead to an impact on routine and lifesaving medical care.&nbsp;

The seasons may change but the need for blood donors stays the same. Give blood and make a big difference in someone’s life by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwrcoKnaVjEKXm9ghbnnpKJqtobE_5BV-2Fj7KCu67aimBN1j-2Fnfkvq7nS2L5AC9uwafVR5sXwjdyz6PUq-2FLAbt3oDzcWj7pBele7-2FFG8fR7zTdK9cpmJdg-2FKdztG4fkNdW4-2BT6BNbQXiBysoO6kFlJSmNL7Shshj336gvxQDJTXZyRbd0zUI02HHRC-2BoAer-2Bkeb3nMEtaqCM7aWrxrX1dliJ2J2xMazk9bzzKPCF-2BnKi74D0K4q9rN7C0T2g9qeH0oJAqqWusyPlGc6fh06oROj-2FCwMG5qZk7MRwo7UGixK3mdWfu3Hd1-2FovJvxLcHgDL3jgPhlGkt2nahV-2FkPotFFdMxmxDxOcImQBvEN5J9NvQ5GWS8uZDyPT90Y-2B-2FUulKJA-2Bw9E2rY-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. &nbsp;

In thanks, those who come to give by Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwq4nHaJIVBj6JyDTQaACstC2uhU4yTRYoIS1vsgY2eU9-2FuZ8Sdvr8kYSZZH-2FkcTWLQ-3D-R4j_5BV-2Fj7KCu67aimBN1j-2Fnfkvq7nS2L5AC9uwafVR5sXwjdyz6PUq-2FLAbt3oDzcWj7pBele7-2FFG8fR7zTdK9cpmJdg-2FKdztG4fkNdW4-2BT6BNbQXiBysoO6kFlJSmNL7Shshj336gvxQDJTXZyRbd0zUI02HHRC-2BoAer-2Bkeb3nMEtaqCM7aWrxrX1dliJ2J2xMazk9bzzKPCF-2BnKi74D0K4q1QszmpNzMRB1LsbPR41oSNq6iIRXqTj0FtKMsiNJfK7NtKO6qofedYFS7q1JfhktAT4A3S6-2BMSwr-2BBi-2FeFKN74fC-2Flala9grLTYL07J4RrK4oOG4Ig7smcjFfypJJ8ba1YDygASemkwcpAkD5mJ-2FN4-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Treat</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those who come to give in early November, Nov. 1-17, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. For full details, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwq4nHaJIVBj6JyDTQaACstChvAGLgqq4EROutC46vkDn12jhfNWYP2d9Cj8wo33nuA-3DUSU__5BV-2Fj7KCu67aimBN1j-2Fnfkvq7nS2L5AC9uwafVR5sXwjdyz6PUq-2FLAbt3oDzcWj7pBele7-2FFG8fR7zTdK9cpmJdg-2FKdztG4fkNdW4-2BT6BNbQXiBysoO6kFlJSmNL7Shshj336gvxQDJTXZyRbd0zUI02HHRC-2BoAer-2Bkeb3nMEtaqCM7aWrxrX1dliJ2J2xMazk9bzzKPCF-2BnKi74D0K4q9B40b1iEnC0QYLW4L9lcVtwVtopuu-2FxW2O-2F47rnAAhtbiQn-2F1VxyJPJvj05J0593mVRWH88TCpK9kifSy9Occf3GQx3Lnfc2xzBS3OjhSYbg6YWc3FSZwmN-2BxGRaOe7guJihEs37ad7panKmR6mSQ0-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch Post area county blood drive schedules are below.

10/25/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Burrton Community, 203 N. Burrton Ave

11/11/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Hesston High School, 150 N. Ridge Road

11/18/2024: 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main

10/31/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Newton Medical Center, 600 Medical Center Dr.

11/8/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street

11/14/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Newton High School, 900 W. 12th St.

11/19/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Blvd.

11/1/2024: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., McPherson YMCA, 220 N. Walnut

11/6/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., McPherson College, 1600 Euclid

11/7/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Journey Mennonite Church, 201 East Euclid

11/8/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Journey Mennonite Church, 201 East Euclid

11/14/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., City of McPherson, 400&nbsp; E. Kansas Ave

11/21/2024: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Central Christian College, 1200 S. Maple

10/31/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., MKC Learning Center, 221 W. Hirschler St.

11/4/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Pratt High School, 401 S. Hamilton

11/22/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, 415 North West

10/26/2024: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 518 East 43rd

10/31/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., ProValue Insurance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1515+E+30th+Ave?entry=gmail&amp;source=g">1515 E 30th Ave</a>

11/1/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stringer Fine Arts Center, 1300 North Plum

11/1/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, 1701 East 23rd

11/7/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Trinity Catholic High School, 1400 E. 17th

11/16/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Midwest Superstore,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1100+E+30th+Ave?entry=gmail&amp;source=g">1100 E 30th Ave</a>

11/18/2024: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman

11/19/2024: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman

11/20/2024: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman

11/12/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Nickerson High School, 305 S. Nickerson

11/21/2024: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Journey at Yoder, 3605 E Longview Rd

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728259923135.jpg" alt="earth, blood drive, blood donation" />
 <figcaption>earth, blood drive, blood donation</figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is highlighting the ongoing need for blood and platelet donors as festive schedules ramp up this fall.&nbsp;Eligible individuals − especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets are encouraged to make a donation just ahead of the holiday season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blood supply momentum must remain steady, as the Red Cross has worked this month to recover blood products uncollected due to recent hurricanes. Any disruption in the ability to collect blood can lead to an impact on routine and lifesaving medical care.&nbsp;The seasons may change but the need for blood donors stays the same. Give blood and make a big difference in someone’s life by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwrcoKnaVjEKXm9ghbnnpKJqtobE_5BV-2Fj7KCu67aimBN1j-2Fnfkvq7nS2L5AC9uwafVR5sXwjdyz6PUq-2FLAbt3oDzcWj7pBele7-2FFG8fR7zTdK9cpmJdg-2FKdztG4fkNdW4-2BT6BNbQXiBysoO6kFlJSmNL7Shshj336gvxQDJTXZyRbd0zUI02HHRC-2BoAer-2Bkeb3nMEtaqCM7aWrxrX1dliJ2J2xMazk9bzzKPCF-2BnKi74D0K4q9rN7C0T2g9qeH0oJAqqWusyPlGc6fh06oROj-2FCwMG5qZk7MRwo7UGixK3mdWfu3Hd1-2FovJvxLcHgDL3jgPhlGkt2nahV-2FkPotFFdMxmxDxOcImQBvEN5J9NvQ5GWS8uZDyPT90Y-2B-2FUulKJA-2Bw9E2rY-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. &nbsp;In thanks, those who come to give by Oct. 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwq4nHaJIVBj6JyDTQaACstC2uhU4yTRYoIS1vsgY2eU9-2FuZ8Sdvr8kYSZZH-2FkcTWLQ-3D-R4j_5BV-2Fj7KCu67aimBN1j-2Fnfkvq7nS2L5AC9uwafVR5sXwjdyz6PUq-2FLAbt3oDzcWj7pBele7-2FFG8fR7zTdK9cpmJdg-2FKdztG4fkNdW4-2BT6BNbQXiBysoO6kFlJSmNL7Shshj336gvxQDJTXZyRbd0zUI02HHRC-2BoAer-2Bkeb3nMEtaqCM7aWrxrX1dliJ2J2xMazk9bzzKPCF-2BnKi74D0K4q1QszmpNzMRB1LsbPR41oSNq6iIRXqTj0FtKMsiNJfK7NtKO6qofedYFS7q1JfhktAT4A3S6-2BMSwr-2BBi-2FeFKN74fC-2Flala9grLTYL07J4RrK4oOG4Ig7smcjFfypJJ8ba1YDygASemkwcpAkD5mJ-2FN4-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Treat</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those who come to give in early November, Nov. 1-17, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. For full details, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC-2BjlOKn5gyoDa2kcQadnKwq4nHaJIVBj6JyDTQaACstChvAGLgqq4EROutC46vkDn12jhfNWYP2d9Cj8wo33nuA-3DUSU__5BV-2Fj7KCu67aimBN1j-2Fnfkvq7nS2L5AC9uwafVR5sXwjdyz6PUq-2FLAbt3oDzcWj7pBele7-2FFG8fR7zTdK9cpmJdg-2FKdztG4fkNdW4-2BT6BNbQXiBysoO6kFlJSmNL7Shshj336gvxQDJTXZyRbd0zUI02HHRC-2BoAer-2Bkeb3nMEtaqCM7aWrxrX1dliJ2J2xMazk9bzzKPCF-2BnKi74D0K4q9B40b1iEnC0QYLW4L9lcVtwVtopuu-2FxW2O-2F47rnAAhtbiQn-2F1VxyJPJvj05J0593mVRWH88TCpK9kifSy9Occf3GQx3Lnfc2xzBS3OjhSYbg6YWc3FSZwmN-2BxGRaOe7guJihEs37ad7panKmR6mSQ0-3D" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Thanks</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hutch Post area county blood drive schedules are below.Harvey CountyBurrton10/25/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Burrton Community, 203 N. Burrton AveHesston11/11/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Hesston High School, 150 N. Ridge Road11/18/2024: 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. MainNewton10/31/2024: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Newton Medical Center, 600 Medical Center Dr.11/8/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street11/14/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Newton High School, 900 W. 12th St.McPherson CountyLindsborg11/19/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Blvd.McPherson11/1/2024: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., McPherson YMCA, 220 N. Walnut11/6/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., McPherson College, 1600 Euclid11/7/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Journey Mennonite Church, 201 East Euclid11/8/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Journey Mennonite Church, 201 East Euclid11/14/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., City of McPherson, 400&nbsp; E. Kansas Ave11/21/2024: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Central Christian College, 1200 S. MapleMoundridge10/31/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., MKC Learning Center, 221 W. Hirschler St.Pratt CountyPratt11/4/2024: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Pratt High School, 401 S. HamiltonReno CountyBuhler11/22/2024: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, 415 North WestHutchinson10/26/2024: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 518 East 43rd10/31/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., ProValue Insurance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1515+E+30th+Ave?entry=gmail&amp;source=g">1515 E 30th Ave</a>11/1/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stringer Fine Arts Center, 1300 North Plum11/1/2024: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, 1701 East 23rd11/7/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Trinity Catholic High School, 1400 E. 17th11/16/2024: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Midwest Superstore,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/1100+E+30th+Ave?entry=gmail&amp;source=g">1100 E 30th Ave</a>11/18/2024: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman11/19/2024: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman11/20/2024: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 E ShermanNickerson11/12/2024: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Nickerson High School, 305 S. NickersonYoder11/21/2024: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Journey at Yoder, 3605 E Longview Rd

Patients needing blood rely on committed blood donors

EMMIE BOESE Pretty Prairie USD 311

Two Pretty Prairie Middle School students have been nominated and chosen to participate in the South Central Kansas Music Educators Association (SCKMEA) Middle School District Honor Band. The students selected are seventh graders Sommerleigh Mizell and Michael Ramirez. Mizell is a percussionist and Ramirez plays the tuba.

Pretty Prairie Band Director Trae Gehring said that students are nominated every year to participate in an all district honor band.

“I am very honored that two of my students were chosen to represent Pretty Prairie,” Gehring said.

Pretty Prairie is a part of the South Central District. Mizell and Ramirez will participate with students from all classes, some as large as schools from Wichita. Mrs. Marie Watkins will be the student's clinician. Watkins has taught band for the past 35 years in Colorado.

Selection criteria for the honor band includes receiving a rating of 1 at contest or whether a student takes personal lessons. Mizell had to turn in an audition tape on at least two types of percussion instruments. Her options were snare, timpani and mallets.

A concert will take place in the afternoon at Goddard on Saturday, Nov. 9. Everyone is welcome to attend.

More information and a full roster of those selected is available at <a href="http://sckmea.org">sckmea.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729793427293.jpeg" alt="Sommerleigh Mizell and Michael Ramirez were selected for SCKMEA honor band. Photos by Emmie Boese." />
 <figcaption>Sommerleigh Mizell and Michael Ramirez were selected for SCKMEA honor band. Photos by Emmie Boese.</figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESE Pretty Prairie USD 311Two Pretty Prairie Middle School students have been nominated and chosen to participate in the South Central Kansas Music Educators Association (SCKMEA) Middle School District Honor Band. The students selected are seventh graders Sommerleigh Mizell and Michael Ramirez. Mizell is a percussionist and Ramirez plays the tuba.Pretty Prairie Band Director Trae Gehring said that students are nominated every year to participate in an all district honor band.“I am very honored that two of my students were chosen to represent Pretty Prairie,” Gehring said.Pretty Prairie is a part of the South Central District. Mizell and Ramirez will participate with students from all classes, some as large as schools from Wichita. Mrs. Marie Watkins will be the student's clinician. Watkins has taught band for the past 35 years in Colorado.Selection criteria for the honor band includes receiving a rating of 1 at contest or whether a student takes personal lessons. Mizell had to turn in an audition tape on at least two types of percussion instruments. Her options were snare, timpani and mallets.A concert will take place in the afternoon at Goddard on Saturday, Nov. 9. Everyone is welcome to attend.More information and a full roster of those selected is available at <a href="http://sckmea.org">sckmea.org</a>.

Middle school students selected for honor band

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Are you looking to make a difference in the community? 

The city invites applicants to join our diverse range of boards and commissions, with terms beginning in January.

No matter your interests—whether it’s housing, human relations, public art, or more—there’s a place for you to contribute and make an impact.

Don’t miss this opportunity to serve and help shape the community's future!

Positions are available in 2025 on the following boards:

Housing Commission Public Arts and Design Council Human Relations Commission Landmarks Commission Land Bank Board Tree Board For more information and to apply, <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/296/Application-for-City-Boards-and-Committe">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683043073149.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>City of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Are you looking to make a difference in the community? The city invites applicants to join our diverse range of boards and commissions, with terms beginning in January.No matter your interests—whether it’s housing, human relations, public art, or more—there’s a place for you to contribute and make an impact.Don’t miss this opportunity to serve and help shape the community's future!Positions are available in 2025 on the following boards:Housing Commission Public Arts and Design Council Human Relations Commission Landmarks Commission Land Bank Board Tree Board For more information and to apply, <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/296/Application-for-City-Boards-and-Committe">click here</a>.

City of Hutchinson seeking applicants for city boards

JENNIFER WEATHERS Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce invites the community and all Reno County farmers to an inspiring morning at our November Membership Breakfast, celebrating Farm City Week. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. This special breakfast event, sponsored by ProValue Insurance, holds the exciting announcement of the Farm Focus Family of the Year and the Ag Business of the Year awards. We eagerly anticipate recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions of these outstanding individuals and businesses to our agricultural community.

We are proud to be a part of Farm City Week and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our local farmers and agricultural businesses. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come&nbsp;together and show our appreciation for the vital role agriculture plays in our region.

Adding to the excitement, the Chamber is delighted to host Dr. Ernie Minton, KSU Dean of Agriculture in Hutchinson. His insights and presence at the event will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for attendees.

The breakfast is priced at $20 for members and $30 for non-members. To ensure ample seating and catering arrangements, attendees, including Flash Pass Holders, are kindly requested to RSVP.

Additionally, sponsorships for the event are still available at $125 each. This contribution directly supports complimentary breakfasts for farmers, winners, awards, and post-event promotion. In appreciation of their support, sponsors and their companies will also receive one complimentary seat at the breakfast, making this an excellent opportunity for local businesses to show their commitment to the agricultural community.

To RSVP please visit <a href="http://hutchchamber.com">hutchchamber.com</a> or call the Chamber Office at 620-662-3391. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Marcy Weingartner at <a href="http://marcyw@hutchchamber.com">marcyw@hutchchamber.com</a> or 620-664-3955.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725041384542.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>JENNIFER WEATHERS Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of CommerceHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce invites the community and all Reno County farmers to an inspiring morning at our November Membership Breakfast, celebrating Farm City Week. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. This special breakfast event, sponsored by ProValue Insurance, holds the exciting announcement of the Farm Focus Family of the Year and the Ag Business of the Year awards. We eagerly anticipate recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions of these outstanding individuals and businesses to our agricultural community.We are proud to be a part of Farm City Week and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our local farmers and agricultural businesses. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come&nbsp;together and show our appreciation for the vital role agriculture plays in our region.Adding to the excitement, the Chamber is delighted to host Dr. Ernie Minton, KSU Dean of Agriculture in Hutchinson. His insights and presence at the event will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for attendees.The breakfast is priced at $20 for members and $30 for non-members. To ensure ample seating and catering arrangements, attendees, including Flash Pass Holders, are kindly requested to RSVP.Additionally, sponsorships for the event are still available at $125 each. This contribution directly supports complimentary breakfasts for farmers, winners, awards, and post-event promotion. In appreciation of their support, sponsors and their companies will also receive one complimentary seat at the breakfast, making this an excellent opportunity for local businesses to show their commitment to the agricultural community.To RSVP please visit <a href="http://hutchchamber.com">hutchchamber.com</a> or call the Chamber Office at 620-662-3391. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Marcy Weingartner at <a href="http://marcyw@hutchchamber.com">marcyw@hutchchamber.com</a> or 620-664-3955.

Farm City Week breakfast next month

The Little River Fall Festival is Saturday.&nbsp;

The ATV Rally registration is at 8:00 a.m., with the start at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;

The Car Show registration is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with awards at 3 p.m.

The Cornhole Tournament registration is at noon.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729786903583.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Little River Fall Festival is Saturday.&nbsp;Events include:Car showCraft fairFair Style Food courtBeer gardenLive musicKids gamesATV RallyCornhole TournamentBicycle RodeoThe ATV Rally registration is at 8:00 a.m., with the start at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;The Car Show registration is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with awards at 3 p.m.The Craft Fair is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.The Cornhole Tournament registration is at noon.&nbsp;

Little River Fall Festival Saturday

KYLE MCCASKEY Harvey County PIO

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office will supervise a DUI check lane enforcement effort in Harvey County this weekend.

The check lane will begin Saturday evening and continue into Sunday morning.

The enforcement effort will be coordinated with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol and other Harvey County law enforcement personnel.

The goals of the DUI check lane are to educate drivers about the dangers of intoxicated driving, ensure the safety of the traveling public and to stop and remove any driver from the roadway who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Sheriff’s Office most recently completed a local check lane this past August. During that effort, law enforcement personnel made contact with 253 vehicles, resulting in 12 standard field sobriety tests being conducted, two DUI arrests, two instances of illegal transportation of alcohol, one drug possession case and one warrant arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582804602109.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KYLE MCCASKEY Harvey County PIOHARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office will supervise a DUI check lane enforcement effort in Harvey County this weekend.The check lane will begin Saturday evening and continue into Sunday morning.The enforcement effort will be coordinated with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol and other Harvey County law enforcement personnel.The goals of the DUI check lane are to educate drivers about the dangers of intoxicated driving, ensure the safety of the traveling public and to stop and remove any driver from the roadway who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.The Sheriff’s Office most recently completed a local check lane this past August. During that effort, law enforcement personnel made contact with 253 vehicles, resulting in 12 standard field sobriety tests being conducted, two DUI arrests, two instances of illegal transportation of alcohol, one drug possession case and one warrant arrest.

DUI check lane in Harvey Co. this weekend

The official results are in for quality testing for the U.S. hard red winter (HRW) crop, and Kansas Wheat is set to share the story of this past year’s growing season with global buyers by participating in the annual Crop Quality Seminars organized by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).&nbsp;

“The Kansas HRW crop this year is performing very well with solid milling and baking quality despite the challenges of consecutive growing seasons,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “The analysis in the 2024 U.S. Crop Quality Report contains good news for us to share with global customers looking to produce high-quality wheat foods.”&nbsp;

USW is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry, helping promote HRW and the other five U.S. wheat classes to wheat buyers, millers, bakers, food processors and government officials in more than 100 countries around the world. As part of that work and a commitment to transparency, USW produces an annual U.S. Crop Quality Report that includes grade, flour, dough, and baking data for five of six U.S. wheat classes. The report provides essential, objective information to help buyers get the wheat they need at the best value possible.

To produce the annual report, USW compiles comprehensive data from analyzing hundreds of samples conducted during and after harvest by partner organizations and laboratories. USW also shares more detailed, regional reports for all six U.S. wheat classes and Desert Durum® on its website, as well as additional information on sample and collection methods, solvent retention capacity (SRC) recommendations, standard deviation tables and more.

For this year’s report, 575 HRW samples were collected from grain elevators in 40 reporting areas. According to the report, the Gulf-exportable crop experienced variable conditions, including persistent early dryness that resulted in slightly smaller kernels and mid-season moisture that boosted yields and test weights.&nbsp;

This year’s data showed the crop is greatly improved over previous years, including a balance of protein, strong grade characteristics and good milling properties. According to the report, “Overall, this crop meets or exceeds typical HRW contract specifications and should provide high value to customers.”

Now that the analysis is complete and the report is published, the focus shifts to the annual series of Crop Quality Seminars, during which USW and teams of farmers and wheat quality experts present the results and have conversations directly with customers in their home markets. Gilpin is set to attend presentations in South and Southeast Asia. Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, and Mike McClellan, a Rooks County farmer who serves on the Kansas Wheat Commission, will participate in seminars in South America.

“USW’s annual crop quality seminars are essential for building trust and strengthening relationships with our global customers,” Gilpin said. “By providing timely and accurate information during these face-to-face meetings, we emphasize the reliability of Kansas wheat for their needs through an open market they can count on.”

Learn more about the quality of this year’s HRW crop and the USW crop quality seminars at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NTmdTUrHJ15SIFCNtYWz6tOQkKXGfdt8vi9SzB_46pjJv9WqA0ncztsDKFRh06uK63RmV6Ev-rK5Rg-kUV7kslw1AJ7C3WyPKdyRWkyI8lnmU4DPX8nkAGIZv-muOTaS0rGpl6ZRr4rKUjWzyx7cnX6w1LbURJ6WsL1h5UziIRg=&amp;c=o1cWqn5kMTlxVjCuSUxpHNSsjGmUiikZzMtcuCS6sS6_jQVBJ9clZQ==&amp;ch=20H-uCifXbLOESJVpOsKmAhUmml1AZz3VcRsv2_ZdJT0vNNJG-kfSQ==" target="_blank">uswheat.org/crop-quality</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729786777098.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThe official results are in for quality testing for the U.S. hard red winter (HRW) crop, and Kansas Wheat is set to share the story of this past year’s growing season with global buyers by participating in the annual Crop Quality Seminars organized by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).&nbsp;“The Kansas HRW crop this year is performing very well with solid milling and baking quality despite the challenges of consecutive growing seasons,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “The analysis in the 2024 U.S. Crop Quality Report contains good news for us to share with global customers looking to produce high-quality wheat foods.”&nbsp;USW is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry, helping promote HRW and the other five U.S. wheat classes to wheat buyers, millers, bakers, food processors and government officials in more than 100 countries around the world. As part of that work and a commitment to transparency, USW produces an annual U.S. Crop Quality Report that includes grade, flour, dough, and baking data for five of six U.S. wheat classes. The report provides essential, objective information to help buyers get the wheat they need at the best value possible.To produce the annual report, USW compiles comprehensive data from analyzing hundreds of samples conducted during and after harvest by partner organizations and laboratories. USW also shares more detailed, regional reports for all six U.S. wheat classes and Desert Durum® on its website, as well as additional information on sample and collection methods, solvent retention capacity (SRC) recommendations, standard deviation tables and more.For this year’s report, 575 HRW samples were collected from grain elevators in 40 reporting areas. According to the report, the Gulf-exportable crop experienced variable conditions, including persistent early dryness that resulted in slightly smaller kernels and mid-season moisture that boosted yields and test weights.&nbsp;This year’s data showed the crop is greatly improved over previous years, including a balance of protein, strong grade characteristics and good milling properties. According to the report, “Overall, this crop meets or exceeds typical HRW contract specifications and should provide high value to customers.”Now that the analysis is complete and the report is published, the focus shifts to the annual series of Crop Quality Seminars, during which USW and teams of farmers and wheat quality experts present the results and have conversations directly with customers in their home markets. Gilpin is set to attend presentations in South and Southeast Asia. Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, and Mike McClellan, a Rooks County farmer who serves on the Kansas Wheat Commission, will participate in seminars in South America.“USW’s annual crop quality seminars are essential for building trust and strengthening relationships with our global customers,” Gilpin said. “By providing timely and accurate information during these face-to-face meetings, we emphasize the reliability of Kansas wheat for their needs through an open market they can count on.”Learn more about the quality of this year’s HRW crop and the USW crop quality seminars at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NTmdTUrHJ15SIFCNtYWz6tOQkKXGfdt8vi9SzB_46pjJv9WqA0ncztsDKFRh06uK63RmV6Ev-rK5Rg-kUV7kslw1AJ7C3WyPKdyRWkyI8lnmU4DPX8nkAGIZv-muOTaS0rGpl6ZRr4rKUjWzyx7cnX6w1LbURJ6WsL1h5UziIRg=&amp;c=o1cWqn5kMTlxVjCuSUxpHNSsjGmUiikZzMtcuCS6sS6_jQVBJ9clZQ==&amp;ch=20H-uCifXbLOESJVpOsKmAhUmml1AZz3VcRsv2_ZdJT0vNNJG-kfSQ==" target="_blank">uswheat.org/crop-quality</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas Wheat set to share expertise at USW Global Crop Quality Seminars

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;

10/24/2024 9:38 PM-Brayden	Lee Morgan-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

10/24/2024 2:49 PM-Michael	Paul Batchelor-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; DWS; 2nd or subs conviction

10/24/2024 11:09 AM-Jason	Lance Hummel-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

10/24/2024 10:48 AM-Dale	Ray Robinson-Probation Violation&nbsp;

10/24/2024 8:08 AM-Leanna	Marie Daniels-Probation Violation&nbsp;

10/24/2024 4:10 AM-Janet	Leann Newburn-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate

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 <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;10/24/2024 9:38 PM-Brayden	Lee Morgan-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;10/24/2024 2:49 PM-Michael	Paul Batchelor-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; DWS; 2nd or subs conviction10/24/2024 11:09 AM-Jason	Lance Hummel-Failure to Appear&nbsp;10/24/2024 10:48 AM-Dale	Ray Robinson-Probation Violation&nbsp;10/24/2024 8:08 AM-Leanna	Marie Daniels-Probation Violation&nbsp;10/24/2024 4:10 AM-Janet	Leann Newburn-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate

MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. — Moundridge Police investigated a financial crime Thursday.

According to a release from the department, police were contacted by Mid-Kansas Credit Union regarding a potentially fraudulent loan application. The credit union gave documents to officers, who then found that a person from out of state may be the victim of identity theft.

MKCU 'approved' the application to draw the person to come to the credit union to collect the proceeds. The suspect and an accomplice were both arrested.

During the investigation, Moundridge High School was on shelter in place, as the arrests took place close to the school.&nbsp;

The two suspects face 16 felony charges including identity theft, forgery, attempted felony theft by deception and making false information.

The names of those arrested have not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717600593768.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. — Moundridge Police investigated a financial crime Thursday.According to a release from the department, police were contacted by Mid-Kansas Credit Union regarding a potentially fraudulent loan application. The credit union gave documents to officers, who then found that a person from out of state may be the victim of identity theft.MKCU 'approved' the application to draw the person to come to the credit union to collect the proceeds. The suspect and an accomplice were both arrested.During the investigation, Moundridge High School was on shelter in place, as the arrests took place close to the school.&nbsp;The two suspects face 16 felony charges including identity theft, forgery, attempted felony theft by deception and making false information.The names of those arrested have not been released.

Moundridge PD investigates financial crime

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices are still heading in downward direction in the Sunflower State.

"We're really seeing some fairly seasonal trends in terms of gas prices," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "They've been declining for a while now, and Kansas is well below $3 a gallon at $2.81 a gallon today. It was down $0.02 in the past week and down $0.09 from where we were a month ago. Kansas is currently sixth lowest average gas price in the nation among 18 states that currently have a sub $3 average gas price. If you're filling up your tank, it's not too bad right now."

Area county average prices are on both sides of the state average.

"Crude oil prices have been relatively stable," Steward said.&nbsp; "It looks like they've risen a little bit on the global market in the past week or so, but that hasn't impacted prices we've seen at the pump yet. Demand is seasonally fairly modest and to down, and so those trends are driving prices lower at the pumps."

The direction of overall energy policy will likely be different, depending on who wins the U.S. presidential election.

"The presidential election will certainly play a role in energy policy going forward," Steward said. "That's certainly something that can impact crude oil and gasoline production and prices, so, definitely something that everybody is watching right now."

To find out the latest prices for your next trip, go to <a href="http://gasprices.aaa.com">gasprices.aaa.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694531676610.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices are still heading in downward direction in the Sunflower State."We're really seeing some fairly seasonal trends in terms of gas prices," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "They've been declining for a while now, and Kansas is well below $3 a gallon at $2.81 a gallon today. It was down $0.02 in the past week and down $0.09 from where we were a month ago. Kansas is currently sixth lowest average gas price in the nation among 18 states that currently have a sub $3 average gas price. If you're filling up your tank, it's not too bad right now."Area county average prices are on both sides of the state average.Reno $2.62&nbsp;(lowest in the state)McPherson $2.72Harvey $2.71Sedgwick $2.87Kingman $2.93Pratt $2.94Stafford $2.93Rice $2.91"Crude oil prices have been relatively stable," Steward said.&nbsp; "It looks like they've risen a little bit on the global market in the past week or so, but that hasn't impacted prices we've seen at the pump yet. Demand is seasonally fairly modest and to down, and so those trends are driving prices lower at the pumps."The direction of overall energy policy will likely be different, depending on who wins the U.S. presidential election."The presidential election will certainly play a role in energy policy going forward," Steward said. "That's certainly something that can impact crude oil and gasoline production and prices, so, definitely something that everybody is watching right now."To find out the latest prices for your next trip, go to <a href="http://gasprices.aaa.com">gasprices.aaa.com</a>.

Prices at pump still dropping in Kansas

Nick Gosnell: In studio with us this morning is Shanna Henry. She is running as a Democrat for the Kansas Senate seat in District 34. Good morning, Shanna.

Shanna Henry: Good morning, thank you for having me on.

Nick Gosnell: Sure, and you ran back in 2020, but for those folks that may not recall, what's your reason for running for the state Senate?

Shanna Henry: There are several reasons, but I would say that the three main reasons are I'm still fighting for appropriate funding for public education continuously. Also, Medicaid expansion, which we are losing money to the tune of $7.3 billion so far paid in our taxpayer money that goes out to other states that did expand Medicaid that does not come back to our state. And also, I'm very worried about the agricultural community. I grew up on a farm in McPherson County, and farmers are struggling right now. And there are a lot of issues that we have to deal with, with that agriculture in our farming industry.

Nick Gosnell: All right, well, I want to point back to Medicaid expansion, because that's maybe the biggest difference that I saw at the candidate forum the other night between the Democratic candidates for the different seats and the Republican candidates. Explain why you think that's important.

Shanna Henry: It is important because there are so many people anymore that cannot afford health insurance, and they may not be offered health insurance by their employer. A lot of people that work hourly wages do not get any health insurance coverage. So they are left on their own to figure out how to pay for their medical bills. And costs are rising continuously, as we all know. And because Medicaid expansion has not happened, we are losing that $7.3 billion a year that we've already paid into with our federal taxpayer dollars that go to the other states that have expanded Medicaid. We are one of only 10 states out of 50 that have not expanded Medicaid. The other 40 states have. And it's a tragedy because a lot of people are suffering and can't afford to pay their bills and lose their homes and lose their jobs, because they don't have the medical care they need.

Nick Gosnell: So Medicaid expansion is something that has been an issue at the Statehouse now for at least 10 years, because I think it was 2014 the last time that the legislature actually passed a Medicaid expansion bill. And then Governor Brownback vetoed that bill because it wasn't passed with a veto-proof majority. And since then, it has had trouble even getting to the floor of either the House or Senate. They tried to change bills on the floor to allow it to happen a couple of times, but it didn't really go fully through the committee process and get all the way back around to the floor. Barring a really surprising election result on November the 5th, if you were to win this race, Shanna, you would most likely still be in the minority in the Senate. So how would you propose to make sure that leadership doesn't just say, no, this isn't going to happen, no matter how much you want it to?

Shanna Henry: Well, I actually differ with you on a couple of things. We may be in the majority in the Senate. We have some wonderful candidates running all over the state, and that is our hope and our plan, is to be in the majority so that we can finally get this to fruition. This has been an issue for way too long, and we've wasted so much money that we've lost from our state. It does not come back to us, and it's a tragedy. And you talk to anyone, I know several people that don't have health insurance. When I go to forums and meetings, I will ask for a show of hands of anyone that's struggled because they do not have health insurance. And many times, over half the crowd in attendance does not have any kind of form of health insurance.

Nick Gosnell: All right. So you were talking about education funding earlier. What's the piece of education funding that you say, you know, maybe we need to either shift dollars or increase dollars? Is there something specific that you're thinking about when you bring that up?

Shanna Henry: I actually think we're pretty balanced with our funding on public education right now. I think we're doing a good job. One of the main things that I do not want to see happen, though, is for vouchers to be allowed for parents that want to take their children out of the public school system and put them into a private school or a religious school and be able to get a tax credit for paying a voucher or a tax credit for making a donation to their church or in order to send their kids to a private school. To me, we should not be using public taxpayer dollars to pay for private education. That should be up to the families involved. If they want to take their children out of the public school system and put them into a private school, they should pay for that out of their own pocket. That should not be taxpayer money that goes for a private school tuition voucher. I feel very strongly about this. I am the product of a public education system in McPherson, Kansas, where I grew up. I'm a fourth-generation Kansan farm kid. So I'm a fourth-generation Kansan, having grown up on a farm and worked for my dad, went to a two-room country schoolhouse when I was a kid, first through fourth grade in one room and fifth through eighth grade in the other room. And I attended public schools my entire through my high school senior year in McPherson High School. And I am the product of a wonderful public education system. And we need that to be available to all students and all families, all families that may not have the financial means to send their kid to a private school. And we also make sure the public education system cares for those that are handicapped, for those that maybe have learning disabilities. The public education system has to educate all of our children. And it's one of the most equal and fair programs that we have. And it's a wonderful institution in our United States.

Nick Gosnell: Shanna, I touched on this with your opponents earlier this morning, but the amount of ground that now is part of the Senate District is a lot more than it was the last time they were drawn 10 years ago. And that touches on something that obviously, it's kind of part of the system. When you have population-based representation, as people move to the cities, then the legislative strength goes to those same cities. But talk about how someone from this part of the state can and should advocate for the rural life.

Shanna Henry: Thank you for that question. This is probably my third most important issue, top three issues in my campaign. And I feel like I'm the perfect mix of rural and city. I grew up on a farm, as I mentioned earlier, fourth generation farm kid from McPherson County, going to country schools. But I've lived in cities, some of the biggest in the world. I have seen all variations of public school systems and medical care. And it's tough. Our rural areas are really struggling right now. Our farmers, I empathize with them so much. And I worry dramatically about their well-being. We have an upward rate of suicide among farmers in our rural communities. And just to give you an example, my district, when I ran for this Senate District 34, just back in 2020, the district was comprised of the southern part of Reno County, including South Hutch, and just the northern half of Kingman County, where I live. And that was it. Now, as you mentioned earlier, it's expanded. It includes all of Reno County, all of Kingman County, and all of Barber County, all the way down to the Oklahoma border. This is a huge geographical district now. And we have lots of different types of folks that we need to represent. But I have a strong urge to represent the rural farmers, the hardworking farmers of Kansas. And that's such an important part of our economic history in Kansas as well, is our farming community.

Nick Gosnell: Maybe the biggest issue that, at least, maybe I'm wrong that it's not bipartisan, but I think it is bipartisan. At least it has seemed that way. Because every governor, whether Republican or Democrat, has done something about this, and they need the legislature's help to continue to do work, is water. And that's where the agriculture rubber meets the road. If you don't have water with which to grow crops, you don't have an agriculture industry. And if you don't have water that people can drink, you don't have people at that place. They will literally leave just because of the water issues. I mean, there's a reason why northern Africa doesn't have population. It's because of the Sahara Desert and not having water. Well, we're not in that situation in Kansas yet, but the Ogallala Aquifer is still in places getting lower, in places it's doing okay. We're seeing less and less rainfall than what we've seen in recent years. We've gotten a little bit this year, but as an example, Reno and Sedgwick County, and I think Kingman County might also still be in extreme drought. So when you think about water issues, what are you going to be able to bring to the table as far as saying, these are the things we can do to conserve and to deal with these long-term changes that are going to be around long after either you or I are here in Kansas anymore?

Shanna Henry: This is one of the biggest issues that we do face in this year of 2024. It is very alarming to me. A lot of it has to do with the burning of fossil fuels over the past hundreds or tens of years. And we are polluting our environment. There is global warming. It is a real thing. There is climate change. That is all very real. And we are feeling it now in Kansas without a doubt. Water is a huge issue. Our equest beds are being depleted, which is where I grew up on the farm in McPherson County. The Ogallala is being depleted. There's already a shift toward more dry land crops. We are not the kind of state that should be irrigating this much, especially in western Kansas. We just don't have the amount of rainfall to have these crops that need a lot of moisture and rain and water. We cannot deplete our water system. We may need to put some mandatory restrictions in for places like Wichita who take from Cheney Reservoir. I live about six miles south of Cheney Reservoir, and I've seen how low it is. It's scary low. I've never seen it this low. And there may need to be some mandatory restrictions put in because people are still watering their lawns like crazy in Wichita. And even though there are restrictions, but they're not mandatory and they're not being enforced. So we really need to get serious about this or we're not going to have enough drinking water even, let alone enough to irrigate our crops. So definitely there's been a shift. There's more dry land farming, which is a good thing. We want our farmers to stay in business and employed. It's a huge part of our economy in the state.

Nick Gosnell: Tell folks how they can find out more about your campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693414188298.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nick Gosnell: In studio with us this morning is Shanna Henry. She is running as a Democrat for the Kansas Senate seat in District 34. Good morning, Shanna. Shanna Henry: Good morning, thank you for having me on. Nick Gosnell: Sure, and you ran back in 2020, but for those folks that may not recall, what's your reason for running for the state Senate? Shanna Henry: There are several reasons, but I would say that the three main reasons are I'm still fighting for appropriate funding for public education continuously. Also, Medicaid expansion, which we are losing money to the tune of $7.3 billion so far paid in our taxpayer money that goes out to other states that did expand Medicaid that does not come back to our state. And also, I'm very worried about the agricultural community. I grew up on a farm in McPherson County, and farmers are struggling right now. And there are a lot of issues that we have to deal with, with that agriculture in our farming industry. Nick Gosnell: All right, well, I want to point back to Medicaid expansion, because that's maybe the biggest difference that I saw at the candidate forum the other night between the Democratic candidates for the different seats and the Republican candidates. Explain why you think that's important. Shanna Henry: It is important because there are so many people anymore that cannot afford health insurance, and they may not be offered health insurance by their employer. A lot of people that work hourly wages do not get any health insurance coverage. So they are left on their own to figure out how to pay for their medical bills. And costs are rising continuously, as we all know. And because Medicaid expansion has not happened, we are losing that $7.3 billion a year that we've already paid into with our federal taxpayer dollars that go to the other states that have expanded Medicaid. We are one of only 10 states out of 50 that have not expanded Medicaid. The other 40 states have. And it's a tragedy because a lot of people are suffering and can't afford to pay their bills and lose their homes and lose their jobs, because they don't have the medical care they need. Nick Gosnell: So Medicaid expansion is something that has been an issue at the Statehouse now for at least 10 years, because I think it was 2014 the last time that the legislature actually passed a Medicaid expansion bill. And then Governor Brownback vetoed that bill because it wasn't passed with a veto-proof majority. And since then, it has had trouble even getting to the floor of either the House or Senate. They tried to change bills on the floor to allow it to happen a couple of times, but it didn't really go fully through the committee process and get all the way back around to the floor. Barring a really surprising election result on November the 5th, if you were to win this race, Shanna, you would most likely still be in the minority in the Senate. So how would you propose to make sure that leadership doesn't just say, no, this isn't going to happen, no matter how much you want it to? Shanna Henry: Well, I actually differ with you on a couple of things. We may be in the majority in the Senate. We have some wonderful candidates running all over the state, and that is our hope and our plan, is to be in the majority so that we can finally get this to fruition. This has been an issue for way too long, and we've wasted so much money that we've lost from our state. It does not come back to us, and it's a tragedy. And you talk to anyone, I know several people that don't have health insurance. When I go to forums and meetings, I will ask for a show of hands of anyone that's struggled because they do not have health insurance. And many times, over half the crowd in attendance does not have any kind of form of health insurance. Nick Gosnell: All right. So you were talking about education funding earlier. What's the piece of education funding that you say, you know, maybe we need to either shift dollars or increase dollars? Is there something specific that you're thinking about when you bring that up? Shanna Henry: I actually think we're pretty balanced with our funding on public education right now. I think we're doing a good job. One of the main things that I do not want to see happen, though, is for vouchers to be allowed for parents that want to take their children out of the public school system and put them into a private school or a religious school and be able to get a tax credit for paying a voucher or a tax credit for making a donation to their church or in order to send their kids to a private school. To me, we should not be using public taxpayer dollars to pay for private education. That should be up to the families involved. If they want to take their children out of the public school system and put them into a private school, they should pay for that out of their own pocket. That should not be taxpayer money that goes for a private school tuition voucher. I feel very strongly about this. I am the product of a public education system in McPherson, Kansas, where I grew up. I'm a fourth-generation Kansan farm kid. So I'm a fourth-generation Kansan, having grown up on a farm and worked for my dad, went to a two-room country schoolhouse when I was a kid, first through fourth grade in one room and fifth through eighth grade in the other room. And I attended public schools my entire through my high school senior year in McPherson High School. And I am the product of a wonderful public education system. And we need that to be available to all students and all families, all families that may not have the financial means to send their kid to a private school. And we also make sure the public education system cares for those that are handicapped, for those that maybe have learning disabilities. The public education system has to educate all of our children. And it's one of the most equal and fair programs that we have. And it's a wonderful institution in our United States. Nick Gosnell: Shanna, I touched on this with your opponents earlier this morning, but the amount of ground that now is part of the Senate District is a lot more than it was the last time they were drawn 10 years ago. And that touches on something that obviously, it's kind of part of the system. When you have population-based representation, as people move to the cities, then the legislative strength goes to those same cities. But talk about how someone from this part of the state can and should advocate for the rural life.Shanna Henry: Thank you for that question. This is probably my third most important issue, top three issues in my campaign. And I feel like I'm the perfect mix of rural and city. I grew up on a farm, as I mentioned earlier, fourth generation farm kid from McPherson County, going to country schools. But I've lived in cities, some of the biggest in the world. I have seen all variations of public school systems and medical care. And it's tough. Our rural areas are really struggling right now. Our farmers, I empathize with them so much. And I worry dramatically about their well-being. We have an upward rate of suicide among farmers in our rural communities. And just to give you an example, my district, when I ran for this Senate District 34, just back in 2020, the district was comprised of the southern part of Reno County, including South Hutch, and just the northern half of Kingman County, where I live. And that was it. Now, as you mentioned earlier, it's expanded. It includes all of Reno County, all of Kingman County, and all of Barber County, all the way down to the Oklahoma border. This is a huge geographical district now. And we have lots of different types of folks that we need to represent. But I have a strong urge to represent the rural farmers, the hardworking farmers of Kansas. And that's such an important part of our economic history in Kansas as well, is our farming community. Nick Gosnell: Maybe the biggest issue that, at least, maybe I'm wrong that it's not bipartisan, but I think it is bipartisan. At least it has seemed that way. Because every governor, whether Republican or Democrat, has done something about this, and they need the legislature's help to continue to do work, is water. And that's where the agriculture rubber meets the road. If you don't have water with which to grow crops, you don't have an agriculture industry. And if you don't have water that people can drink, you don't have people at that place. They will literally leave just because of the water issues. I mean, there's a reason why northern Africa doesn't have population. It's because of the Sahara Desert and not having water. Well, we're not in that situation in Kansas yet, but the Ogallala Aquifer is still in places getting lower, in places it's doing okay. We're seeing less and less rainfall than what we've seen in recent years. We've gotten a little bit this year, but as an example, Reno and Sedgwick County, and I think Kingman County might also still be in extreme drought. So when you think about water issues, what are you going to be able to bring to the table as far as saying, these are the things we can do to conserve and to deal with these long-term changes that are going to be around long after either you or I are here in Kansas anymore? Shanna Henry: This is one of the biggest issues that we do face in this year of 2024. It is very alarming to me. A lot of it has to do with the burning of fossil fuels over the past hundreds or tens of years. And we are polluting our environment. There is global warming. It is a real thing. There is climate change. That is all very real. And we are feeling it now in Kansas without a doubt. Water is a huge issue. Our equest beds are being depleted, which is where I grew up on the farm in McPherson County. The Ogallala is being depleted. There's already a shift toward more dry land crops. We are not the kind of state that should be irrigating this much, especially in western Kansas. We just don't have the amount of rainfall to have these crops that need a lot of moisture and rain and water. We cannot deplete our water system. We may need to put some mandatory restrictions in for places like Wichita who take from Cheney Reservoir. I live about six miles south of Cheney Reservoir, and I've seen how low it is. It's scary low. I've never seen it this low. And there may need to be some mandatory restrictions put in because people are still watering their lawns like crazy in Wichita. And even though there are restrictions, but they're not mandatory and they're not being enforced. So we really need to get serious about this or we're not going to have enough drinking water even, let alone enough to irrigate our crops. So definitely there's been a shift. There's more dry land farming, which is a good thing. We want our farmers to stay in business and employed. It's a huge part of our economy in the state. Nick Gosnell: Tell folks how they can find out more about your campaign. Shanna Henry: You may go to Shanna, the number four. This is my email address. Shanna4Kansas@gmail.com. You can also go to shannahenry.com. And I would encourage you to send me an email. I would be happy to respond to your questions. That would be the most direct way to reach me. And I appreciate all your support of people that have helped me in the past. I look forward to representing Senate District 34. And I hope that you will elect me to be your new senator.The audio interview is below.<div><iframe title="Shanna Henry" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n7rn3-171b280-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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