On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer and Public Information Officer Lisa Mussman about the successful I-70 bridge demolition in Trego County.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iy_AT6qdBDc?si=KYLLBy68A64bEd0c" 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><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The bridge at mile post 117 on I-70 has successfully been demolished. Now onto the clean up so we can get I-70 back open! If you are on the detour, please refrain from taking county side roads. We’re already starting to see problems with people doing that. <a href="https://t.co/dvK0AkMUmg">pic.twitter.com/dvK0AkMUmg</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1831351195031548137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎤Forward Ever: KDOT I-70 bridge demolition

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Rotary Club will hold its next meeting Monday.

The speaker is Mindy Kepfield. Kepfield is museum assistant for the Reno County Historical Society. She graduated with honors from&nbsp;The University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in journalism and mass communications. 

She was a copy editor and designer at The Hutchinson News for nearly two decades. Kepfield then worked as a proofreader&nbsp;and ad sales rep for&nbsp;Times Sentinel Publications. She was hired as managing editor at Hoch Publications and&nbsp;served as chief copywriter,&nbsp;chief photographer, editor, and designer for three newspapers: The Marion County-Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal and the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin. 

Kepfield enjoys using her journalism background to spearhead Reno County Museum's first oral&nbsp;history&nbsp;project "Voices of Vietnam Veterans," an effort to gather the stories of Reno County Vietnam Veterans through audio recorded interviews and have them archived at the Library of Congress. 

She has two daughters. Her eldest, Valerie, is serving her country as a Navy hospital corpsman. Her youngest, Sabrina, is a college student interested in gemology. In her free time, she enjoys photography&nbsp;and hiking.

The Rotary Club meeting is Monday, Sept. 16 at noon at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. The public is invited to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726243393049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Rotary Club will hold its next meeting Monday.The speaker is Mindy Kepfield. Kepfield is museum assistant for the Reno County Historical Society. She graduated with honors from&nbsp;The University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in journalism and mass communications. She was a copy editor and designer at The Hutchinson News for nearly two decades. Kepfield then worked as a proofreader&nbsp;and ad sales rep for&nbsp;Times Sentinel Publications. She was hired as managing editor at Hoch Publications and&nbsp;served as chief copywriter,&nbsp;chief photographer, editor, and designer for three newspapers: The Marion County-Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal and the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin. Kepfield enjoys using her journalism background to spearhead Reno County Museum's first oral&nbsp;history&nbsp;project "Voices of Vietnam Veterans," an effort to gather the stories of Reno County Vietnam Veterans through audio recorded interviews and have them archived at the Library of Congress. She has two daughters. Her eldest, Valerie, is serving her country as a Navy hospital corpsman. Her youngest, Sabrina, is a college student interested in gemology. In her free time, she enjoys photography&nbsp;and hiking.The Rotary Club meeting is Monday, Sept. 16 at noon at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. The public is invited to attend.

Kepfield to speak to Rotary

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far. 

At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.

The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.

Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night. 

The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725972126895.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Arch-Photo by Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Arch-Photo by Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into the final weekend of the Kansas State Fair, the numbers have been solid thus far. At Friday morning's Kansas State Fair Board meeting, General Manager Bryan Schulz said attendance through Thursday was over 220,000, with big days expected for Chiefs Red Friday and the Riley Green concert Saturday night.The carnival is also ahead of last year's pace on money collections, with a strong Monday due to area kids being out of school really helping this year.Speaking of the Riley Green concert, Schulz expects that to be the largest attendance in a few years, with over 7,000 expected on Saturday night. The hope is that they can get strong walk-up numbers for Pop Evil Friday night and that the weather is not too warm and they can get strong numbers for the Sunday afternoon Oak Ridge Boys concert to close out the fair.

Fair with over 220,000 attendance headed into final weekend

SALINA&nbsp;— After assisting the Kansas Highway Patrol at the Kansas State Fair with uncrewed aircraft system&nbsp;technology,&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina's</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/" target="_blank">Applied Aviation Research Center</a>&nbsp;is using&nbsp;research collected from large-scale events to enhance public safety efforts during disaster response.

The Applied Aviation Research Center, or&nbsp;AARC,&nbsp;partnered with the Kansas Highway Patrol to provide drone support and&nbsp;monitor crowd activity&nbsp;at the Kansas State Fair. The&nbsp;fair — the largest single event in the state —&nbsp;includes more than a week's worth of concerts, activities and exhibits that draw in&nbsp;more than&nbsp;300,000 attendees annually.

Part of the support that&nbsp;the&nbsp;AARC provided to law enforcement at the event included a live feed captured by aerial videography that&nbsp;was then broadcast to incident command. AARC and law enforcement watched in real&nbsp;time to direct officers to incident responses around the venue.

The&nbsp;footage allowed&nbsp;law enforcement to not only see where an incident&nbsp;was&nbsp;happening but also&nbsp;locate&nbsp;officers to easily mobilize those closest to&nbsp;the events&nbsp;on the ground.

The&nbsp;project is a continuation of the research done by AARC&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=97273" target="_blank">Kelce Jam festival</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, where they assisted law enforcement&nbsp;with&nbsp;monitoring a large crowd at an outdoor venue. AARC was able to take&nbsp;the&nbsp;lessons learned from the prior experience to make the&nbsp;work&nbsp;at the Kansas State Fair even more efficient.

The organization also takes feedback from public safety officials&nbsp;about&nbsp;what worked and what can be improved upon.

While AARC is providing valuable assistance to law enforcement at major events around the state, K-State Salina's&nbsp;uncrewed aircraft system&nbsp;experts are also compiling valuable research from projects like the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;State Fair to help enhance the technology and standards in the&nbsp;industry.

Under multiple grants, AARC is assisting both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Kansas Department of Transportation with developing streamlined processes and novel technologies&nbsp;that&nbsp;emergency crews can deploy during a natural disaster response.

Research has found that communication and technology breakdowns can happen during these kinds of events, so&nbsp;the&nbsp;AARC is using&nbsp;its&nbsp;experience to refine and create more efficient practices."These large concert-type venues work great for a project like this because you have support from multiple organizations working together such as law enforcement, emergency management, and emergency medical services," said Travis Balthazor, AARC deputy director. "It's similar to what might occur during a natural disaster. These venues provide similar environments and multi-agency control where communication breakdowns can frequently occur. These environments help us refine the technology and communication procedures so when a disaster happens, emergency crews are prepared to respond as efficiently as possible."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726231511351.jpeg" alt="K-State AARC Command-Photo Courtesy Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>K-State AARC Command-Photo Courtesy Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State UniversitySALINA&nbsp;— After assisting the Kansas Highway Patrol at the Kansas State Fair with uncrewed aircraft system&nbsp;technology,&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina's</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/" target="_blank">Applied Aviation Research Center</a>&nbsp;is using&nbsp;research collected from large-scale events to enhance public safety efforts during disaster response.The Applied Aviation Research Center, or&nbsp;AARC,&nbsp;partnered with the Kansas Highway Patrol to provide drone support and&nbsp;monitor crowd activity&nbsp;at the Kansas State Fair. The&nbsp;fair — the largest single event in the state —&nbsp;includes more than a week's worth of concerts, activities and exhibits that draw in&nbsp;more than&nbsp;300,000 attendees annually.Part of the support that&nbsp;the&nbsp;AARC provided to law enforcement at the event included a live feed captured by aerial videography that&nbsp;was then broadcast to incident command. AARC and law enforcement watched in real&nbsp;time to direct officers to incident responses around the venue.The&nbsp;footage allowed&nbsp;law enforcement to not only see where an incident&nbsp;was&nbsp;happening but also&nbsp;locate&nbsp;officers to easily mobilize those closest to&nbsp;the events&nbsp;on the ground.The&nbsp;project is a continuation of the research done by AARC&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=97273" target="_blank">Kelce Jam festival</a>&nbsp;earlier this year, where they assisted law enforcement&nbsp;with&nbsp;monitoring a large crowd at an outdoor venue. AARC was able to take&nbsp;the&nbsp;lessons learned from the prior experience to make the&nbsp;work&nbsp;at the Kansas State Fair even more efficient.The organization also takes feedback from public safety officials&nbsp;about&nbsp;what worked and what can be improved upon.While AARC is providing valuable assistance to law enforcement at major events around the state, K-State Salina's&nbsp;uncrewed aircraft system&nbsp;experts are also compiling valuable research from projects like the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;State Fair to help enhance the technology and standards in the&nbsp;industry.Under multiple grants, AARC is assisting both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Kansas Department of Transportation with developing streamlined processes and novel technologies&nbsp;that&nbsp;emergency crews can deploy during a natural disaster response.Research has found that communication and technology breakdowns can happen during these kinds of events, so&nbsp;the&nbsp;AARC is using&nbsp;its&nbsp;experience to refine and create more efficient practices."These large concert-type venues work great for a project like this because you have support from multiple organizations working together such as law enforcement, emergency management, and emergency medical services," said Travis Balthazor, AARC deputy director. "It's similar to what might occur during a natural disaster. These venues provide similar environments and multi-agency control where communication breakdowns can frequently occur. These environments help us refine the technology and communication procedures so when a disaster happens, emergency crews are prepared to respond as efficiently as possible."&nbsp;&nbsp;

State Fair drone helps K-State research

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre announced Thursday it has been awarded a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant, marking a significant step forward in its mission to preserve and enhance this iconic landmark for the community.

T-Mobile announced its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients, who will each receive up to $50,000 in funding to kickstart local development projects that strengthen and enhance their communities. This grant will allow Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre to undertake crucial&nbsp;upgrades that will ensure it remains a vibrant center for arts and entertainment in the heart of&nbsp;Hutchinson.

“The support from T-Mobile will help us move forward with much-needed structural repairs to our theater and continue to provide a unique space for our community to gather and experience the magic of live performances and films,” said Penny Bettles, Development Administrator at the Fox Theatre. "Out of 683 grant applications submitted, we are proud to be selected as one of only 25 recipients for this quarter."

Since April 2021, T-Mobile has committed over $14 million through its Hometown Grant program to support local development projects in 325 communities across 47 states. The initiative aims to&nbsp;foster connection, engagement, and positive change in small towns and rural communities. To date, the program has inspired more than 86,000 volunteer hours from community members working together to uplift their hometowns.

The $50,000 grant will be used to preserve the theatre by addressing major roof repairs and extensive masonry damage caused by water infiltration and pooling, ensuring the long-term structural integrity of this cultural landmark. These critical repairs will enhance community pride and help ensure that Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre remains a cultural and historical beacon for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726164918934.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Fox Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Fox Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson's Historic Fox TheatreHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre announced Thursday it has been awarded a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant, marking a significant step forward in its mission to preserve and enhance this iconic landmark for the community.T-Mobile announced its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients, who will each receive up to $50,000 in funding to kickstart local development projects that strengthen and enhance their communities. This grant will allow Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre to undertake crucial&nbsp;upgrades that will ensure it remains a vibrant center for arts and entertainment in the heart of&nbsp;Hutchinson.“The support from T-Mobile will help us move forward with much-needed structural repairs to our theater and continue to provide a unique space for our community to gather and experience the magic of live performances and films,” said Penny Bettles, Development Administrator at the Fox Theatre. "Out of 683 grant applications submitted, we are proud to be selected as one of only 25 recipients for this quarter."Since April 2021, T-Mobile has committed over $14 million through its Hometown Grant program to support local development projects in 325 communities across 47 states. The initiative aims to&nbsp;foster connection, engagement, and positive change in small towns and rural communities. To date, the program has inspired more than 86,000 volunteer hours from community members working together to uplift their hometowns.The $50,000 grant will be used to preserve the theatre by addressing major roof repairs and extensive masonry damage caused by water infiltration and pooling, ensuring the long-term structural integrity of this cultural landmark. These critical repairs will enhance community pride and help ensure that Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre remains a cultural and historical beacon for generations to come.

Fox gets $50K from T-Mobile

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Central Christian High School senior Nathan Reed is a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit® Scholarship competition.&nbsp;The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability.

Nathan has been active in football, golf, scholars bowl, choir, and student council. He has attended CCS for 12 years and is the son of Dr. Mark and Mrs. Abby Reed.&nbsp;

Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest scoring students in each state. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying&nbsp;test.

More than 1.3 million juniors from about 21,000 high schools nationwide entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program last fall by taking the&nbsp;2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726145851723.jpeg" alt="Nathan Reed" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Reed</figcaption>
 </figure>Central Christian SchoolHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Central Christian High School senior Nathan Reed is a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit® Scholarship competition.&nbsp;The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability.Nathan has been active in football, golf, scholars bowl, choir, and student council. He has attended CCS for 12 years and is the son of Dr. Mark and Mrs. Abby Reed.&nbsp;Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and include the highest scoring students in each state. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying&nbsp;test.More than 1.3 million juniors from about 21,000 high schools nationwide entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program last fall by taking the&nbsp;2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

CCS senior is National Merit Semifinalist

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan Murray with NFIB Kansas is not surprised by the fact that their&nbsp;Small Business Optimism Index fell in August.

"Our Small Business Index, which is over 50 years of data, it fell by two and a half points in August, which erases minor gains that we experienced in July," Murray said. "This represents the 32nd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose to 92, its highest level since October of 2020. Inflation remains the top issue amongst small business owners. Twenty-four percent of owners reported it as their top small business operating issue down one point in July."

There is an issue on the horizon if Congress does not act to make the tax relief in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.

"In the moment, high inflation, the inability to find workers continue to be a problem for small business owners," Murray said. "As they look out on the horizon, they will experience a massive tax hike in 2025 or the 2026 year, if we don't make permanent the small business deduction."

Inflation in costs of materials and labor is having to be passed on to small business customers, as well.

"When we looked at this most recent study, price hikes were the most frequent in the finance, retail, construction, and manufacturing sectors," Murray said.&nbsp; "Twenty-five percent of small business owners planned price hikes in August, so that is certainly top of the mind for particularly finance, retail, construction, and manufacturing."

Of the 62% of small business owners trying to hire in August, 90% reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600954270300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan Murray with NFIB Kansas is not surprised by the fact that their&nbsp;Small Business Optimism Index fell in August."Our Small Business Index, which is over 50 years of data, it fell by two and a half points in August, which erases minor gains that we experienced in July," Murray said. "This represents the 32nd consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose to 92, its highest level since October of 2020. Inflation remains the top issue amongst small business owners. Twenty-four percent of owners reported it as their top small business operating issue down one point in July."There is an issue on the horizon if Congress does not act to make the tax relief in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent."In the moment, high inflation, the inability to find workers continue to be a problem for small business owners," Murray said. "As they look out on the horizon, they will experience a massive tax hike in 2025 or the 2026 year, if we don't make permanent the small business deduction."Inflation in costs of materials and labor is having to be passed on to small business customers, as well."When we looked at this most recent study, price hikes were the most frequent in the finance, retail, construction, and manufacturing sectors," Murray said.&nbsp; "Twenty-five percent of small business owners planned price hikes in August, so that is certainly top of the mind for particularly finance, retail, construction, and manufacturing."Of the 62% of small business owners trying to hire in August, 90% reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill.

Small business optimism down in August

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 child care centers, Crusader Corner and Buhler Beginnings are complete and are accepting students. Be on the lookout for open house details.

The district is accepting formal applications through the web platform, called Playground.  If you had already joined the waitlist via Google Form you should have received a message to officially apply through Playground earlier this week. 

 Don't worry, the district has saved your waitlist position.

Playground will allow you to see your waitlist status (applied, waitlist, accepted, dropped), and will allow staff to communicate with you throughout the process.

If you have not already joined the waitlist and are interested, please click the links below to apply and grab a spot in line. If you are interested in both locations you will need to complete information at both links.

Buhler Beginnings (Located in Buhler at Buhler Grade School)<a href="https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/fnSCbSl39LPT4egreGT4?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR08lVAjyXTTJxThalucidimVsNalap429bZ07X1Z_EnMx41hE-R80uutWc_aem_z_qF1O5PNJVmaUq4pW6AxA" target="_blank">https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/fnSCbSl39LPT4egreGT4</a>

<a href="https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/fnSCbSl39LPT4egreGT4?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR08lVAjyXTTJxThalucidimVsNalap429bZ07X1Z_EnMx41hE-R80uutWc_aem_z_qF1O5PNJVmaUq4pW6AxA" target="_blank"></a>Crusader Corner (Located at 509 East 56th Ave in Hutchinson)<a href="https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/N6KRqUwjk0VHHkCv72VX?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2zmrpEa1a6T-IbMz51NlUMRGLJyozB1gVTUwD4zfs9VWHq5WxKj9Clyjk_aem_UhYaIt3s8Tw-anCchmMKcQ" target="_blank">https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/N6KRqUwjk0VHHkCv72VX</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726161887348.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Buhler USD 313HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 child care centers, Crusader Corner and Buhler Beginnings are complete and are accepting students. Be on the lookout for open house details.The district is accepting formal applications through the web platform, called Playground. If you had already joined the waitlist via Google Form you should have received a message to officially apply through Playground earlier this week. Don't worry, the district has saved your waitlist position.Playground will allow you to see your waitlist status (applied, waitlist, accepted, dropped), and will allow staff to communicate with you throughout the process.If you have not already joined the waitlist and are interested, please click the links below to apply and grab a spot in line. If you are interested in both locations you will need to complete information at both links.Buhler Beginnings (Located in Buhler at Buhler Grade School)<a href="https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/fnSCbSl39LPT4egreGT4?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR08lVAjyXTTJxThalucidimVsNalap429bZ07X1Z_EnMx41hE-R80uutWc_aem_z_qF1O5PNJVmaUq4pW6AxA" target="_blank">https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/fnSCbSl39LPT4egreGT4</a><a href="https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/fnSCbSl39LPT4egreGT4?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR08lVAjyXTTJxThalucidimVsNalap429bZ07X1Z_EnMx41hE-R80uutWc_aem_z_qF1O5PNJVmaUq4pW6AxA" target="_blank"></a>Crusader Corner (Located at 509 East 56th Ave in Hutchinson)<a href="https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/N6KRqUwjk0VHHkCv72VX?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2zmrpEa1a6T-IbMz51NlUMRGLJyozB1gVTUwD4zfs9VWHq5WxKj9Clyjk_aem_UhYaIt3s8Tw-anCchmMKcQ" target="_blank">https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/N6KRqUwjk0VHHkCv72VX</a>

Buhler taking waitlist members for child care

NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Commission received a report from KemperSports staff about the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in July.

Sand Creek Station General Manager Dustin Housh reported that players and USGA staff highly praised the on-course operations, including all the volunteers and local staff that worked the event.

Randy Shack, one of the Open’s seated players, said, “My experience here has been amazing. The people are so nice. The greens and fairways are just so beautiful. Everyone has been just so accommodating. You need something and there is someone right there to help you out. It’s amazing to have that type of experience.”

The tournament July 8-10 brought more than 2,000 visitors to Newton, driving revenue to the local businesses they visited. The course was able to highlight several local businesses such as Norm’s, Prairy, and Salted Creamery during hospitality events.

News media and social media coverage of the Adaptive Open garnered more than 1.02 billion views during the week of the tournament, including national and international media exposure of Newton. Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgolf.com%2Ftravel%2Famerica-best-golf-courses-100-less%2F/1/01000191e853c511-025679e6-7608-4dfb-9c0c-5828da1ee102-000000/H27QptLSeMdUbuqeRiKht2oydpJIVxXdcCJMW3RQb60=370" target="_blank">GOLF Magazine</a>&nbsp;named Sand Creek Station one of America’s best courses under $100.

City Commissioners thanked Sand Creek Station staff for all their work in planning and hosting the tournament. Staff said they would continue seeking opportunities to host large-scale championships to showcase Newton, including the possibility of hosting the Adaptive Open again in the future.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726189761161.jpeg" alt="KemperSports staff present a signed U.S. Adaptive Open flag to the Newton City Commission. From left, KemperSports Regional Sales &amp; Marketing Director Ani Carrillo-Carrey, Sand Creek Station General Manager Dustin Housh, City Commissioner Kathy Valentine, Vice Mayor Rich Stinnett, Mayor Rod Kreie, City Commissioner Leroy Koehn, and Sand Creek Station Superintendent James Houchen. Photo Courtesy City of Newton." />
 <figcaption>KemperSports staff present a signed U.S. Adaptive Open flag to the Newton City Commission. From left, KemperSports Regional Sales &amp; Marketing Director Ani Carrillo-Carrey, Sand Creek Station General Manager Dustin Housh, City Commissioner Kathy Valentine, Vice Mayor Rich Stinnett, Mayor Rod Kreie, City Commissioner Leroy Koehn, and Sand Creek Station Superintendent James Houchen. Photo Courtesy City of Newton.</figcaption>
 </figure>City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Commission received a report from KemperSports staff about the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in July.Sand Creek Station General Manager Dustin Housh reported that players and USGA staff highly praised the on-course operations, including all the volunteers and local staff that worked the event.Randy Shack, one of the Open’s seated players, said, “My experience here has been amazing. The people are so nice. The greens and fairways are just so beautiful. Everyone has been just so accommodating. You need something and there is someone right there to help you out. It’s amazing to have that type of experience.”The tournament July 8-10 brought more than 2,000 visitors to Newton, driving revenue to the local businesses they visited. The course was able to highlight several local businesses such as Norm’s, Prairy, and Salted Creamery during hospitality events.News media and social media coverage of the Adaptive Open garnered more than 1.02 billion views during the week of the tournament, including national and international media exposure of Newton. Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgolf.com%2Ftravel%2Famerica-best-golf-courses-100-less%2F/1/01000191e853c511-025679e6-7608-4dfb-9c0c-5828da1ee102-000000/H27QptLSeMdUbuqeRiKht2oydpJIVxXdcCJMW3RQb60=370" target="_blank">GOLF Magazine</a>&nbsp;named Sand Creek Station one of America’s best courses under $100.City Commissioners thanked Sand Creek Station staff for all their work in planning and hosting the tournament. Staff said they would continue seeking opportunities to host large-scale championships to showcase Newton, including the possibility of hosting the Adaptive Open again in the future.&nbsp;

Newton City Commission hears Adaptive Open report

September signals the Kansas State Fair, football games and, specifically for Kansas farmers, the kickoff of wheat planting season. While producers may be eyeing opportunities with moisture availability or to increase forage for a dual-purpose system, K-State experts cautioned producers not to start planting too early, lest their fields suffer from disease, insect and weed pressure from the very start of the growing season.&nbsp;

“The wheat yield response to planting date is a curve that goes up and goes down. That optimal window is where we minimize the risks for that crop,” Romulo Lollato, K-State extension wheat and forages specialist, noted during a segment on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WDrURPB3sxHnLASb0_dOCCWkoIkWNoAydEip8WJqPMZwBOppCkesyBm-V1kFmyRefk_TNwk6pw9e-kTqliMidAeiSJg90r0BxYxPGq1muvX5ypCr6No8yf_3SaYQOVJ6ovGKM22qG3Er0wzFBYpVnt159sVZ_e0u9da4wH_s9dy2UH-YmtwRvfZUu6hqLbLnzTDKdOpz8Yp5rX1zIE49EicxLSP9ySlq5U41Ynv9bRU=&amp;c=lgc_kUY42bKSDqpgrL7hTjAAo3yY4fxydA9P9BKKZwDBAZ81qz5lhA==&amp;ch=gRh2oepkm_MuIUKZfn8CF76fIDdvaBqc-bheUwzyCcnt9hjfSuo0AA==" target="_blank">K-State’s Agriculture Today</a>. “But if we’re planting too early or too late, we have concerns on both ends of that curve.”&nbsp;

Depending on the year, earlier-planted or later-planted wheat may perform better or worse. Those results are driven by environmental conditions and disease pressure that are hard to predict at the start of the growing season. However, research-backed guidance for producers is readily available through K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

K-State recently posted the optimum wheat planting windows in Kansas by zone and other general guidance for producers in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WDrURPB3sxHnLASb0_dOCCWkoIkWNoAydEip8WJqPMZwBOppCkesyBm-V1kFmyReuFZxFoZrzfErmILlyTZy6TV2K-OpaJex5dNGc5_rsVFBXL0O6hqBJn5Woij98rsuIPX_AZIbA0pYFs87rfD7wdzLYgUE6RYVBP7atKaEk7GBdts1NSsYkk4PWruYBRNQCnEOgTaOj6vCsOHrGL-0rL7Y2ttnmZkEwNlIrqNrmPAdq3UmukHH1Q==&amp;c=lgc_kUY42bKSDqpgrL7hTjAAo3yY4fxydA9P9BKKZwDBAZ81qz5lhA==&amp;ch=gRh2oepkm_MuIUKZfn8CF76fIDdvaBqc-bheUwzyCcnt9hjfSuo0AA==" target="_blank">Agronomy eUpdate</a>. The update also details the potential risks of planting wheat too early, including increased risk of disease pressure, insect pests, weed infestations and undesirable growth of the crop.&nbsp;

“For planting too early, most of the concerns are related to some viral diseases that we have increased risks,” Lollato said, noting critters like wheat curl mites that transmit Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) or aphids that transmit Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) are more active earlier in the fall when the weather is warmer. In addition to disease transmission, other pests like armyworms are also more likely to cause direct damage to the crop when the weather remains warm.&nbsp;

Because of these active critters, controlling volunteer wheat that has emerged is an essential part of preparing for the upcoming planting season. K-State encourages wheat producers to terminate volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting to allow enough time to kill all the disease-carrying wheat mites or aphids present in a field.&nbsp;

Beyond disease transmission, planting wheat too early can also have adverse consequences for the crop’s growth and development.&nbsp;

“Some varieties are what we call ‘temperature germination sensitive,’ meaning that if we’re planting in warm soils, they might not germinate until there’s a rain that comes and cools things down,” Lollato said. “And if we’re reaching for moisture and try to go deep, another concern of planting early is reduced coleoptile length.”

If the wheat plant is too far underground reaching for moisture, then the first true leaf might come up still underground, resulting in decreased emergence and poor stand establishment.&nbsp;

The final consequence of planting too early is a penalty on final grain yields due to excessive fall growth. For producers in a dual-purpose system where they plan on grazing wheat fields, planting earlier and having more biomass is a tempting proposition. But Lollato cautioned producers not to give in to this temptation too early as the increased biomass can use too much of the moisture profile too early, causing increased drought stress later on in the growing season.&nbsp;

“So many things can go wrong, even in the fall, so that the crop doesn’t get off to a good start,” Lollato said. “But, in an ideal scenario, you have had enough moisture for our volunteer to come up and have controlled the volunteer two weeks before planting, reducing our chances of WSMV, and we have had enough moisture for germination. And now in the fall with decent temperatures, we will have good root production and good tiller production for going into the winter with greater chances of reducing any potential harm from planting too early.”&nbsp;

Learn more about the latest planting recommendations and find your optimum planting window at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WDrURPB3sxHnLASb0_dOCCWkoIkWNoAydEip8WJqPMZwBOppCkesyOSPrZBDIk9nWXBgOFzm8ItFLdfa32mAnPpemrK82fDgcXv4uNjSq7GXecSuyEZPs8PcGWGa4fDYpmupSMofGUCUCPivkwsfFXllzLrYkQxd&amp;c=lgc_kUY42bKSDqpgrL7hTjAAo3yY4fxydA9P9BKKZwDBAZ81qz5lhA==&amp;ch=gRh2oepkm_MuIUKZfn8CF76fIDdvaBqc-bheUwzyCcnt9hjfSuo0AA==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>. Wheat Rx is a series of Extension publications and other educational outreach designed to address key management areas of hard winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat check-off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726161124296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatSeptember signals the Kansas State Fair, football games and, specifically for Kansas farmers, the kickoff of wheat planting season. While producers may be eyeing opportunities with moisture availability or to increase forage for a dual-purpose system, K-State experts cautioned producers not to start planting too early, lest their fields suffer from disease, insect and weed pressure from the very start of the growing season.&nbsp;“The wheat yield response to planting date is a curve that goes up and goes down. That optimal window is where we minimize the risks for that crop,” Romulo Lollato, K-State extension wheat and forages specialist, noted during a segment on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WDrURPB3sxHnLASb0_dOCCWkoIkWNoAydEip8WJqPMZwBOppCkesyBm-V1kFmyRefk_TNwk6pw9e-kTqliMidAeiSJg90r0BxYxPGq1muvX5ypCr6No8yf_3SaYQOVJ6ovGKM22qG3Er0wzFBYpVnt159sVZ_e0u9da4wH_s9dy2UH-YmtwRvfZUu6hqLbLnzTDKdOpz8Yp5rX1zIE49EicxLSP9ySlq5U41Ynv9bRU=&amp;c=lgc_kUY42bKSDqpgrL7hTjAAo3yY4fxydA9P9BKKZwDBAZ81qz5lhA==&amp;ch=gRh2oepkm_MuIUKZfn8CF76fIDdvaBqc-bheUwzyCcnt9hjfSuo0AA==" target="_blank">K-State’s Agriculture Today</a>. “But if we’re planting too early or too late, we have concerns on both ends of that curve.”&nbsp;Depending on the year, earlier-planted or later-planted wheat may perform better or worse. Those results are driven by environmental conditions and disease pressure that are hard to predict at the start of the growing season. However, research-backed guidance for producers is readily available through K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;K-State recently posted the optimum wheat planting windows in Kansas by zone and other general guidance for producers in an&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WDrURPB3sxHnLASb0_dOCCWkoIkWNoAydEip8WJqPMZwBOppCkesyBm-V1kFmyReuFZxFoZrzfErmILlyTZy6TV2K-OpaJex5dNGc5_rsVFBXL0O6hqBJn5Woij98rsuIPX_AZIbA0pYFs87rfD7wdzLYgUE6RYVBP7atKaEk7GBdts1NSsYkk4PWruYBRNQCnEOgTaOj6vCsOHrGL-0rL7Y2ttnmZkEwNlIrqNrmPAdq3UmukHH1Q==&amp;c=lgc_kUY42bKSDqpgrL7hTjAAo3yY4fxydA9P9BKKZwDBAZ81qz5lhA==&amp;ch=gRh2oepkm_MuIUKZfn8CF76fIDdvaBqc-bheUwzyCcnt9hjfSuo0AA==" target="_blank">Agronomy eUpdate</a>. The update also details the potential risks of planting wheat too early, including increased risk of disease pressure, insect pests, weed infestations and undesirable growth of the crop.&nbsp;“For planting too early, most of the concerns are related to some viral diseases that we have increased risks,” Lollato said, noting critters like wheat curl mites that transmit Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV) or aphids that transmit Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYD) are more active earlier in the fall when the weather is warmer. In addition to disease transmission, other pests like armyworms are also more likely to cause direct damage to the crop when the weather remains warm.&nbsp;Because of these active critters, controlling volunteer wheat that has emerged is an essential part of preparing for the upcoming planting season. K-State encourages wheat producers to terminate volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting to allow enough time to kill all the disease-carrying wheat mites or aphids present in a field.&nbsp;Beyond disease transmission, planting wheat too early can also have adverse consequences for the crop’s growth and development.&nbsp;“Some varieties are what we call ‘temperature germination sensitive,’ meaning that if we’re planting in warm soils, they might not germinate until there’s a rain that comes and cools things down,” Lollato said. “And if we’re reaching for moisture and try to go deep, another concern of planting early is reduced coleoptile length.”If the wheat plant is too far underground reaching for moisture, then the first true leaf might come up still underground, resulting in decreased emergence and poor stand establishment.&nbsp;The final consequence of planting too early is a penalty on final grain yields due to excessive fall growth. For producers in a dual-purpose system where they plan on grazing wheat fields, planting earlier and having more biomass is a tempting proposition. But Lollato cautioned producers not to give in to this temptation too early as the increased biomass can use too much of the moisture profile too early, causing increased drought stress later on in the growing season.&nbsp;“So many things can go wrong, even in the fall, so that the crop doesn’t get off to a good start,” Lollato said. “But, in an ideal scenario, you have had enough moisture for our volunteer to come up and have controlled the volunteer two weeks before planting, reducing our chances of WSMV, and we have had enough moisture for germination. And now in the fall with decent temperatures, we will have good root production and good tiller production for going into the winter with greater chances of reducing any potential harm from planting too early.”&nbsp;Learn more about the latest planting recommendations and find your optimum planting window at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001WDrURPB3sxHnLASb0_dOCCWkoIkWNoAydEip8WJqPMZwBOppCkesyOSPrZBDIk9nWXBgOFzm8ItFLdfa32mAnPpemrK82fDgcXv4uNjSq7GXecSuyEZPs8PcGWGa4fDYpmupSMofGUCUCPivkwsfFXllzLrYkQxd&amp;c=lgc_kUY42bKSDqpgrL7hTjAAo3yY4fxydA9P9BKKZwDBAZ81qz5lhA==&amp;ch=gRh2oepkm_MuIUKZfn8CF76fIDdvaBqc-bheUwzyCcnt9hjfSuo0AA==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>. Wheat Rx is a series of Extension publications and other educational outreach designed to address key management areas of hard winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat check-off.

Wheat Scoop: Don't start too early!

Butter Sculpture sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers | Pride of Kansas

Clothing &amp; Textile Exhibits | Domestic Arts Building

Competitive Exhibits Displays | Oz Gallery, Domestic Arts Building, Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West, Pride of Kansas Building

FFA/4H Exhibit Displays | 206 E 23rd Ave, Ad Astra Building

Quilts with a Story | Domestic Arts Building

Open Pigeons / Poultry Display | Poultry Building

9:00 AM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

9:00 AM Rub A Dub Dub Get Me Some Grub | FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area

9:00 AM Open Beef Cattle | Prairie Pavilion

9:00 AM Painting/Art Demo with Splinters-N-Rust | Oz Gallery

9:00 AM Professional Art Exhibits | Lake Talbott

10:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

10:00 AM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo

10:00 AM Kansas State Fair Museum | Lair White House

10:00 AM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

10:00 AM Rub A Dub Dub Get Me Some Grub | FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area

10:00 AM Acrylic &amp; Oil Painting Demonstration | Oz Gallery

10:00 AM China Painting Demonstration | Oz Gallery

11:00 AM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott

11:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

11:00 AM Glenda and Mike's Magic and Ventriloquism Show | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

11:00 AM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

11:00 AM 4-H Horse Show | Expo Center, Expo II

12:00 PM Dennis Laffoon - Piano Man | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

12:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

12:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo

12:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr

12:00 PM Milking Parlor Demo&nbsp;| Dairyland

12:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

12:00 PM Dino+Refuge | 505 Ft Leavenworth Blvd

12:30 PM Curley's All Natural BBQ Sauce Contest | Domestic Arts Building

1:00 PM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott

1:00 PM Kevin Horner - Ventriloquist Family Fair Show | 501 23rd Terr

1:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

1:00 PM Strong &amp; Amazing | Gottschalk Park

1:00 PM Open Swine Show | Sheep, Swine, and Goat Building

1:00 PM Porcelain Painting Demonstration | Oz Gallery

1:00 PM Wilson Czech Dancers | Lowen Corporation

1:30 PM Fresh Salsa Contest | Domestic Arts Building

2:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center

2:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo

2:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr

2:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

2:00 PM Kansas State Fair Bingo | Encampment Building - Dillon Hall 

2:00 PM Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red Friday Super Bowl Trophies | Capper Building

2:00 PM Ryan Shaban | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

2:00 PM Sweet Rhubarb | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

3:00 PM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott

3:00 PM Dennis Laffoon - Piano Man | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

3:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

3:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

3:00 PM Strong &amp; Amazing | Gottschalk Park

3:30 PM Celebrity Goat Milking | Ad Astra Building

4:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo

4:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr

4:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

4:00 PM Flattland | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

4:00 PM Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red Friday - Pete Sweeney - 810 Sports Radio Kansas City | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

5:00 PM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott

5:00 PM Kevin Horner- Ventriloquist Family Fair Show | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

5:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center

5:00 PM Strong &amp; Amazing | Gottschalk Park

5:00 PM Kansas City Chiefs Red Friday Pep Rally | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena 

6:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo

6:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr

6:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

6:00 PM Sweet Rhubarb | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

7:00 PM Flattland | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott

7:00 PM Voth | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena

7:30 PM Pop Evil with Diamante | Nex-Tech Grandstand

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724172564313.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>DAILY EVENTSAgriculture Exhibits | Pride of KansasAgriland | Pride of KansasButter Sculpture sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers | Pride of KansasBirthing Center | Birthing CenterBoy Scout Exhibits | Oz GalleryClothing &amp; Textile Exhibits | Domestic Arts BuildingCompetitive Exhibits Displays | Oz Gallery, Domestic Arts Building, Lake Talbott East, Lake Talbott West, Pride of Kansas BuildingEducation Center | Education CenterFFA/4H Exhibit Displays | 206 E 23rd Ave, Ad Astra BuildingFine Arts Exhibits | Oz GalleryFloriculture Exhibits | Pride of KansasFoods Exhibits | Domestic Arts BuildingGirl Scout Exhibits | Oz GalleryKDHE Mobile Lab | 509 Bison Blvd.Llama Exhibit | DairylandQuilts with a Story | Domestic Arts BuildingOpen Pigeons / Poultry Display | Poultry BuildingOpen Rabbit Display | Rabbit BuildingMORNING SCHEDULE9:00 AM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center9:00 AM Rub A Dub Dub Get Me Some Grub | FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area9:00 AM Watusi Display | Livestock Annex9:00 AM Open Beef Cattle | Prairie Pavilion9:00 AM Painting/Art Demo with Splinters-N-Rust | Oz Gallery9:00 AM Professional Art Exhibits | Lake Talbott9:00 AM Splinters-N-Rust | Oz Gallery10:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center10:00 AM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo10:00 AM Kansas State Fair Museum | Lair White House10:00 AM Milking Parlor Demo | Dairyland10:00 AM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center10:00 AM Rub A Dub Dub Get Me Some Grub | FFA Agricultural Exhibit Area10:00 AM Acrylic &amp; Oil Painting Demonstration | Oz Gallery10:00 AM China Painting Demonstration | Oz Gallery11:00 AM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott11:00 AM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center11:00 AM Glenda and Mike's Magic and Ventriloquism Show | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott11:00 AM Milking Parlor Demo | Dairyland11:00 AM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center11:00 AM 4-H Horse Show | Expo Center, Expo IIAFTERNOON SCHEDULE12:00 PM Dennis Laffoon - Piano Man | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott12:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center12:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo12:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr12:00 PM Milking Parlor Demo&nbsp;| Dairyland12:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center12:00 PM Dino+Refuge | 505 Ft Leavenworth Blvd12:30 PM Curley's All Natural BBQ Sauce Contest | Domestic Arts Building1:00 PM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott1:00 PM Kevin Horner - Ventriloquist Family Fair Show | 501 23rd Terr1:00 PM Milking Parlor Demo | Dairyland1:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena1:00 PM Strong &amp; Amazing | Gottschalk Park1:00 PM Open Swine Show | Sheep, Swine, and Goat Building1:00 PM Porcelain Painting Demonstration | Oz Gallery1:00 PM Wilson Czech Dancers | Lowen Corporation1:30 PM Fresh Salsa Contest | Domestic Arts Building2:00 PM Dr. Goddard's Lab | Education Center2:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo2:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr2:00 PM Lady Houdini | Gottschalk Park2:00 PM Milking Parlor Demo | Dairyland2:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center2:00 PM Kansas State Fair Bingo | Encampment Building - Dillon Hall 2:00 PM Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red Friday Super Bowl Trophies | Capper Building2:00 PM Ryan Shaban | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena2:00 PM Sweet Rhubarb | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott3:00 PM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott3:00 PM Dennis Laffoon - Piano Man | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott3:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center3:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena3:00 PM Strong &amp; Amazing | Gottschalk Park3:30 PM Celebrity Goat Milking | Ad Astra Building4:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo4:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr4:00 PM Lady Houdini | Gottschalk Park4:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center4:00 PM Flattland | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott4:00 PM Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red Friday - Pete Sweeney - 810 Sports Radio Kansas City | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena5:00 PM Chainsaw Woodcarvers | Lake Talbott5:00 PM Kevin Horner- Ventriloquist Family Fair Show | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott5:00 PM Moo U-Guided Barn Tours | Birthing Center5:00 PM Strong &amp; Amazing | Gottschalk Park5:00 PM Kansas City Chiefs Red Friday Pep Rally | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena 6:00 PM Hedrick's Pig Races | Behind Petting Zoo6:00 PM Kenny Ahearn - The Family Variety Theatre | 501 23rd Terr6:00 PM Lady Houdini | Gottschalk Park6:00 PM Milking Parlor Demo | Dairyland6:00 PM Ron Diamond Hypnotist | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena6:00 PM Sweet Rhubarb | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott7:00 PM Flattland | Lowen Corporation Stage at Lake Talbott7:00 PM Voth | Peoples Bank and Trust Arena7:30 PM Pop Evil with Diamante | Nex-Tech Grandstand

Kansas State Fair schedule: Friday, Sept. 13, 2024

MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Center for Health is proud to recognize Carol Fickes, Director of Physician Clinics, for her successful completion of the 2024 Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Institute. Carol’s achievement highlights her dedication to leadership development and her commitment to advancing healthcare excellence in rural Kansas.

The Kansas Hospital Association established the Leadership Institute to empower hospital employees by offering professional development opportunities that enhance the personal skills and abilities essential for driving positive change and innovation. This year’s program included six rigorous training courses, held from June through September, equipping participants with valuable tools for leadership in the healthcare industry.

In addition to her role leading McPherson Center for Health’s Rural Health Clinic, Carol dedicated herself to completing the KHA Leadership Institute program, demonstrating her passion for both personal and professional growth.

Reflecting on her experience, Carol said, “Throughout this program, I’ve been inspired by so many passionate healthcare champions. I am especially grateful to my incredible mentors, our dedicated providers, compassionate nurses, and the entire team at McPherson Center for Health, whose support has been instrumental.”

Charity Clark, COO at McPherson Center for Health enthusiastically stated,  “We are proud to recognize Carol for her outstanding leadership accomplishments. Carol’s unwavering dedication, innovative thinking and strategic vision has been instrumental in elevating the rural health clinic to new heights of success. The KHA Leadership Institute has provided Carol a wonderful program to enhance her role through training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.”

McPherson Center for Health is honored to have Carol as part of its leadership team and looks forward to the positive impact her experience will bring to the organization and the community it serves.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726092835581.jpeg" alt="Carol Fickes of McPherson Center for Health recently completed the 2024 Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute. Photo courtesy McPherson Center for Health." />
 <figcaption>Carol Fickes of McPherson Center for Health recently completed the 2024 Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute. Photo courtesy McPherson Center for Health.</figcaption>
 </figure>McPherson Center for HealthMCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson Center for Health is proud to recognize Carol Fickes, Director of Physician Clinics, for her successful completion of the 2024 Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Institute. Carol’s achievement highlights her dedication to leadership development and her commitment to advancing healthcare excellence in rural Kansas.The Kansas Hospital Association established the Leadership Institute to empower hospital employees by offering professional development opportunities that enhance the personal skills and abilities essential for driving positive change and innovation. This year’s program included six rigorous training courses, held from June through September, equipping participants with valuable tools for leadership in the healthcare industry.In addition to her role leading McPherson Center for Health’s Rural Health Clinic, Carol dedicated herself to completing the KHA Leadership Institute program, demonstrating her passion for both personal and professional growth.Reflecting on her experience, Carol said, “Throughout this program, I’ve been inspired by so many passionate healthcare champions. I am especially grateful to my incredible mentors, our dedicated providers, compassionate nurses, and the entire team at McPherson Center for Health, whose support has been instrumental.”Charity Clark, COO at McPherson Center for Health enthusiastically stated, “We are proud to recognize Carol for her outstanding leadership accomplishments. Carol’s unwavering dedication, innovative thinking and strategic vision has been instrumental in elevating the rural health clinic to new heights of success. The KHA Leadership Institute has provided Carol a wonderful program to enhance her role through training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.”McPherson Center for Health is honored to have Carol as part of its leadership team and looks forward to the positive impact her experience will bring to the organization and the community it serves.”

Carol Fickes from McPherson Center for Health graduates from KHA Leadership Institute

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

9/13/2024 1:52 AM-Fred	Charles Blackwell III-DUI; Misdemeanor&nbsp;

9/13/2024 1:20 AM-Kolton	Michael Ralph-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance; prior conv within 3 years; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

9/12/2024 10:38 PM-Saul	Orona Avalos-Failure to Appear

9/12/2024 7:29 PM-Annath	Inanna Brown-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;

9/12/2024 5:18 PM-Jay	Daniel Martin-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision&nbsp;

9/12/2024 3:09 PM-Austin	Dale Peterson-Poss of marijuana; Distrib heroin/certain stim/fentanyl; &lt; 1 gram; Endangering a Child; AGGRAVATED; Expose to the Sale/Manufacture Methamphetamine; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance&nbsp;

9/12/2024 1:18 PM-Christopher	Terry Wilson-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Failure to Appear; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant&nbsp;

9/12/2024 1:04 PM-Victoria Velazquez-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;

9/12/2024 12:28 PM-Joseph	Dean Kelly-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

9/12/2024 4:30 AM-Mario	Corderio Mays-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;

9/12/2024 4:10 AM-Deaan Pruis-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;

9/12/2024 3:56 AM-Jordan	Matthew Scott-DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;9/13/2024 1:52 AM-Fred	Charles Blackwell III-DUI; Misdemeanor&nbsp;9/13/2024 1:20 AM-Kolton	Michael Ralph-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance; prior conv within 3 years; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv9/12/2024 10:38 PM-Saul	Orona Avalos-Failure to Appear9/12/2024 7:29 PM-Annath	Inanna Brown-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;9/12/2024 5:18 PM-Jay	Daniel Martin-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision&nbsp;9/12/2024 3:09 PM-Austin	Dale Peterson-Poss of marijuana; Distrib heroin/certain stim/fentanyl; &lt; 1 gram; Endangering a Child; AGGRAVATED; Expose to the Sale/Manufacture Methamphetamine; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance&nbsp;9/12/2024 1:18 PM-Christopher	Terry Wilson-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Failure to Appear; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant&nbsp;9/12/2024 1:04 PM-Victoria Velazquez-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;9/12/2024 12:28 PM-Joseph	Dean Kelly-Failure to Appear&nbsp;9/12/2024 4:30 AM-Mario	Corderio Mays-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;9/12/2024 4:10 AM-Deaan Pruis-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;9/12/2024 3:56 AM-Jordan	Matthew Scott-DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Tourism unveiled its Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) on Thursday at the Kansas State Fair with a ribbon cutting inside the Pride of Kansas building.

 The MVC will attend major sporting events, fairs, trade shows and festivals in and out of the state to help attract guests to visit Kansas. 

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed joined Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at the event on Thursday.

“Kansas is home to endless views, unique geography, one of a kind sights, vibrant communities and amazing people," Reed said. "Whether its a road trip that takes you to the Gypsum Hills, a treasure hunt on US-36, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful lakes, or hiking and biking on over 800 miles of biking and pedestrian trails in our state, Kansas is a destination for all road trips. Today, I am proud to be a part of the unveiling of the Kansas Mobile Visitors Center, which will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our amazing state."

Toland talked about how the idea and vision came about for the MVC.

"About a year and a half ago we had a series of conversations with the Kansas Tourism team," Toland said. "They were about the World Cup and specifically the east side of the state and the need for a visitors information center somewhere along I-70. So we had some conversations and decided to talk to KDOT to see what we could do."

Toland says Reed and his staff listened to the idea and had an even better vision.

"KDOT came with a concept of a mobile visitor center," Toland said. "They did some research about what cities around the country had been doing. There is a model where you don't wait for them to come to you, you go to them. You go to the people you want to bring to your place."

Toland and his staff were skeptical of this vision in the beginning, but now has a different opinion.

"They (KDOT) were right," Toland said. "They were absolutely right that we need to think differently about how we bring people to Kansas. It's not just about expecting them to pull off the highway and stop at our place. We need to go to Dallas, to Denver, to Ames, Iowa, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chicago and make the case for why they should come here."&nbsp;

Toland was very appreciative and supportive for all of the hard work done to bring visitors to the Sunflower State by Kansas Tourism and its Director Bridgette Jobe.

"I also want to think the Kansas Tourism team, because they are always open to those new ideas," Toland said. "Kansas has now achieved visitation numbers that are dramatically above where we were pre-COVID. We've got more people to come to Kansas than ever before, and that's because this team is getting out there and hustling. They're doing it in-person, they're going to the trade shows and our numbers are way up."

The van will hit the road shortly after the Kansas State Fair to make its debut outside of the state.

"I think two days after the fair is over he (Kevin Crockett) is heading to Nebraska City for a major event," Jobe said. "We have it scheduled to be on the road every week between now and the end of the year."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172844931.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Tourism unveiled its Mobile Visitor Center (MVC) on Thursday at the Kansas State Fair with a ribbon cutting inside the Pride of Kansas building. The MVC will attend major sporting events, fairs, trade shows and festivals in and out of the state to help attract guests to visit Kansas. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed joined Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at the event on Thursday.“Kansas is home to endless views, unique geography, one of a kind sights, vibrant communities and amazing people," Reed said. "Whether its a road trip that takes you to the Gypsum Hills, a treasure hunt on US-36, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful lakes, or hiking and biking on over 800 miles of biking and pedestrian trails in our state, Kansas is a destination for all road trips. Today, I am proud to be a part of the unveiling of the Kansas Mobile Visitors Center, which will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our amazing state."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172904770.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>Toland talked about how the idea and vision came about for the MVC."About a year and a half ago we had a series of conversations with the Kansas Tourism team," Toland said. "They were about the World Cup and specifically the east side of the state and the need for a visitors information center somewhere along I-70. So we had some conversations and decided to talk to KDOT to see what we could do."Toland says Reed and his staff listened to the idea and had an even better vision."KDOT came with a concept of a mobile visitor center," Toland said. "They did some research about what cities around the country had been doing. There is a model where you don't wait for them to come to you, you go to them. You go to the people you want to bring to your place."Toland and his staff were skeptical of this vision in the beginning, but now has a different opinion."They (KDOT) were right," Toland said. "They were absolutely right that we need to think differently about how we bring people to Kansas. It's not just about expecting them to pull off the highway and stop at our place. We need to go to Dallas, to Denver, to Ames, Iowa, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to Chicago and make the case for why they should come here."&nbsp;Toland was very appreciative and supportive for all of the hard work done to bring visitors to the Sunflower State by Kansas Tourism and its Director Bridgette Jobe."I also want to think the Kansas Tourism team, because they are always open to those new ideas," Toland said. "Kansas has now achieved visitation numbers that are dramatically above where we were pre-COVID. We've got more people to come to Kansas than ever before, and that's because this team is getting out there and hustling. They're doing it in-person, they're going to the trade shows and our numbers are way up."The van will hit the road shortly after the Kansas State Fair to make its debut outside of the state."I think two days after the fair is over he (Kevin Crockett) is heading to Nebraska City for a major event," Jobe said. "We have it scheduled to be on the road every week between now and the end of the year."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726172963986.jpeg" alt="Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the Kansas Tourism Mobile Visitors Center at the Kansas State Fair on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ribbon cutting for Mobile Visitors Center at State Fair Thursday

Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — At their September meeting, the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation board named Dale Antoine Executive Director of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

In 1970, Antoine became a member of the Jets Drum and Bugle Corps (the cadet corps to the Sky Ryders) and in 1971, he joined the Sky Ryders and marched through 1978 in the brass line playing baritone. In 1979 and 1980, Dale was a member of the corps visual staff.&nbsp;

After several years away, Dale returned as Business Manager and in the spring of 1986, Dale became the Executive Director of the Sky Ryders.

The corps achieved its greatest competitive success during those years, placing 9th in 1986 and 12th in both 1987 and 1988 at the DCI World Championships. Dale left the activity in spring of 1989 and then returned in 1996 as a member of the DCI Event Staff.

He currently serves as a DCI Contest Director and Event Staff Coordinator, and On-Site Manager for the DCI Championships and many of the major regional championships.

This appointment is a significant step forward for the future of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724779649941.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sky Ryders Performing Arts FoundationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — At their September meeting, the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation board named Dale Antoine Executive Director of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.In 1970, Antoine became a member of the Jets Drum and Bugle Corps (the cadet corps to the Sky Ryders) and in 1971, he joined the Sky Ryders and marched through 1978 in the brass line playing baritone. In 1979 and 1980, Dale was a member of the corps visual staff.&nbsp;After several years away, Dale returned as Business Manager and in the spring of 1986, Dale became the Executive Director of the Sky Ryders.The corps achieved its greatest competitive success during those years, placing 9th in 1986 and 12th in both 1987 and 1988 at the DCI World Championships. Dale left the activity in spring of 1989 and then returned in 1996 as a member of the DCI Event Staff.He currently serves as a DCI Contest Director and Event Staff Coordinator, and On-Site Manager for the DCI Championships and many of the major regional championships.This appointment is a significant step forward for the future of the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

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