HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new sanitation code for Reno County was approved as part of the agenda for the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday. As a companion move to that new code, the environmental health department has been moved.

Since the environmental health department's functions fit closely with those of planning and zoning when it comes to areas within the to be approved sanitation code, it was thought to be logical that the two departments would office together. 

Environmental Health is now moved out to the Public Works facility in South Hutchinson where planning and zoning already is. Also, the division is now renamed&nbsp;the Environmental Division of Public Works.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706544728778.jpeg" alt="Reno County Courthouse-Photo by Emmie Boese" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Courthouse-Photo by Emmie Boese</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new sanitation code for Reno County was approved as part of the agenda for the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday. As a companion move to that new code, the environmental health department has been moved.Since the environmental health department's functions fit closely with those of planning and zoning when it comes to areas within the to be approved sanitation code, it was thought to be logical that the two departments would office together. Environmental Health is now moved out to the Public Works facility in South Hutchinson where planning and zoning already is. Also, the division is now renamed&nbsp;the Environmental Division of Public Works.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sanitation code, environmental department move approved

INMAN, Kan. — Inman Junior/Senior high principal Tyler Schroeder sent a letter to parents Wednesday morning following a period where students were instructed to stay in their classrooms.

According to the letter, the McPherson County Sheriff's Office was on campus Wednesday morning conducting a security sweep, including using canines.

While the Sheriff's Office was on campus, students and staff were instructed to stay in the rooms they were already in to minimize interactions with the canines. The soft lockdown was from 8:20 a.m. and ended around 9:00 a.m.

"I want to apologize that our messaging and notice fell short of meeting expectation and led to stakeholders feeling concerned about the safety and security of the building," Schroeder said. "I assure you that all students and staff are safe. The lessons learned from this drill will be taken into account and will be used to improve our planning moving forward."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583521325143.jpeg" alt="Inman Schools Logo" />
 <figcaption>Inman Schools Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>INMAN, Kan. — Inman Junior/Senior high principal Tyler Schroeder sent a letter to parents Wednesday morning following a period where students were instructed to stay in their classrooms.According to the letter, the McPherson County Sheriff's Office was on campus Wednesday morning conducting a security sweep, including using canines.While the Sheriff's Office was on campus, students and staff were instructed to stay in the rooms they were already in to minimize interactions with the canines. The soft lockdown was from 8:20 a.m. and ended around 9:00 a.m."I want to apologize that our messaging and notice fell short of meeting expectation and led to stakeholders feeling concerned about the safety and security of the building," Schroeder said. "I assure you that all students and staff are safe. The lessons learned from this drill will be taken into account and will be used to improve our planning moving forward."<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Inman principal sends out parent letter following 'soft lockdown'

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to KASB analysis, across the state of Kansas in the 2022-2023 school year, districts spent $382 million of funds that could have gone to general education on special education to backfill for funding not provided by state and federal officials. According to Leah Fliter with KASB, there is work on the House side to comply with the formula...but not spend any more money.

"The House K-12 Education Budget Committee has been having some discussions and having some hearings on bills," Fliter said. "That committee seems to be focusing on its own bill. They haven't bundled it all together yet, but the bill that they spent a lot of time on in committee was a bill that basically just tried to rewrite the current special education formula."

There is a little more hope for more money on the Senate side.

"They stripped out a line item for special education funding for fiscal year 2025," Fliter said. "They said they want to look at that again at omnibus, when they come back in April, after they hear consensus revenue estimate updates. What we have right now is, I think, the possibility on the Senate side, of some significant funding next year."

The special education statute is separate from the overall school finance formula, which the Kansas Supreme Court has said is funded constitutionally to the point that they dismissed the Gannon case earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to KASB analysis, across the state of Kansas in the 2022-2023 school year, districts spent $382 million of funds that could have gone to general education on special education to backfill for funding not provided by state and federal officials. According to Leah Fliter with KASB, there is work on the House side to comply with the formula...but not spend any more money."The House K-12 Education Budget Committee has been having some discussions and having some hearings on bills," Fliter said. "That committee seems to be focusing on its own bill. They haven't bundled it all together yet, but the bill that they spent a lot of time on in committee was a bill that basically just tried to rewrite the current special education formula."There is a little more hope for more money on the Senate side."They stripped out a line item for special education funding for fiscal year 2025," Fliter said. "They said they want to look at that again at omnibus, when they come back in April, after they hear consensus revenue estimate updates. What we have right now is, I think, the possibility on the Senate side, of some significant funding next year."The special education statute is separate from the overall school finance formula, which the Kansas Supreme Court has said is funded constitutionally to the point that they dismissed the Gannon case earlier this year.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

KASB gives update on special ed funding

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —BowerComm, a strategic marketing consultancy based in Hutchinson, has been recognized for exceptional growth by Inc. Magazine, claiming spot number 135 on the Inc. Regionals Midwest list for 2024. This accolade celebrates the company's significant revenue growth, marking&nbsp;BowerComm&nbsp;as one of the seven Kansas-based companies to be honored—and notably, the only honoree headquartered outside a major Kansas metropolitan area.

Established in 2010,&nbsp;BowerComm&nbsp;helps organizations avoid random acts of marketing, so they can make life better for people, communities, and the world. Their signature "Journey to Yes" strategic marketing communications planning program galvanizes action through compelling brands and data-centric campaigns. The consultancy has carved its niche by collaborating with community foundations, nonprofits, education and community economic develop initiatives, as well as businesses in industrial, agriculture, professional services, and healthcare sectors.

Companies on the 2024 Inc. Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2022. They are U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent, with at least $1 million in revenue for 2022. All honorees pass a stringent Inc. editorial review.

"People are often surprised that a ‘small town shop’ has ‘big city’ caliber marketing expertise,” said Lori Bower, President of&nbsp;BowerComm. “We’re growing because our clients see results. Recognition by Inc. Magazine is a testament to the hard work, expertise, and dedication of our incredible team.“

BowerComm&nbsp;serves organizations across the U.S. through "done-with-you" coaching cohorts and comprehensive full-service marketing agency partnerships. They plan to expand their coaching business with new offerings for additional market sectors.

To see the full list of Inc. Regionals honorees, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/regionals" target="_blank">https://www.inc.com/regionals</a>. For more information about&nbsp;BowerComm&nbsp;and their services, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bowercomm.com/" target="_blank">https://www.bowercomm.com/</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709130080151.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BowerCommHUTCHINSON, Kan. —BowerComm, a strategic marketing consultancy based in Hutchinson, has been recognized for exceptional growth by Inc. Magazine, claiming spot number 135 on the Inc. Regionals Midwest list for 2024. This accolade celebrates the company's significant revenue growth, marking&nbsp;BowerComm&nbsp;as one of the seven Kansas-based companies to be honored—and notably, the only honoree headquartered outside a major Kansas metropolitan area.Established in 2010,&nbsp;BowerComm&nbsp;helps organizations avoid random acts of marketing, so they can make life better for people, communities, and the world. Their signature "Journey to Yes" strategic marketing communications planning program galvanizes action through compelling brands and data-centric campaigns. The consultancy has carved its niche by collaborating with community foundations, nonprofits, education and community economic develop initiatives, as well as businesses in industrial, agriculture, professional services, and healthcare sectors.Companies on the 2024 Inc. Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2022. They are U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent, with at least $1 million in revenue for 2022. All honorees pass a stringent Inc. editorial review."People are often surprised that a ‘small town shop’ has ‘big city’ caliber marketing expertise,” said Lori Bower, President of&nbsp;BowerComm. “We’re growing because our clients see results. Recognition by Inc. Magazine is a testament to the hard work, expertise, and dedication of our incredible team.“BowerComm&nbsp;serves organizations across the U.S. through "done-with-you" coaching cohorts and comprehensive full-service marketing agency partnerships. They plan to expand their coaching business with new offerings for additional market sectors.To see the full list of Inc. Regionals honorees, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/regionals" target="_blank">https://www.inc.com/regionals</a>. For more information about&nbsp;BowerComm&nbsp;and their services, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bowercomm.com/" target="_blank">https://www.bowercomm.com/</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

BowerComm named to Inc. Regionals Midwest list

WICHITA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk girls open sub-state play at Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Wichita.

Catch all the action on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio 1450 AM/98.5 FM</a> with the award-winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew, consisting of Eagle News Director Nick Gosnell with the play-by-play call and Emmie Boese with the color analysis.

Kapaun Mt. Carmel's journalism department will provide a video only stream of tonight's game. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheKMCJournalism">CLICK HERE FOR THE STREAM.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709124207630.png" alt="Gameday vs. Kapaun - Class 5A sub-state first round (photo courtesy of Melissa Loepp)." />
 <figcaption>Gameday vs. Kapaun - Class 5A sub-state first round (photo courtesy of Melissa Loepp).</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawk girls open sub-state play at Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Wichita.Catch all the action on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW Radio 1450 AM/98.5 FM</a> with the award-winning EAGLE Media sportscast crew, consisting of Eagle News Director Nick Gosnell with the play-by-play call and Emmie Boese with the color analysis.Kapaun Mt. Carmel's journalism department will provide a video only stream of tonight's game. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheKMCJournalism">CLICK HERE FOR THE STREAM.</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧🎥🏀 GBB: Hutch High travels to Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel for first round sub-state

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After allowing Goddard Eisenhower to jump out to an eight-point lead in the first quarter, the Hutchinson Salthawks roared back with a 20-6 run in the second quarter to lead at the half, 34-28, in the first round sub-state game played at the Salthawk Activity Center Tuesday night.

But Eisenhower was not going to roll over and go away easily. Pierce Blue and Chase George fired long-range bombs to cut the Hutch lead to 49-45 going into the final quarter.

Eisenhower pulled within one late in the contest. Every time the Tigers got close, Hutch would find a way to pull away again. The Salthawks finally pulled away for good with a Jax Heneha triple from the far right corner to win 69-63.

Hutch High travels to Great Bend on Friday night for a rematch with the Panthers. Great Bend is the No. 4 seed and edged a pesky Wichita Bishop Carroll team 54-51 in Great Bend.

Hutch was led by Terrell King with 17 points. Julian Smith had 16 and finished with a double-double. Heneha added 13-plus pinpoint assists. Devon Spiller had 12, including back-to-back three-pointers in the first quarter. Daylee VanSycle had six, Jay Lewis three and Taishaun Govain two.

Blue led all Goddard Eisenhower scorers with 19. George had 18 and Larsen Schneider had 10 before fouling out late in the game. Daren Morgan had eight, Kade Perry five and Lucas Rickman hit a 40-foot three-pointer at the buzzer for his only basket.

Hutchinson (15-6) travels to Great Bend Friday night at 7 p.m. to see who will advance to the 5A state tournament in Emporia next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575999412500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After allowing Goddard Eisenhower to jump out to an eight-point lead in the first quarter, the Hutchinson Salthawks roared back with a 20-6 run in the second quarter to lead at the half, 34-28, in the first round sub-state game played at the Salthawk Activity Center Tuesday night.But Eisenhower was not going to roll over and go away easily. Pierce Blue and Chase George fired long-range bombs to cut the Hutch lead to 49-45 going into the final quarter.Eisenhower pulled within one late in the contest. Every time the Tigers got close, Hutch would find a way to pull away again. The Salthawks finally pulled away for good with a Jax Heneha triple from the far right corner to win 69-63.Hutch High travels to Great Bend on Friday night for a rematch with the Panthers. Great Bend is the No. 4 seed and edged a pesky Wichita Bishop Carroll team 54-51 in Great Bend.Hutch was led by Terrell King with 17 points. Julian Smith had 16 and finished with a double-double. Heneha added 13-plus pinpoint assists. Devon Spiller had 12, including back-to-back three-pointers in the first quarter. Daylee VanSycle had six, Jay Lewis three and Taishaun Govain two.Blue led all Goddard Eisenhower scorers with 19. George had 18 and Larsen Schneider had 10 before fouling out late in the game. Daren Morgan had eight, Kade Perry five and Lucas Rickman hit a 40-foot three-pointer at the buzzer for his only basket.Hutchinson (15-6) travels to Great Bend Friday night at 7 p.m. to see who will advance to the 5A state tournament in Emporia next week.Eisenhower finishes the season 8-13.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 BBB: Salthawks advance past Eisenhower

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions Zone 5 meeting took place last week in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz was there in his capacity as Zone 5 Director for the IAFE. The Zone includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

"It's for fairs of all sizes," Schulz said. "A lot of the fairs that come in are smaller fairs. It gives them the opportunity for learning opportunities. We did HR classes. We had the chance of going out and touring the Pinnacle Bank Arena, like a behind the scenes. We went up to the State Capitol. We also went to a really cool tourist destination called Robber's Cave. We ended up out at the Lancaster Events Center for supper and got a tour of their fairgrounds up there, as well. It's a great opportunity for networking and learning about what other fairs do and meeting people."&nbsp; 

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo.,is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. 

Next year's zone meeting is tentatively scheduled for Kansas, though details have not been released yet.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709121385427.jpeg" alt="Bryan Schulz-Photo Courtesy IAFE" />
 <figcaption>Bryan Schulz-Photo Courtesy IAFE</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions Zone 5 meeting took place last week in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz was there in his capacity as Zone 5 Director for the IAFE. The Zone includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska."It's for fairs of all sizes," Schulz said. "A lot of the fairs that come in are smaller fairs. It gives them the opportunity for learning opportunities. We did HR classes. We had the chance of going out and touring the Pinnacle Bank Arena, like a behind the scenes. We went up to the State Capitol. We also went to a really cool tourist destination called Robber's Cave. We ended up out at the Lancaster Events Center for supper and got a tour of their fairgrounds up there, as well. It's a great opportunity for networking and learning about what other fairs do and meeting people."&nbsp; The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo.,is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Next year's zone meeting is tentatively scheduled for Kansas, though details have not been released yet.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Schulz attends fair trade group meeting

<div><iframe title="Parson and Pope with Dr. Barbara Desmond" 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=c34f9-1595d03-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Parson and Pope with Dr. Barbara Desmond

Editor's Note: More photos are available to view at the <a href="https://klcjournal.com/stafford-depot-end-of-the-line/">KLC Journal site</a>.

BECCY TANNER <a href="https://klcjournal.com/stafford-depot-end-of-the-line/">KLC Journal</a>

The clock is ticking on Stafford’s 113-year-old depot.

Town and state preservationists want to save the building on the north end of town and turn it into a regional rail museum with a destination restaurant. Meanwhile, BNSF Railway officials appear ready to demolish it.&nbsp;

The end of the line hasn’t arrived for the depot yet. But it certainly appears imminent.

At the end of January, Zak Andersen, chief of staff and vice president, communications, for BNSF sent a letter to Greg Kite, a Wichita attorney and historic preservationist, telling him the company will not donate the Stafford depot to the city of Stafford.

The letter indicated the railroad would retain ownership of the depot to protect future growth opportunities and keep the area safe.&nbsp;

Officials with BNSF had said in the past the town’s depot was a liability. Inspections revealed heavy termite damage and other issues with structural integrity.

Andersen’s letter indicated that the railroad had requested a plan for fencing and accessing the property to ensure safety if the depot were opened to the public. But while the railroad received photographs of fences “around Kansas depots” and proof of available funding, the official stated that it never received actual plans for the depot with estimated costs and timelines.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Not every structure can be preserved, and unfortunately, that is the case for the Stafford Depot,” Andersen wrote.

During the seven years Kite has been involved in negotiations for the depot, he says the railroad has asked for two things: a plan for a fence and proof of funds for a fence. He says he’s provided those.

Kite was hoping for more – mostly because of the historic railroading past that Stafford shares with much of Kansas.

Two railroads arrived in Stafford in the late 1880s, the Chicago, Kansas and Western Railroad, which would be absorbed by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic Railway, which became part of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Neither of those acquiring lines survive today. Through a merger, the Santa Fe is now the BNSF. The Missouri Pacific was bought out by the Union Pacific Railroad.

The Missouri Pacific maintained a depot on the south side of Stafford but it was demolished in the 1980s.

In 1911, when the Santa Fe built its depot in Stafford, the town had a population approaching 2,000. The depot was expansive and done in the&nbsp; Mission Revival similar to many other stations the rail line was building. That architectural style, sometimes mixed with American Craftsman elements, was also called “the county seat style.” (Interesting, because Stafford is not a county seat.)&nbsp;

Over the nearly 14 decades since, Stafford County residents have been able to lie in bed at night with train whistles and the heavy metallic sound of steel wheels on rails lulling them to sleep.

Those sounds may also be the first to wake them.

Freight trains still rumble through the county, sometimes carrying impressive Spirit AeroSystems airliner fuselages made in Wichita and headed to Boeing’s Seattle plant, or hauling grain harvested by local farmers headed to mills and ports far away.

During the 19th century, the success of a Kansas town often depended on a railroad such as the Santa Fe linking residents to the rest of the nation.

Now, some in Stafford worry that the future of their 960-person town may once again depend on a railroad. Saving the depot, they say, could give the community a chance to create a tourist attraction that could pull in visitors.

Passenger service stopped at the Stafford depot nearly half a century ago. After that, the building was used as a railroad storage facility. It’s been vacant for years.

In preservation circles, when a building sits empty for long periods of time, continuing to deteriorate, that’s called demolition by neglect, and it has added urgency to preservationists’ efforts to change minds within&nbsp;BNSF’s corporate offices.

“I remember in school we would take train trips to Hutchinson and tour. But my dad (Frederic Moore) always talked about riding the train to Kansas City with my great grandmother (Sarah Henderson) and she would buy things in Kansas City,” says Clare Moore, age 74, a central Kansas real estate agent who grew up on a farm near Stafford and now lives in Hesston.

Clare Moore started working more than 20 years ago on a project to save the Stafford Depot.

He has been preserving buildings since the mid-1970s and was instrumental in helping save Wichita’s L.W. Clapp house, as well as houses in Stafford, by getting them placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the turn of the 20th century, Kansas boasted nearly 1,850 depots. Now fewer than 200 of the iconic buildings remain, according to the Kansas State Historical Society.&nbsp;

The buildings were once bustling community landmarks. They would house Western Union telegraph offices and Railway Express Agency package delivery facilities. Platforms would be crowded with outgoing and incoming freight. On lines such as Stafford’s, where there was regular passenger service, depots greeted arriving travelers and served as an embarkation point for journeys near and far. Communities that had rail service tended to prosper.

This isn’t the first time BNSF has said no to Stafford.

In 2016, there was a large-scale effort by local residents and state preservationists to save the depot. At that time, Kite, president of the Historic Preservation Alliance (HPA) based in Wichita, joined the efforts to save the building.

Kite and the alliance are best known for obtaining preservation grants to save the historic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article1062351.html">“Home on the Range” cabin</a>&nbsp;in Smith County, where Brewster Higley penned the lyrics for what became the Kansas state song.&nbsp;

He and others in the group were instrumental in saving many of the artifacts from Wichita’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/article1142311.html">Joyland Amusement Park</a>&nbsp;– such as a 1927 caboose now stored in a Wichita warehouse – and led the efforts in tracking down and prosecuting the person who stole the amusement park’s Louie the Clown display.

Plans for demolition of the Stafford Depot began in 2016 when employees contracted by BNSF removed the depot’s windows as well as asbestos, once a common building material that has been found to cause lung disease.&nbsp;

There was a last-minute e-mail campaign to save the depot. Appeals were made to Warren Buffett, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate that bought BNSF in 2010.

“I know you grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and I believe, like us, you have strong midwestern values. So, I am appealing to those strong midwestern values.”

Although Buffett didn’t directly respond, there were communications, verbal and email, back and forth between railroad officials and preservationists indicating the depot would be donated to Stafford.

“My email to Mr. Buffett ended up on the corner of the desk of Carl Ice, the president and CEO of BNSF at the time,” Kite says.&nbsp;

In fact, an email from Andy Williams, BNSF’s director of regional public affairs, to Kite dated Jan. 10, 2019 said: “I believe we may be ready to start the official disposition&nbsp;process.”

Then last spring, a significant turn in the nature of the discussions among Stafford, BNSF and Kite’s group took place. On April 24, Kite received an email from Stafford requesting an update on the depot. Kite says he was told that there had been a request from BNSF to demolish the building.&nbsp;

Since then, efforts to have the depot donated have been denied.

Locals have not given up hope for saving the depot, but their options are limited.

“They (BNSF) are like a sovereign nation,” says Stafford Mayor Don Hardin. “They can do whatever they want to do … but if there is something that can be done – if we can keep knocking on doors and sending emails – whatever we need to do, we will.”

Although no date is known for the depot’s demolition, preservationists believe the situation is dire.

“There are always a number of options and alternatives that HPA can undertake – as we have before – and utilize our preservation stature in disagreeing with entities that want to demolish historic structures,” Kite says. “I’m just wishing there was some Hail Mary, guardian angel that would come forward and have some clout for them to reconsider and do the right thing.”

Moore says the case reminds him of the late Kathlien Edmiston, a 1933 graduate of the University of Wichita who went on to serve on the university’s board of regents and board of trustees.

“She was a philanthropist and promoter of Wichita State,” Moore says.

In 1973, Edmiston led efforts to save the iconic pillars of the university’s original Carnegie Morrison Library. The building, which was completed in 1909 when the school was Fairmount College, was badly damaged in a fire in 1964. The remains of the building and its pillars sat for a decade until the construction of the Ulrich Museum was about to begin at the site.&nbsp;

Edmiston launched an effort to save three of the columns – now relocated near 17th and Fairmount streets on WSU’s campus.

“At some point when the bulldozer shows up, we can do what she did,” Moore says. “She sat on the steps of the building that was about to be razed until she could get someone to say they would save the pillars of the building. The pillars survived. She would not leave until she was guaranteed they would be saved.”

Sometimes there can be a disconnect between communities, depots and the railroad companies that own them, says Dave Webb, a Kansas historian who lives in a Santa Fe depot he moved from Ashland to his family’s farm near Protection.

“Call it ownership,” Webb says. “Sometimes a depot is the oldest building in town. Residents feel ownership even though they may have never owned it.&nbsp;

“Unfortunately to the railroad, the depot is just an empty building they pay tax on. They are concerned about public safety near it, and it may be just easier to get rid of it.”&nbsp;

Webb says his depot is a wood frame building similar to those used in many towns – quick to put up and intended for temporary use.

“They were often replaced with permanent depots often made of brick or stone,” Webb says. “A century later, ironically, those (wood buildings) are the ones most saved because they can easily be moved off site. Permanent depots are often the ones destroyed because they can’t be moved.”

But when residents see a building that’s been part of their town’s heritage for more than a century, they begin to see it as theirs too.

Such was the case of the Rock Island depot in Herington, built in 1887.

In the mid-1980s, local residents talked about saving the vacant depot building but no group was organized to press the case. The building had been listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places and was in the process of being nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Cotton Belt railroad, then the owner, opposed the national listing, effectively blocking it. Permission for placement on the national register is required by the owner.

At 5:40 a.m. on March 23, 1988 – while most residents were still in their beds – the century-old two-story gothic limestone depot was demolished by a private contractor on orders from the railroad. Using an industrial backhoe, it took less than an hour to reduce it to rubble.

The demolition became a public relations nightmare for the railroad. Newspapers across the state ran articles; Kansans were outraged.

As detailed in the Kansas Preservation newsletter from May-June 1988, railroad officials and their contractor didn’t even apply for the $5 permit Herington required for demolition projects.

Virginia Brunner, the curator of the Tri-County Historical Society, told The Wichita Eagle-Beacon. “They robbed future generations. They robbed the whole town.”

The Herington demolition prompted then-Kansas Attorney General Bob Stephan to urge the Legislature to amend state preservation law, providing penalties for persons and entities that failed to apply for and obtain the necessary permits before destroying historic properties or their environs.

The legislature quickly approved a bill, and it was signed into law by Gov. Mike Hayden on May 13,1988.

Patrick Zollner, executive director of the Kansas State Historical Society, said that in recent years, fewer depots have been placed on the state and national registers. That’s partly because state and federal transportation enhancement grants for historic transportation buildings are not as plentiful as they once were.

“There was a time when people were actively looking for the transportation enhancement grants,” Zollner says. “Strong City was one of those, Marion and Marysville.”

There are resources that communities can access to save such buildings, Zollner says. But first, communities such as Stafford need to acquire the building.

“These depots are treasures, community landmarks and icons. They are still the centers of the community and are now used in a variety of different uses between museums, visitor centers. Our (historic preservation) programs – between the tax credits and grants – can help with that.”

Despite its present condition, Stafford’s mayor sees the depot as a potential way to help keep the town vibrant.

Like many small towns in Kansas, Stafford struggles to bring tourism dollars into the community, not to mention keeping residents’ dollars within the city limits.

If the city can manage to obtain the depot and find funding to restore it, Moore’s idea is to turn it into a combination railroad museum with a railroad-themed restaurant.

“We are close to Pratt, close to Great Bend and Hutchinson,” Hardin says. “It is too easy for people (in Stafford) to go north, south or east to shop and to the restaurants in those towns.

“So anything we can do to keep that money in our little communities is helpful to the economic base and brings in sales tax revenue.”

As long as the Stafford Depot still stands, local and state preservationists remain hopeful.

“But first, we need the building,” Zollner says. “Start with this hardcore fact – there is limited manpower hours and money to go around.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709060741568.jpeg" alt="Clare Moore of Hesston started working more than 20 years ago on a project to save the Stafford Depot. Credit: Jeff Tuttle" />
 <figcaption>Clare Moore of Hesston started working more than 20 years ago on a project to save the Stafford Depot. Credit: Jeff Tuttle</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's Note: More photos are available to view at the <a href="https://klcjournal.com/stafford-depot-end-of-the-line/">KLC Journal site</a>.BECCY TANNER <a href="https://klcjournal.com/stafford-depot-end-of-the-line/">KLC Journal</a>The clock is ticking on Stafford’s 113-year-old depot.Town and state preservationists want to save the building on the north end of town and turn it into a regional rail museum with a destination restaurant. Meanwhile, BNSF Railway officials appear ready to demolish it.&nbsp;The end of the line hasn’t arrived for the depot yet. But it certainly appears imminent.At the end of January, Zak Andersen, chief of staff and vice president, communications, for BNSF sent a letter to Greg Kite, a Wichita attorney and historic preservationist, telling him the company will not donate the Stafford depot to the city of Stafford.The letter indicated the railroad would retain ownership of the depot to protect future growth opportunities and keep the area safe.&nbsp;Officials with BNSF had said in the past the town’s depot was a liability. Inspections revealed heavy termite damage and other issues with structural integrity.Andersen’s letter indicated that the railroad had requested a plan for fencing and accessing the property to ensure safety if the depot were opened to the public. But while the railroad received photographs of fences “around Kansas depots” and proof of available funding, the official stated that it never received actual plans for the depot with estimated costs and timelines.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Not every structure can be preserved, and unfortunately, that is the case for the Stafford Depot,” Andersen wrote.During the seven years Kite has been involved in negotiations for the depot, he says the railroad has asked for two things: a plan for a fence and proof of funds for a fence. He says he’s provided those.Kite was hoping for more – mostly because of the historic railroading past that Stafford shares with much of Kansas.Two railroads arrived in Stafford in the late 1880s, the Chicago, Kansas and Western Railroad, which would be absorbed by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic Railway, which became part of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Neither of those acquiring lines survive today. Through a merger, the Santa Fe is now the BNSF. The Missouri Pacific was bought out by the Union Pacific Railroad.The Missouri Pacific maintained a depot on the south side of Stafford but it was demolished in the 1980s.In 1911, when the Santa Fe built its depot in Stafford, the town had a population approaching 2,000. The depot was expansive and done in the&nbsp; Mission Revival similar to many other stations the rail line was building. That architectural style, sometimes mixed with American Craftsman elements, was also called “the county seat style.” (Interesting, because Stafford is not a county seat.)&nbsp;Over the nearly 14 decades since, Stafford County residents have been able to lie in bed at night with train whistles and the heavy metallic sound of steel wheels on rails lulling them to sleep.Those sounds may also be the first to wake them.Freight trains still rumble through the county, sometimes carrying impressive Spirit AeroSystems airliner fuselages made in Wichita and headed to Boeing’s Seattle plant, or hauling grain harvested by local farmers headed to mills and ports far away.During the 19th century, the success of a Kansas town often depended on a railroad such as the Santa Fe linking residents to the rest of the nation.Now, some in Stafford worry that the future of their 960-person town may once again depend on a railroad. Saving the depot, they say, could give the community a chance to create a tourist attraction that could pull in visitors.A long historyPassenger service stopped at the Stafford depot nearly half a century ago. After that, the building was used as a railroad storage facility. It’s been vacant for years.In preservation circles, when a building sits empty for long periods of time, continuing to deteriorate, that’s called demolition by neglect, and it has added urgency to preservationists’ efforts to change minds within&nbsp;BNSF’s corporate offices.“I remember in school we would take train trips to Hutchinson and tour. But my dad (Frederic Moore) always talked about riding the train to Kansas City with my great grandmother (Sarah Henderson) and she would buy things in Kansas City,” says Clare Moore, age 74, a central Kansas real estate agent who grew up on a farm near Stafford and now lives in Hesston.Clare Moore started working more than 20 years ago on a project to save the Stafford Depot.He has been preserving buildings since the mid-1970s and was instrumental in helping save Wichita’s L.W. Clapp house, as well as houses in Stafford, by getting them placed on the National Register of Historic Places.At the turn of the 20th century, Kansas boasted nearly 1,850 depots. Now fewer than 200 of the iconic buildings remain, according to the Kansas State Historical Society.&nbsp;The buildings were once bustling community landmarks. They would house Western Union telegraph offices and Railway Express Agency package delivery facilities. Platforms would be crowded with outgoing and incoming freight. On lines such as Stafford’s, where there was regular passenger service, depots greeted arriving travelers and served as an embarkation point for journeys near and far. Communities that had rail service tended to prosper.A corporation’s concernThis isn’t the first time BNSF has said no to Stafford.In 2016, there was a large-scale effort by local residents and state preservationists to save the depot. At that time, Kite, president of the Historic Preservation Alliance (HPA) based in Wichita, joined the efforts to save the building.Kite and the alliance are best known for obtaining preservation grants to save the historic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article1062351.html">“Home on the Range” cabin</a>&nbsp;in Smith County, where Brewster Higley penned the lyrics for what became the Kansas state song.&nbsp;He and others in the group were instrumental in saving many of the artifacts from Wichita’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/article1142311.html">Joyland Amusement Park</a>&nbsp;– such as a 1927 caboose now stored in a Wichita warehouse – and led the efforts in tracking down and prosecuting the person who stole the amusement park’s Louie the Clown display.Plans for demolition of the Stafford Depot began in 2016 when employees contracted by BNSF removed the depot’s windows as well as asbestos, once a common building material that has been found to cause lung disease.&nbsp;There was a last-minute e-mail campaign to save the depot. Appeals were made to Warren Buffett, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate that bought BNSF in 2010.In a letter to Buffett, Kite wrote:“I know you grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and I believe, like us, you have strong midwestern values. So, I am appealing to those strong midwestern values.”Although Buffett didn’t directly respond, there were communications, verbal and email, back and forth between railroad officials and preservationists indicating the depot would be donated to Stafford.“My email to Mr. Buffett ended up on the corner of the desk of Carl Ice, the president and CEO of BNSF at the time,” Kite says.&nbsp;In fact, an email from Andy Williams, BNSF’s director of regional public affairs, to Kite dated Jan. 10, 2019 said: “I believe we may be ready to start the official disposition&nbsp;process.”But the donation never happened.Then last spring, a significant turn in the nature of the discussions among Stafford, BNSF and Kite’s group took place. On April 24, Kite received an email from Stafford requesting an update on the depot. Kite says he was told that there had been a request from BNSF to demolish the building.&nbsp;Since then, efforts to have the depot donated have been denied.Wishing for a Guardian angelLocals have not given up hope for saving the depot, but their options are limited.“They (BNSF) are like a sovereign nation,” says Stafford Mayor Don Hardin. “They can do whatever they want to do … but if there is something that can be done – if we can keep knocking on doors and sending emails – whatever we need to do, we will.”Although no date is known for the depot’s demolition, preservationists believe the situation is dire.“There are always a number of options and alternatives that HPA can undertake – as we have before – and utilize our preservation stature in disagreeing with entities that want to demolish historic structures,” Kite says. “I’m just wishing there was some Hail Mary, guardian angel that would come forward and have some clout for them to reconsider and do the right thing.”Moore says the case reminds him of the late Kathlien Edmiston, a 1933 graduate of the University of Wichita who went on to serve on the university’s board of regents and board of trustees.“She was a philanthropist and promoter of Wichita State,” Moore says.In 1973, Edmiston led efforts to save the iconic pillars of the university’s original Carnegie Morrison Library. The building, which was completed in 1909 when the school was Fairmount College, was badly damaged in a fire in 1964. The remains of the building and its pillars sat for a decade until the construction of the Ulrich Museum was about to begin at the site.&nbsp;Edmiston launched an effort to save three of the columns – now relocated near 17th and Fairmount streets on WSU’s campus.“At some point when the bulldozer shows up, we can do what she did,” Moore says. “She sat on the steps of the building that was about to be razed until she could get someone to say they would save the pillars of the building. The pillars survived. She would not leave until she was guaranteed they would be saved.”Remembering HeringtonSometimes there can be a disconnect between communities, depots and the railroad companies that own them, says Dave Webb, a Kansas historian who lives in a Santa Fe depot he moved from Ashland to his family’s farm near Protection.“Call it ownership,” Webb says. “Sometimes a depot is the oldest building in town. Residents feel ownership even though they may have never owned it.&nbsp;“Unfortunately to the railroad, the depot is just an empty building they pay tax on. They are concerned about public safety near it, and it may be just easier to get rid of it.”&nbsp;Webb says his depot is a wood frame building similar to those used in many towns – quick to put up and intended for temporary use.“They were often replaced with permanent depots often made of brick or stone,” Webb says. “A century later, ironically, those (wood buildings) are the ones most saved because they can easily be moved off site. Permanent depots are often the ones destroyed because they can’t be moved.”But when residents see a building that’s been part of their town’s heritage for more than a century, they begin to see it as theirs too.Such was the case of the Rock Island depot in Herington, built in 1887.In the mid-1980s, local residents talked about saving the vacant depot building but no group was organized to press the case. The building had been listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places and was in the process of being nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.The Cotton Belt railroad, then the owner, opposed the national listing, effectively blocking it. Permission for placement on the national register is required by the owner.At 5:40 a.m. on March 23, 1988 – while most residents were still in their beds – the century-old two-story gothic limestone depot was demolished by a private contractor on orders from the railroad. Using an industrial backhoe, it took less than an hour to reduce it to rubble.The demolition became a public relations nightmare for the railroad. Newspapers across the state ran articles; Kansans were outraged.As detailed in the Kansas Preservation newsletter from May-June 1988, railroad officials and their contractor didn’t even apply for the $5 permit Herington required for demolition projects.Virginia Brunner, the curator of the Tri-County Historical Society, told The Wichita Eagle-Beacon. “They robbed future generations. They robbed the whole town.”The Herington demolition prompted then-Kansas Attorney General Bob Stephan to urge the Legislature to amend state preservation law, providing penalties for persons and entities that failed to apply for and obtain the necessary permits before destroying historic properties or their environs.The legislature quickly approved a bill, and it was signed into law by Gov. Mike Hayden on May 13,1988.Patrick Zollner, executive director of the Kansas State Historical Society, said that in recent years, fewer depots have been placed on the state and national registers. That’s partly because state and federal transportation enhancement grants for historic transportation buildings are not as plentiful as they once were.“There was a time when people were actively looking for the transportation enhancement grants,” Zollner says. “Strong City was one of those, Marion and Marysville.”There are resources that communities can access to save such buildings, Zollner says. But first, communities such as Stafford need to acquire the building.“These depots are treasures, community landmarks and icons. They are still the centers of the community and are now used in a variety of different uses between museums, visitor centers. Our (historic preservation) programs – between the tax credits and grants – can help with that.”Despite its present condition, Stafford’s mayor sees the depot as a potential way to help keep the town vibrant.Like many small towns in Kansas, Stafford struggles to bring tourism dollars into the community, not to mention keeping residents’ dollars within the city limits.If the city can manage to obtain the depot and find funding to restore it, Moore’s idea is to turn it into a combination railroad museum with a railroad-themed restaurant.“We are close to Pratt, close to Great Bend and Hutchinson,” Hardin says. “It is too easy for people (in Stafford) to go north, south or east to shop and to the restaurants in those towns.“So anything we can do to keep that money in our little communities is helpful to the economic base and brings in sales tax revenue.”As long as the Stafford Depot still stands, local and state preservationists remain hopeful.“But first, we need the building,” Zollner says. “Start with this hardcore fact – there is limited manpower hours and money to go around.“Get the building first.”<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Is this the end of the line for Stafford’s 1911-built train depot?

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;

2/28/2024 3:08 AM-Daniel	Lee Kopfman-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

2/28/2024 3:04 AM-David	Jess Wiggs-Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten&nbsp;

2/28/2024 1:13 AM-Jaxson	Matthew Lyle-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

2/27/2024 9:39 PM-Douglas	Eugene Bolejack-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours

2/27/2024 8:18 PM-Goldie Fay	Thelma Leora Trevino-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

2/27/2024 4:22 PM-Nicole	Leigh Ann Logue-Probation Violation

2/27/2024 4:17 PM-Jimmy	Isaiah Muns II-Direct Contempt

2/27/2024 3:59 PM-Derrick	Andre Myers-Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

2/27/2024 10:38 AM-Allen	Clay Strickland-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

<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;2/28/2024 3:08 AM-Daniel	Lee Kopfman-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct2/28/2024 3:04 AM-David	Jess Wiggs-Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten&nbsp;2/28/2024 1:13 AM-Jaxson	Matthew Lyle-Failure to Appear&nbsp;2/27/2024 9:39 PM-Douglas	Eugene Bolejack-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours2/27/2024 8:18 PM-Goldie Fay	Thelma Leora Trevino-Failure to Appear&nbsp;2/27/2024 4:22 PM-Nicole	Leigh Ann Logue-Probation Violation2/27/2024 4:17 PM-Jimmy	Isaiah Muns II-Direct Contempt2/27/2024 3:59 PM-Derrick	Andre Myers-Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision2/27/2024 10:38 AM-Allen	Clay Strickland-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Daily Bookings

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — According to Reno County Emergency Management, they were working on clean up shortly before 2 p.m. and sending firefighters back to their station.

&nbsp; According to a social media post from the Hutchinson Fire Department, around 1 p.m. Tuesday, they were sending&nbsp;Brush 71 to Parallel Rd and Sterling Rd southeast of Langdon for a large grass fire as part of a Reno County Task Force.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Hutch Post will provide more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709062087068.jpeg" alt="Hutch Fire Brush 71-Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Fire Brush 71-Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED FEB. 27 AT 2:13 PMRENO COUNTY, Kan. — According to Reno County Emergency Management, they were working on clean up shortly before 2 p.m. and sending firefighters back to their station.ORIGINAL STORY BELOW&nbsp; According to a social media post from the Hutchinson Fire Department, around 1 p.m. Tuesday, they were sending&nbsp;Brush 71 to Parallel Rd and Sterling Rd southeast of Langdon for a large grass fire as part of a Reno County Task Force.A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.Hutch Post will provide more information as it becomes available.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Grass fire ongoing in Reno County

SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications Specialist

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Due to the anticipated wind gusts today, the Reno County Landfill will not be accepting burnt loads or burnt materials because of the fire danger. 

The landfill will remain open and accept other loads during normal business hours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650461756634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications SpecialistRENO COUNTY, Kan. — Due to the anticipated wind gusts today, the Reno County Landfill will not be accepting burnt loads or burnt materials because of the fire danger. The landfill will remain open and accept other loads during normal business hours.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Landfill using fire prevention restrictions

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — When presenting the&nbsp;2024-2025 Academic Calendar&nbsp;to the Board, Calendar Committee members in attendance were Victoria Graf Lincoln-McCandless, parent, Kim Steinle, 6th-grade teacher, and Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young. 

Steinle recapped the makeup of the committee: two elementary teachers, two middle school teachers, two high school teachers, and one CTEA teacher. Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young, two athletic directors, and principals from each building level represented the administration on the committee. HNEA President Lynnette Krieger-Zook also served. This year saw three parents on the committee, an increase from two in previous years.

Steinle went on to state that state requirements for attendance are strictly followed. The committee began meeting in December 2023 and surveyed parents and staff members in January 2024. The survey results guided the committee to create an Academic Calendar that met professional development needs, considerations for state attendance requirements, and holiday breaks. 

The district has included a day off for November 1, following Halloween. This day was overwhelmingly requested by staff and parents alike. Friday, November 1, 2024, will be a no-school and no-work day for the district, in line with other Reno County schools.&nbsp;

Staff and parents also requested a day off during the Kansas State Fair. The date selected was Monday, September 9. The calendar was approved 4-1, with Cheryl Thompson voting nay. A calendar draft was shared during the survey process, and the final calendar will be shared on the district website in the coming days.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 308HUTCHINSON, Kan. — When presenting the&nbsp;2024-2025 Academic Calendar&nbsp;to the Board, Calendar Committee members in attendance were Victoria Graf Lincoln-McCandless, parent, Kim Steinle, 6th-grade teacher, and Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young. Steinle recapped the makeup of the committee: two elementary teachers, two middle school teachers, two high school teachers, and one CTEA teacher. Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young, two athletic directors, and principals from each building level represented the administration on the committee. HNEA President Lynnette Krieger-Zook also served. This year saw three parents on the committee, an increase from two in previous years.Steinle went on to state that state requirements for attendance are strictly followed. The committee began meeting in December 2023 and surveyed parents and staff members in January 2024. The survey results guided the committee to create an Academic Calendar that met professional development needs, considerations for state attendance requirements, and holiday breaks. The district has included a day off for November 1, following Halloween. This day was overwhelmingly requested by staff and parents alike. Friday, November 1, 2024, will be a no-school and no-work day for the district, in line with other Reno County schools.&nbsp;Staff and parents also requested a day off during the Kansas State Fair. The date selected was Monday, September 9. The calendar was approved 4-1, with Cheryl Thompson voting nay. A calendar draft was shared during the survey process, and the final calendar will be shared on the district website in the coming days.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Academic calendar approved by USD 308 Board

GODDARD, Kan. — Expanding on their legacy as a leader in the preservation of rare and endangered species, Tanganyika Wildlife Park proudly announces the arrival of not one, but two giraffe calves, born just days apart—a testament to the successful breeding program and an exciting addition to one of the largest giraffe herds in the United States.

Penelope, one of the resident giraffes, gave birth to a male calf on January 18th, followed shortly by Ismene, who welcomed a female calf on January 21st. Both calves share the same father, Davis, the resident bull at the park.&nbsp;&nbsp;These new members have increased the giraffe count to 18, carrying forward the legacy of conservationists Jim and Sherri Fouts, who established Tanganyika for the preservation of rare and endangered species. Since the Fouts family established Tanganyika in the 1980s, 69 Giraffe calves have been born at the park.&nbsp;

The recent births mark a special milestone for Tanganyika, as the park now boasts three generations of giraffe. Ismene and Penelope were both born at Tanganyika, and their mothers Isis and Peace are also part of the herd. Despite their age, the newborns measure just under 6 feet tall and are showing steady growth in their first few weeks of life. Giraffe Keeper Robert Olmstead observes distinct personality differences between the calves, "The female shows an engaging personality, while the male is more standoffish."

Olmstead also shares that both calves are progressing well, meeting important developmental milestones. "They stood up quickly after birth, which is important for giraffe calves," he explains. "Giraffes give birth standing up, so the calves drop more than 6 feet to the ground. We want to see them shake it off and stand up to begin nursing, which both calves did quickly."

Tanganyika strives to bring every visitor "close enough to care" and these new calves will play an important role in that mission. In the face of dwindling giraffe populations in their natural African habitats, Tanganyika works to raise awareness about the threats this iconic species faces. Both new calves have already begun venturing to the Giraffe Encounter station, where visitors to Tanganyika can get up close with giraffes and have the chance to feed them.&nbsp;

Excitement is building as Tanganyika prepares to reopen for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 9th. 

To celebrate, the park is offering its annual season pass sale from March 1st to 14th, with passes available starting at just $24.99. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the growth of the new giraffe calves and encounter over a hundred other rare and endangered species that call Tanganyika home. Learn more&nbsp;by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxskU-PmzAQxT8NviXyP7A5-FB1y6rabXJoSdRekLEHsIhjapyk6aevQF0ph1zfvDdP8xvTOKu-z9OhJ3_HW23I6y96__LzpUJWcdFaUiBQROAS56RkBQKv3anxMM-6hyXr6_fq7Rrij7e639t2R4_n_L8r3SdQRvtJu_78oC2xIreAgRAosOSSdJ2k1mDWokF1LeVMl1yITggKhmhMaCe1kYQyVkrkFMWUY0oFKZjMiy03HRfAO5CWAW51xrHvt-k26ThuTfDopIaUpox9ymiV0epxElYC5Qs7yD_7-HV3_PZaf343v_M98pCGYJWeHArR9e6s2stp3KyHoKiGSzLDFOaUcdwv2rpwDpdoQK2mjZuvm1uII0SU1FL1tCcpE3zz9AlJQWo-EP4LAAD__x8ujLw" target="_blank">twpark.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709052048060.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Tanganyika Wildlife Park" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Tanganyika Wildlife Park</figcaption>
 </figure>Tanganyika Wildlife ParkGODDARD, Kan. — Expanding on their legacy as a leader in the preservation of rare and endangered species, Tanganyika Wildlife Park proudly announces the arrival of not one, but two giraffe calves, born just days apart—a testament to the successful breeding program and an exciting addition to one of the largest giraffe herds in the United States.Penelope, one of the resident giraffes, gave birth to a male calf on January 18th, followed shortly by Ismene, who welcomed a female calf on January 21st. Both calves share the same father, Davis, the resident bull at the park.&nbsp;&nbsp;These new members have increased the giraffe count to 18, carrying forward the legacy of conservationists Jim and Sherri Fouts, who established Tanganyika for the preservation of rare and endangered species. Since the Fouts family established Tanganyika in the 1980s, 69 Giraffe calves have been born at the park.&nbsp;The recent births mark a special milestone for Tanganyika, as the park now boasts three generations of giraffe. Ismene and Penelope were both born at Tanganyika, and their mothers Isis and Peace are also part of the herd. Despite their age, the newborns measure just under 6 feet tall and are showing steady growth in their first few weeks of life. Giraffe Keeper Robert Olmstead observes distinct personality differences between the calves, "The female shows an engaging personality, while the male is more standoffish."Olmstead also shares that both calves are progressing well, meeting important developmental milestones. "They stood up quickly after birth, which is important for giraffe calves," he explains. "Giraffes give birth standing up, so the calves drop more than 6 feet to the ground. We want to see them shake it off and stand up to begin nursing, which both calves did quickly."Tanganyika strives to bring every visitor "close enough to care" and these new calves will play an important role in that mission. In the face of dwindling giraffe populations in their natural African habitats, Tanganyika works to raise awareness about the threats this iconic species faces. Both new calves have already begun venturing to the Giraffe Encounter station, where visitors to Tanganyika can get up close with giraffes and have the chance to feed them.&nbsp;Excitement is building as Tanganyika prepares to reopen for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 9th. To celebrate, the park is offering its annual season pass sale from March 1st to 14th, with passes available starting at just $24.99. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the growth of the new giraffe calves and encounter over a hundred other rare and endangered species that call Tanganyika home. Learn more&nbsp;by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxskU-PmzAQxT8NviXyP7A5-FB1y6rabXJoSdRekLEHsIhjapyk6aevQF0ph1zfvDdP8xvTOKu-z9OhJ3_HW23I6y96__LzpUJWcdFaUiBQROAS56RkBQKv3anxMM-6hyXr6_fq7Rrij7e639t2R4_n_L8r3SdQRvtJu_78oC2xIreAgRAosOSSdJ2k1mDWokF1LeVMl1yITggKhmhMaCe1kYQyVkrkFMWUY0oFKZjMiy03HRfAO5CWAW51xrHvt-k26ThuTfDopIaUpox9ymiV0epxElYC5Qs7yD_7-HV3_PZaf343v_M98pCGYJWeHArR9e6s2stp3KyHoKiGSzLDFOaUcdwv2rpwDpdoQK2mjZuvm1uII0SU1FL1tCcpE3zz9AlJQWo-EP4LAAD__x8ujLw" target="_blank">twpark.com</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tanganyika announces giraffe births

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to a social media post from the neighborhood, SW Bricktown held a walking meeting on Monday on West Avenue B with interim City Manager Mary Grace Clements to discuss improving lighting between Adams and Monroe streets. A total of 14 people joined the meeting.

After SW Bricktown's annual meeting where lighting was discussed, Clements got a recommendation from Evergy for upgrading lighting on W. Ave. B. That recommendation included adding one street light and moving two others in the 200 block of W. Ave. B, and adding two street lights in the 300 block. One of the lights that Evergy recommended moving is next to the alley by the Woodie Seat Freeway in the 200 block. 

At Monday's meeting, residents expressed concern about how moving the light further east would affect visibility at the alley entrance. With that in mind, Clements will look at leaving that light where it is and adding an additional light where Evergy proposed moving it. That would mean adding two lights and moving one in the 200 block instead of adding one and moving two.

The walking meeting continued into the 400 block of W. Ave. B, which was not covered by Evergy's recommendation. The group discussed the possibility of adding a street light on the south side of the block across from Avenue A School's angle parking. One of the neighborhood residents plans to visit with the residents whose house the light would be in front of for their input.&nbsp;

Clements and City Council members Greg Fast and Steve Garza were a part of the Monday meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709051421090.jpeg" alt="SW Bricktown Walking Meeting-Feb. 26, 2024-Photo Courtesy SW Bricktown Neighborhood" />
 <figcaption>SW Bricktown Walking Meeting-Feb. 26, 2024-Photo Courtesy SW Bricktown Neighborhood</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to a social media post from the neighborhood, SW Bricktown held a walking meeting on Monday on West Avenue B with interim City Manager Mary Grace Clements to discuss improving lighting between Adams and Monroe streets. A total of 14 people joined the meeting.After SW Bricktown's annual meeting where lighting was discussed, Clements got a recommendation from Evergy for upgrading lighting on W. Ave. B. That recommendation included adding one street light and moving two others in the 200 block of W. Ave. B, and adding two street lights in the 300 block. One of the lights that Evergy recommended moving is next to the alley by the Woodie Seat Freeway in the 200 block. At Monday's meeting, residents expressed concern about how moving the light further east would affect visibility at the alley entrance. With that in mind, Clements will look at leaving that light where it is and adding an additional light where Evergy proposed moving it. That would mean adding two lights and moving one in the 200 block instead of adding one and moving two.The walking meeting continued into the 400 block of W. Ave. B, which was not covered by Evergy's recommendation. The group discussed the possibility of adding a street light on the south side of the block across from Avenue A School's angle parking. One of the neighborhood residents plans to visit with the residents whose house the light would be in front of for their input.&nbsp;Clements and City Council members Greg Fast and Steve Garza were a part of the Monday meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Let there be light: SW Bricktown holds walking meeting

<div><iframe title="Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law" 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=duyte-159489e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law

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

<div><iframe title="Hutchinson Art Center" 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=6rb95-1594892-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Hutchinson Art Center

<div><iframe title="Kansas State Fair" 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=ui4td-1594876-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Kansas State Fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/not-dreamland-wto-aims-modest-outcomes-abu-dhabi-meeting-2024-02-26/">Reuters reported on Monday</a> that the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference began without much hope for big moves in world trade. The conference, which meets every two years, is the supreme governing body of the WTO.&nbsp;

Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law, is hopeful but dubious about whether the meeting will come up with substantive change.

"The real challenge for the WTO is can it resurrect itself, can it achieve a rejuvenated spirit, get back the attention of the world and move back to a freer, fairer trade mission in a very conflict ridden world," Bhala said. "We need a lot more freer, fairer trade."

The U.S. and Chinese trade representatives met while in Abu Dhabi and their points of contention in that policy area outline what is already a nascent proxy conflict between the two nations.

"We are competing for influence with Russia and China across much of the developing world," Bhala said. "This is true in sub-Saharan Africa, of course, across the Asia-Pacific, the Indo-Pacific region and in Latin America. How to attend to the long and short term economic and geopolitical interests is a big challenge."

Though smaller players still see value in the WTO, like new members Comoros and East Timor that are joining at this meeting to raise the numbers of countries in the group to 166, it is the economic drivers with the most mouths to feed and money to spend, like China, India, Russia and the U.S., that can if they choose bring strength back to the cooperation the WTO has been about for the last nearly three decades.

"There's no easy fix, other than to say, at the risk of sounding naive, we need much more good faith, honest transparent interest in these institutions by the great powers," Bhala said. "They are the ones who are going to make them work, first and foremost."

The conference continues through Feb. 29. Hutch Post's Nick Gosnell spoke to Bhala at length. A podcast of that conversation is below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706378920468.jpeg" alt="Raj Bhala is the Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at the KU School of Law. Photo Courtesy University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Raj Bhala is the Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at the KU School of Law. Photo Courtesy University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/not-dreamland-wto-aims-modest-outcomes-abu-dhabi-meeting-2024-02-26/">Reuters reported on Monday</a> that the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference began without much hope for big moves in world trade. The conference, which meets every two years, is the supreme governing body of the WTO.&nbsp;Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law, is hopeful but dubious about whether the meeting will come up with substantive change."The real challenge for the WTO is can it resurrect itself, can it achieve a rejuvenated spirit, get back the attention of the world and move back to a freer, fairer trade mission in a very conflict ridden world," Bhala said. "We need a lot more freer, fairer trade."The U.S. and Chinese trade representatives met while in Abu Dhabi and their points of contention in that policy area outline what is already a nascent proxy conflict between the two nations."We are competing for influence with Russia and China across much of the developing world," Bhala said. "This is true in sub-Saharan Africa, of course, across the Asia-Pacific, the Indo-Pacific region and in Latin America. How to attend to the long and short term economic and geopolitical interests is a big challenge."Though smaller players still see value in the WTO, like new members Comoros and East Timor that are joining at this meeting to raise the numbers of countries in the group to 166, it is the economic drivers with the most mouths to feed and money to spend, like China, India, Russia and the U.S., that can if they choose bring strength back to the cooperation the WTO has been about for the last nearly three decades."There's no easy fix, other than to say, at the risk of sounding naive, we need much more good faith, honest transparent interest in these institutions by the great powers," Bhala said. "They are the ones who are going to make them work, first and foremost."The conference continues through Feb. 29. Hutch Post's Nick Gosnell spoke to Bhala at length. A podcast of that conversation is below.<div><iframe title="Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law" 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=duyte-159489e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: Bhala: WTO meeting may not do much, though much is needed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Housing Commission will have its next meeting Wednesday afternoon and begin budget discussions along with subcommitee discussions.

In addition the commission will introduce the Sherwin Williams paint program manager, get data on featured neighborhoods from Denice Gilliland and an overall report on them from Adam Stewart, a Hutchinson Land Bank update from Jim Seitnater and updates from Interfaith Housing, SCKEDD and New Beginnings.

The Hutchinson Housing Commission meets Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers Workroom at 125 E. Avenue B.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683043073149.jpeg" alt="City of Hutchinson-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>City of Hutchinson-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Housing Commission will have its next meeting Wednesday afternoon and begin budget discussions along with subcommitee discussions.In addition the commission will introduce the Sherwin Williams paint program manager, get data on featured neighborhoods from Denice Gilliland and an overall report on them from Adam Stewart, a Hutchinson Land Bank update from Jim Seitnater and updates from Interfaith Housing, SCKEDD and New Beginnings.The Hutchinson Housing Commission meets Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers Workroom at 125 E. Avenue B.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Housing Commission to start budget talk

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Advance voting at the Reno County Annex begins Wednesday, Feb. 28 and will be available weekdays during regular business hours up through noon on March 18.

You must be registered to vote and you can only vote in the primary of the party for which you are registered. If you are unaffiliated, you can declare a party and vote, but you cannot switch from one party to another.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629300596422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Advance voting at the Reno County Annex begins Wednesday, Feb. 28 and will be available weekdays during regular business hours up through noon on March 18.You must be registered to vote and you can only vote in the primary of the party for which you are registered. If you are unaffiliated, you can declare a party and vote, but you cannot switch from one party to another.The Presidential Preference Primary election day is March 19.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;