HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the season’s first accumulating ice and snow forecast to impact much of the Sunflower State this weekend, AAA Kansas is urging drivers to be prepared for the conditions.

"We're just wanting to remind drivers to be prepared," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "First and foremost, if you don't have to be out driving in the height of the winter storm, just stay home. That's the safest, for sure. If you do have to be out in it, just refamiliarize yourself with driving on snow and ice. Take everything slower. Be much more deliberate. Leave plenty of extra space for turns and stops and pretty much everything as you are driving."

AAA Kansas anticipates an increase in emergency roadside service calls as the wintry weather sweeps through and road conditions deteriorate, with slide-offs and crashes due to slick roads, battery/non-start problems and flat tires the main culprits.

"Tires and batteries are among the most common reasons why our AAA emergency roadside service crews get called for service," Steward said. "If you can, get your battery in and checked out by a professional, to make sure that it's strong enough to face this cold weather, not only for this weekend, but throughout the winter. We'll likely get much colder throughout the winter. Get your battery in and get it checked. The typical life span of a car battery is about three to five years."

AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. Also, keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up. Use your mobile devices when you are stopped to give you the best idea of how things are where you are going.

"It's important to stay up on road and weather conditions," Steward said. "KDOT has their <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/@-99.86957,38.77164,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">KanDrive site</a>, or they also have a mobile app with that same information. We also recommend loading a good weather app with live radar, so you can keep up with where the storm is in relationship to where you are headed and hopefully avoid the worst of the storm."

Hazardous storms and inclement weather are a factor in an average of nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,200 traffic crash deaths nationwide every winter, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735928546479.png" alt="Image Courtesy AAA Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy AAA Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the season’s first accumulating ice and snow forecast to impact much of the Sunflower State this weekend, AAA Kansas is urging drivers to be prepared for the conditions."We're just wanting to remind drivers to be prepared," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "First and foremost, if you don't have to be out driving in the height of the winter storm, just stay home. That's the safest, for sure. If you do have to be out in it, just refamiliarize yourself with driving on snow and ice. Take everything slower. Be much more deliberate. Leave plenty of extra space for turns and stops and pretty much everything as you are driving."AAA Kansas anticipates an increase in emergency roadside service calls as the wintry weather sweeps through and road conditions deteriorate, with slide-offs and crashes due to slick roads, battery/non-start problems and flat tires the main culprits."Tires and batteries are among the most common reasons why our AAA emergency roadside service crews get called for service," Steward said. "If you can, get your battery in and checked out by a professional, to make sure that it's strong enough to face this cold weather, not only for this weekend, but throughout the winter. We'll likely get much colder throughout the winter. Get your battery in and get it checked. The typical life span of a car battery is about three to five years."AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. Also, keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up. Use your mobile devices when you are stopped to give you the best idea of how things are where you are going."It's important to stay up on road and weather conditions," Steward said. "KDOT has their <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/@-99.86957,38.77164,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,oversizeLoads,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">KanDrive site</a>, or they also have a mobile app with that same information. We also recommend loading a good weather app with live radar, so you can keep up with where the storm is in relationship to where you are headed and hopefully avoid the worst of the storm."Hazardous storms and inclement weather are a factor in an average of nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,200 traffic crash deaths nationwide every winter, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.&nbsp;

AAA gives winter weather tips

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;

1/4/2025 1:43 AM-Kayla	Lynn Kilano-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

1/4/2025 12:03 AM-Max	Alan Mitchell-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises&nbsp;

1/3/2025 5:22 PM-Richard	Leroy Jay-Direct Contempt

1/3/2025 4:41 PM-James	Alexander Jones-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

1/3/2025 4:19 PM-Collin	Shane Mullins-Probation Violation; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

1/3/2025 1:53 PM-Summer	Danielle Duboise-Failure to Appear

1/3/2025 12:50 PM-Tampiria	Vyette Wade-Probation Violation

1/3/2025 9:41 AM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Forgery; Making, altering, endorsing; Theft; By Deceptionof Property with Value &lt; $1,500; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits&lt; $100,000; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Burglary; Dwelling, to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime&nbsp;

1/3/2025 8:14 AM-Kolton	Matthew King-DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving&nbsp;

1/3/2025 7:58 AM-Kaycie	Elizabeth Elaine Hickert-Failure to Appear

<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;1/4/2025 1:43 AM-Kayla	Lynn Kilano-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order1/4/2025 12:03 AM-Max	Alan Mitchell-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises&nbsp;1/3/2025 5:22 PM-Richard	Leroy Jay-Direct Contempt1/3/2025 4:41 PM-James	Alexander Jones-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv1/3/2025 4:19 PM-Collin	Shane Mullins-Probation Violation; Failure to Appear&nbsp;1/3/2025 1:53 PM-Summer	Danielle Duboise-Failure to Appear1/3/2025 12:50 PM-Tampiria	Vyette Wade-Probation Violation1/3/2025 9:41 AM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Forgery; Making, altering, endorsing; Theft; By Deceptionof Property with Value &lt; $1,500; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits&lt; $100,000; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Burglary; Dwelling, to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime&nbsp;1/3/2025 8:14 AM-Kolton	Matthew King-DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving&nbsp;1/3/2025 7:58 AM-Kaycie	Elizabeth Elaine Hickert-Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce told Hutch Post that 2025 will be a busy year laying the groundwork for the project to expand Evergy's power generation capacity that is coming to Reno County in 2030.

"In October, we were able to option 281 acres that we then assigned the option to Evergy," Teufel said.&nbsp; "Evergy is not closed on that property yet, but that is their intention to work on their due diligence steps, and then they will ultimately close on the purchase of that 281 acres. So what they are currently doing and that plan also to recap is to invest approximately a billion dollars in a new combined cycle natural gas electric generation plant that will at full operation employ about 40 people. It's going to, in the short term, create about 500 construction jobs over the next three to four years. And so in planning for that, Evergy has some permits that they must apply for, as well as doing some due diligence on the land. And they've applied for their air permit with the state. They also have applied for an interconnect agreement to the grid."

One of the upcoming steps is what are called good neighbor agreements, which will allow neighbors to receive compensation from Evergy for some of the required infrastructure upgrades.

"They are continuing to do real estate assessment along the McNew Road corridor and the adjacent parcels to that property," Teufel said. "They expect during the first quarter of 2025 to be working with the neighbors on what that neighborhood impact is going to be, and then I expect once they have that kind of in place, they will request annexation. The reason for that annexation is related mostly then to the utilities that need to be supplied to the site, such as water and sewer services, as well as fire protection and those kinds of things, so they'll be working with the cities. Right now, it's not in any one city. It's just outside of South Hutchinson and Hutchinson. But they've expressed the desire for a plan for annexation into the city of Hutchinson. We've been at the table with the two cities in the county, kind of talking about how that impacts the McNew corridor, as well as on down to ultimately the site that we're calling the Kimball Industrial Site that is at Mills Avenue."

McNew will need to be upgraded to make the project happen.

"Today, McNew Road is a dirt road and it's out in a township," Teufel said. "That's another reason that the annexation needs to happen because, and probably if it's, let's suppose it's annexed into Hutchinson, Hutchinson would actually annex the roadway as well. Evergy is part of a condition of that request for annexation, that's where some negotiation will happen on whose responsibility will it be to upgrade the road. In conversations in August, as they were preparing to make site decisions, they said they have been known to improve roads to their projects in the past. I expect that that will be part of that conversation between Evergy and the cities about whose responsibility improvement of McNew will be, but Evergy has expressed that they know that that will be part of their responsibility."

The hearings for state regulatory approval will likely happen in August 2025, with a potential start of construction as early as late 2026, but the plant not going online until 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729598068277.png" alt="A rendering of the proposed Hutchinson 705 MW Evergy Plant. " />
 <figcaption>A rendering of the proposed Hutchinson 705 MW Evergy Plant. </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce told Hutch Post that 2025 will be a busy year laying the groundwork for the project to expand Evergy's power generation capacity that is coming to Reno County in 2030."In October, we were able to option 281 acres that we then assigned the option to Evergy," Teufel said.&nbsp; "Evergy is not closed on that property yet, but that is their intention to work on their due diligence steps, and then they will ultimately close on the purchase of that 281 acres. So what they are currently doing and that plan also to recap is to invest approximately a billion dollars in a new combined cycle natural gas electric generation plant that will at full operation employ about 40 people. It's going to, in the short term, create about 500 construction jobs over the next three to four years. And so in planning for that, Evergy has some permits that they must apply for, as well as doing some due diligence on the land. And they've applied for their air permit with the state. They also have applied for an interconnect agreement to the grid."One of the upcoming steps is what are called good neighbor agreements, which will allow neighbors to receive compensation from Evergy for some of the required infrastructure upgrades."They are continuing to do real estate assessment along the McNew Road corridor and the adjacent parcels to that property," Teufel said. "They expect during the first quarter of 2025 to be working with the neighbors on what that neighborhood impact is going to be, and then I expect once they have that kind of in place, they will request annexation. The reason for that annexation is related mostly then to the utilities that need to be supplied to the site, such as water and sewer services, as well as fire protection and those kinds of things, so they'll be working with the cities. Right now, it's not in any one city. It's just outside of South Hutchinson and Hutchinson. But they've expressed the desire for a plan for annexation into the city of Hutchinson. We've been at the table with the two cities in the county, kind of talking about how that impacts the McNew corridor, as well as on down to ultimately the site that we're calling the Kimball Industrial Site that is at Mills Avenue."McNew will need to be upgraded to make the project happen."Today, McNew Road is a dirt road and it's out in a township," Teufel said. "That's another reason that the annexation needs to happen because, and probably if it's, let's suppose it's annexed into Hutchinson, Hutchinson would actually annex the roadway as well. Evergy is part of a condition of that request for annexation, that's where some negotiation will happen on whose responsibility will it be to upgrade the road. In conversations in August, as they were preparing to make site decisions, they said they have been known to improve roads to their projects in the past. I expect that that will be part of that conversation between Evergy and the cities about whose responsibility improvement of McNew will be, but Evergy has expressed that they know that that will be part of their responsibility."The hearings for state regulatory approval will likely happen in August 2025, with a potential start of construction as early as late 2026, but the plant not going online until 2030.

2025 will be busy year for groundwork for Evergy project

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law told Hutch Post that an important event is taking place later this month at the law school.

"We'd have farm families who would drive five to six hours to come see us in North Platte Nebraska to deal with their legal and tax issues," McEowen said. "It's always been a passion of mine to try to address this problem. That's what the large part of that conference is all about on January 24th that I'm doing at the law school."

The conference will have some continuing education in the morning, but the big payoff for McEowen is in the afternoon when they'll be able to match up students with rural practitioners.

"There isn't a week goes by that I don't get an email or a phone call or a letter in the mail from somebody saying do you have someone that you can send to me," McEowen said. "These aren't just law students they're looking for a CPA students coming out of the business schools and so invited to this event on the 24th are also K-State business students and the professors as well as Washburn business students that are interested in accounting professions to let them know that you don't have to go to the big city to be successful. In fact you can probably weigh the advantages and disadvantages and the rural areas are going to come out ahead in many respects."

Finding experts who can navigate the challenges of ag law as the great wealth transfer happens can do very well and do a lot of good, too.

"The hope is that we really actually connect people together and provide a means for our students to find these practitioners that have these great needs and get them linked up and get them placed," McEowen said.

For more information on the conference, go <a href="https://www.washburnlaw.edu/about/community/cle/tax-update.html">online to the Washburn Law website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712588059270.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law told Hutch Post that an important event is taking place later this month at the law school."We'd have farm families who would drive five to six hours to come see us in North Platte Nebraska to deal with their legal and tax issues," McEowen said. "It's always been a passion of mine to try to address this problem. That's what the large part of that conference is all about on January 24th that I'm doing at the law school."The conference will have some continuing education in the morning, but the big payoff for McEowen is in the afternoon when they'll be able to match up students with rural practitioners."There isn't a week goes by that I don't get an email or a phone call or a letter in the mail from somebody saying do you have someone that you can send to me," McEowen said. "These aren't just law students they're looking for a CPA students coming out of the business schools and so invited to this event on the 24th are also K-State business students and the professors as well as Washburn business students that are interested in accounting professions to let them know that you don't have to go to the big city to be successful. In fact you can probably weigh the advantages and disadvantages and the rural areas are going to come out ahead in many respects."Finding experts who can navigate the challenges of ag law as the great wealth transfer happens can do very well and do a lot of good, too."The hope is that we really actually connect people together and provide a means for our students to find these practitioners that have these great needs and get them linked up and get them placed," McEowen said.For more information on the conference, go <a href="https://www.washburnlaw.edu/about/community/cle/tax-update.html">online to the Washburn Law website</a>.

Event later this month to connect future lawyers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said that the December update to his Business Conditions Index released Jan. 2 doesn't look good heading into 2025. 

"The overall index is indicating negative growth right now for the manufacturing sector for the seventh time this year," Goss said. "It was not a good report. We had job losses throughout the region, and if you look at manufacturing in the nation, the nation has lost manufacturing jobs, the region has lost manufacturing jobs, Kansas has done a little bit better in terms of manufacturing, but still not good even for Kansas."

The weak spot in Kansas is in the employment measure, and there are multiple reasons for that.

"Even with the employment numbers down, there's still the inability to find and hire qualified workers," Goss said. "That was one of the big issues, at least reported by the supply managers, purchasing managers often thought of. Even with the employment numbers down, there's still that problem of finding and hiring qualified workers, particularly those on the higher skill levels. We're going to continue to see that throughout the region, and for that matter, throughout the nation."

Inflation is still higher than the Federal Reserve's target.&nbsp; 

"If you look at the core, which excludes food and energy, that number's running above the three percentage points, and that's annualized. Now if you look at the headline number, that includes food and energy, a bit below 3 percent, and that's moving toward the Federal Reserve's target, but still above the Federal Reserve's target and moving higher."

The Federal Reserve target inflation rate is two percentage points annualized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592838771182.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said that the December update to his Business Conditions Index released Jan. 2 doesn't look good heading into 2025. "The overall index is indicating negative growth right now for the manufacturing sector for the seventh time this year," Goss said. "It was not a good report. We had job losses throughout the region, and if you look at manufacturing in the nation, the nation has lost manufacturing jobs, the region has lost manufacturing jobs, Kansas has done a little bit better in terms of manufacturing, but still not good even for Kansas."The weak spot in Kansas is in the employment measure, and there are multiple reasons for that."Even with the employment numbers down, there's still the inability to find and hire qualified workers," Goss said. "That was one of the big issues, at least reported by the supply managers, purchasing managers often thought of. Even with the employment numbers down, there's still that problem of finding and hiring qualified workers, particularly those on the higher skill levels. We're going to continue to see that throughout the region, and for that matter, throughout the nation."Inflation is still higher than the Federal Reserve's target.&nbsp; "If you look at the core, which excludes food and energy, that number's running above the three percentage points, and that's annualized. Now if you look at the headline number, that includes food and energy, a bit below 3 percent, and that's moving toward the Federal Reserve's target, but still above the Federal Reserve's target and moving higher."The Federal Reserve target inflation rate is two percentage points annualized.

Survey says manufacturing shrinking

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;

1/3/2025 12:27 AM-Evan	Conar Cossman-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

1/2/2025 10:02 PM-Cody	Richard Goldsberry Jr.-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

1/2/2025 3:49 PM-Eric	Jerome Carpenter-Agg burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Burglary;Locked dwelling for felony,theft,dv,sex; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999

1/2/2025 3:09 PM-Joshua	Harold Watkins-Failure to Appear; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500&nbsp;

1/2/2025 2:07 PM-Nicholas	Jay Evans-DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+&nbsp;

1/2/2025 1:40 PM-Nattallie	Jo Tipton-Probation Violation

1/2/2025 1:24 PM-Carson	Nicole Painter-Direct Contempt

1/2/2025 10:19 AM-Margarita	Ann Castillo-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;1/3/2025 12:27 AM-Evan	Conar Cossman-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;1/2/2025 10:02 PM-Cody	Richard Goldsberry Jr.-Failure to Appear&nbsp;1/2/2025 3:49 PM-Eric	Jerome Carpenter-Agg burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Burglary;Locked dwelling for felony,theft,dv,sex; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,9991/2/2025 3:09 PM-Joshua	Harold Watkins-Failure to Appear; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500&nbsp;1/2/2025 2:07 PM-Nicholas	Jay Evans-DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+&nbsp;1/2/2025 1:40 PM-Nattallie	Jo Tipton-Probation Violation1/2/2025 1:24 PM-Carson	Nicole Painter-Direct Contempt1/2/2025 10:19 AM-Margarita	Ann Castillo-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the corner of 7th and Poplar in South Hutchinson.

In 1960, Ken Addison, manager of the Al Char Bowl, along with William Atkinson and several other Hutchinson businessmen, decided to build a new, modern bowling alley in South Hutchinson.

Bill Atkinson's construction company built the building and Ken Addison was its new manager. Herman Koop, who ran the Rambler Cafe, leased the snack bar. The first photo shows the new bowling alley upon completion at 120 E. 7th Ave. in South Hutchinson.

The grand opening was on Sept. 15 and 16, 1961. Professional bowler Carmen Salvino put on an exhibition. The second photo shows the pad pouring, while the third photo shows the interior floor laying.

The fourth photo shows the construction sign around the project's completion.

Riverside Lanes ran for almost 40 years and many remember its last efforts promoting "cosmic bowling" on Friday and Saturday nights. Riverside Lanes closed in 1999 after time had taken its toll.

The fifth photo shows the building today at 120 E. 7th in South Hutch, now South Hutch Storage, owned by Panther Properties L.L.C. of South Hutchinson.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735659525078.png" alt="Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - 120 E. 7th - South Hutch - completed 1960 (by Atkinson). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - 120 E. 7th - South Hutch - completed 1960 (by Atkinson). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714573898261.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the corner of 7th and Poplar in South Hutchinson.In 1960, Ken Addison, manager of the Al Char Bowl, along with William Atkinson and several other Hutchinson businessmen, decided to build a new, modern bowling alley in South Hutchinson.Bill Atkinson's construction company built the building and Ken Addison was its new manager. Herman Koop, who ran the Rambler Cafe, leased the snack bar. The first photo shows the new bowling alley upon completion at 120 E. 7th Ave. in South Hutchinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735659525078.png" alt="Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - 120 E. 7th - South Hutch - completed 1960 (by Atkinson). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - 120 E. 7th - South Hutch - completed 1960 (by Atkinson). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The grand opening was on Sept. 15 and 16, 1961. Professional bowler Carmen Salvino put on an exhibition. The second photo shows the pad pouring, while the third photo shows the interior floor laying.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735659619413.png" alt="Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - Pad Pouring - 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - Pad Pouring - 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735659688525.png" alt="Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - Floor Laying - 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - Floor Laying - 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The fourth photo shows the construction sign around the project's completion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735659731165.png" alt="Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley- Open Soon - c. 1960. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley- Open Soon - c. 1960. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Riverside Lanes ran for almost 40 years and many remember its last efforts promoting "cosmic bowling" on Friday and Saturday nights. Riverside Lanes closed in 1999 after time had taken its toll.The fifth photo shows the building today at 120 E. 7th in South Hutch, now South Hutch Storage, owned by Panther Properties L.L.C. of South Hutchinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735659782846.png" alt="Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - South Hutch Storage - 120 E. 7th - South Hutch - Dec. 26, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Riverside Lanes Bowling Alley - South Hutch Storage - 120 E. 7th - South Hutch - Dec. 26, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Riverside Lanes - Vol. 103

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;

1/2/2025 3:19 AM-Jason	Lee Sackett-In Transit From-To Other Agency&nbsp;

1/2/2025 12:41 AM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

1/1/2025 7:19 PM-Ryan	Andrew Wells-Failure to Appear

1/1/2025 6:15 PM-Justin	Eugene Phinney-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

1/1/2025 4:38 PM-Edana	Rae Suffield-Viol protection order; Abuse order&nbsp;

1/1/2025 1:07 PM-Kiley	Leanne Wray-Failure to Appear

1/1/2025 11:15 AM-Joshua	Alexander Duque-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

1/1/2025 9:08 AM-Abigail	Lee Gillen-Failure to Appear

1/1/2025 5:04 AM-Kelly	Lynnette Pitchford-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana&nbsp;

12/31/2024 8:51 PM-Ferris	Allen Fuller-Failure to Appear

12/31/2024 4:17 PM-Anthony	Lawrence Moore-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

12/31/2024 3:30 PM-Dirk	Jacob Kukula-Probation Violation&nbsp;

12/31/2024 2:29 PM-Simon	Matthew Hernandez-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

12/31/2024 11:17 AM-Julianne	Helena Bates-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

12/31/2024 11:15 AM-James	Curtis Wendler-Distr heroin/certain stim/fent;3.5 - &lt;100 grams; Drugs; Acquire proceeds from sale of controlled substance, Less than $5,000; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Drugs; Distribute, Invest, make available anything of value, to further the commission of Narcotics Violation, $5,000 to $99,999; Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon; Conviction in Previous 10 Years of specified KSA; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.——————————————&nbsp;1/2/2025 3:19 AM-Jason	Lee Sackett-In Transit From-To Other Agency&nbsp;1/2/2025 12:41 AM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv1/1/2025 7:19 PM-Ryan	Andrew Wells-Failure to Appear1/1/2025 6:15 PM-Justin	Eugene Phinney-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body1/1/2025 4:38 PM-Edana	Rae Suffield-Viol protection order; Abuse order&nbsp;1/1/2025 1:07 PM-Kiley	Leanne Wray-Failure to Appear1/1/2025 11:15 AM-Joshua	Alexander Duque-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)1/1/2025 9:08 AM-Abigail	Lee Gillen-Failure to Appear1/1/2025 5:04 AM-Kelly	Lynnette Pitchford-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana&nbsp;12/31/2024 8:51 PM-Ferris	Allen Fuller-Failure to Appear12/31/2024 4:17 PM-Anthony	Lawrence Moore-Failure to Appear&nbsp;12/31/2024 3:30 PM-Dirk	Jacob Kukula-Probation Violation&nbsp;12/31/2024 2:29 PM-Simon	Matthew Hernandez-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Failure to Appear&nbsp;12/31/2024 11:17 AM-Julianne	Helena Bates-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;12/31/2024 11:15 AM-James	Curtis Wendler-Distr heroin/certain stim/fent;3.5 - &lt;100 grams; Drugs; Acquire proceeds from sale of controlled substance, Less than $5,000; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Drugs; Distribute, Invest, make available anything of value, to further the commission of Narcotics Violation, $5,000 to $99,999; Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon; Conviction in Previous 10 Years of specified KSA; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

The year in review: Influential people who died in 2024

On December 30th, 2024, at approximately 4:55 PM, officers with Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to an armed robbery at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 E 11th Ave. An unknown male entered the store, brandished a dark colored handgun and demanded money and various electronic items from the store clerk. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken along with several electronic items. The suspect was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a black backpack, a dark face covering and sunglasses.

If you have information related to this case, please contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, Crimestoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, your local law enforcement agency, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone. Please reference case #2024-52398.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to the Reno County Public Safety bulletin, an armed robbery occurred at the Selectel Wireless store inside of the Uptown Hutch Mall on Monday afternoon just before 5 p.m.

The bulletin states "an employee from Selectel Wireless reports being robbed at gunpoint. Suspect made away with approximately $900, 2 sets of AirPods, and a bluetooth speaker. NCIC entry made."

"We went ahead and closed for today and of course tomorrow just to give everyone a break. I'm very hopeful they catch him," Selectel manager Jadyn Anderson said.

More details will be released on Hutch Post when available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735663974802.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Police DepartmentOn December 30th, 2024, at approximately 4:55 PM, officers with Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to an armed robbery at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 E 11th Ave. An unknown male entered the store, brandished a dark colored handgun and demanded money and various electronic items from the store clerk. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken along with several electronic items. The suspect was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a black backpack, a dark face covering and sunglasses.If you have information related to this case, please contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, Crimestoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, your local law enforcement agency, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone. Please reference case #2024-52398.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735663999697.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>---Original story from Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to the Reno County Public Safety bulletin, an armed robbery occurred at the Selectel Wireless store inside of the Uptown Hutch Mall on Monday afternoon just before 5 p.m.The bulletin states "an employee from Selectel Wireless reports being robbed at gunpoint. Suspect made away with approximately $900, 2 sets of AirPods, and a bluetooth speaker. NCIC entry made.""We went ahead and closed for today and of course tomorrow just to give everyone a break. I'm very hopeful they catch him," Selectel manager Jadyn Anderson said.More details will be released on Hutch Post when available.

HPD seeks public help following Selectel Wireless armed robbery

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Tribune founder and publisher Michael Glenn gave an articulate defense of the importance of legal notices in physical newspapers at the Hutchinson City Council meeting earlier this year.

"It's mainly just a call for government transparency, which has always been here in the state of Kansas," Glenn said. "It's constitutionally written. There's been legislation passed in the state of Kansas that requires legal notices to be printed in official city or county or even when it comes to our local school boards that they must be held accountable by printing what they're going to do or by printing other important topics that people should know about and putting them in public newspapers."

This is about making sure there is a record that people can find when they go to look for it in the coming years.

"More importantly, it's a place that is not controlled by said government," Glenn said. "This is a point that I spoke to the council about, it's essential to have a place where legal notices are published that is not controlled by the person publishing it. It's not a great look for those who are publishing it regardless of whether, you know, because since the city does create those legal notices that they do publish, it's just, it's not as polished as what someone is trying to look for and I'm trying to articulate that well. Having that, having a newspaper come in and publish those as a third party, as a non-governmental entity publishing these notices, it provides that third level of transparency that we look for."

Getting citizens involved in the process is key to government being functional.&nbsp;

"I understand that the city has been wanting to increase civic engagement with its citizens. Well, what's a better way to do that than put the legal notices of what you're trying to do right in front of their faces? Obviously the circulation of our hometown paper has gone down, but it's still important to have them printed for the thousands of people who still do read it."

The Kansas Press Association has a site where you can look up public notices. It's online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicnotices.com/">https://kansaspublicnotices.com/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735573547847.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Tribune founder and publisher Michael Glenn gave an articulate defense of the importance of legal notices in physical newspapers at the Hutchinson City Council meeting earlier this year."It's mainly just a call for government transparency, which has always been here in the state of Kansas," Glenn said. "It's constitutionally written. There's been legislation passed in the state of Kansas that requires legal notices to be printed in official city or county or even when it comes to our local school boards that they must be held accountable by printing what they're going to do or by printing other important topics that people should know about and putting them in public newspapers."This is about making sure there is a record that people can find when they go to look for it in the coming years."More importantly, it's a place that is not controlled by said government," Glenn said. "This is a point that I spoke to the council about, it's essential to have a place where legal notices are published that is not controlled by the person publishing it. It's not a great look for those who are publishing it regardless of whether, you know, because since the city does create those legal notices that they do publish, it's just, it's not as polished as what someone is trying to look for and I'm trying to articulate that well. Having that, having a newspaper come in and publish those as a third party, as a non-governmental entity publishing these notices, it provides that third level of transparency that we look for."Getting citizens involved in the process is key to government being functional.&nbsp;"I understand that the city has been wanting to increase civic engagement with its citizens. Well, what's a better way to do that than put the legal notices of what you're trying to do right in front of their faces? Obviously the circulation of our hometown paper has gone down, but it's still important to have them printed for the thousands of people who still do read it."The Kansas Press Association has a site where you can look up public notices. It's online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicnotices.com/">https://kansaspublicnotices.com/</a>.

Public notices provide transparency

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday over $1.5 million for 20 organizations to support efforts aimed at preventing family, domestic, and dating violence, providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence, and increasing safe parenting time for noncustodial parents with their children. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) and the State Access and Visitation Program (SAVP).&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is essential that those impacted by domestic violence have the support and resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These investments not only provide aid to survivors of domestic violence but also aim to prevent future incidents from occurring.”&nbsp;

The FVPSA grant funds enable organizations to deliver a wide range of services. These services include outreach and education aimed at preventing family violence, emergency shelter for victims and their dependents, support groups,&nbsp;crisis intervention services, advocacy for obtaining protection from abuse orders, court accompaniment, and transportation assistance. The funding also supports initiatives to spread awareness to schools, communities, and families on how to stop violence before it begins.&nbsp;

The SAVP grant funds provide critical funding to support children and families in need of supervised exchange or visitation services. They also enable programs to offer on-site as well as therapeutic supervision, monitored exchanges, referrals to additional resources, and educational parenting classes designed to strengthen family relationships.&nbsp;

A total of $1,442,065 in FVPSA grant funds was awarded to 20 agencies. The Hutch Post area grantees include:

Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force received&nbsp;$56,180 from the&nbsp;2025 Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Awards. BrightHouse received&nbsp;$59,159 from the same program. BrightHouse also received&nbsp;$18,519 from the&nbsp;2025 Federal State Access and Visitation Program.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730206744597.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the GovernorTOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday over $1.5 million for 20 organizations to support efforts aimed at preventing family, domestic, and dating violence, providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence, and increasing safe parenting time for noncustodial parents with their children. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) and the State Access and Visitation Program (SAVP).&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is essential that those impacted by domestic violence have the support and resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These investments not only provide aid to survivors of domestic violence but also aim to prevent future incidents from occurring.”&nbsp;The FVPSA grant funds enable organizations to deliver a wide range of services. These services include outreach and education aimed at preventing family violence, emergency shelter for victims and their dependents, support groups,&nbsp;crisis intervention services, advocacy for obtaining protection from abuse orders, court accompaniment, and transportation assistance. The funding also supports initiatives to spread awareness to schools, communities, and families on how to stop violence before it begins.&nbsp;The SAVP grant funds provide critical funding to support children and families in need of supervised exchange or visitation services. They also enable programs to offer on-site as well as therapeutic supervision, monitored exchanges, referrals to additional resources, and educational parenting classes designed to strengthen family relationships.&nbsp;A total of $1,442,065 in FVPSA grant funds was awarded to 20 agencies. The Hutch Post area grantees include:Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force received&nbsp;$56,180 from the&nbsp;2025 Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Awards. BrightHouse received&nbsp;$59,159 from the same program. BrightHouse also received&nbsp;$18,519 from the&nbsp;2025 Federal State Access and Visitation Program.&nbsp;

Governor Kelly announces more than $1.5M for domestic violence survivors

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Have you been walking a road with someone who is experiencing mental illness?

The Mary Magdalene House at 72o1 East 4th in Hutchinson will be hosting a NAMI Family to Family support group on Monday evenings from Feb. 3 through March 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register online <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFYUzhpX4Cy7bJKjPNysz9BRqvjXZh5sEcMz_V2V5-UAudBw/viewform">here</a>.&nbsp;

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. 

NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment and recovery. 

The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their own well-being. The program is taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a mental health condition. 

NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program (EB). For information on the research base for the program, visit <a href="http://nami.org/research">nami.org/research</a>.

Dinner will be served at the Monday gatherings.

<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; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714184163739.jpeg" alt="NAMI Kansas" />
 <figcaption>NAMI Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Have you been walking a road with someone who is experiencing mental illness?The Mary Magdalene House at 72o1 East 4th in Hutchinson will be hosting a NAMI Family to Family support group on Monday evenings from Feb. 3 through March 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Register online <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFYUzhpX4Cy7bJKjPNysz9BRqvjXZh5sEcMz_V2V5-UAudBw/viewform">here</a>.&nbsp;NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment and recovery. The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their own well-being. The program is taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a mental health condition. NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program (EB). For information on the research base for the program, visit <a href="http://nami.org/research">nami.org/research</a>.Dinner will be served at the Monday gatherings.<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; &nbsp;

NAMI Family to Family group starts Feb. 3

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;

12/31/2024 12:26 AM-Theodia Jr. Bias-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

12/30/2024 10:39 AM-Robert Wayne Carter-In Transit From-To Other Agency; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body;&nbsp;Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

12/30/2024 8:52 AM-Mykle Charles Mitchell-Probation Violation

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;12/31/2024 12:26 AM-Theodia Jr. Bias-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+12/30/2024 10:39 AM-Robert Wayne Carter-In Transit From-To Other Agency; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body;&nbsp;Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant12/30/2024 8:52 AM-Mykle Charles Mitchell-Probation Violation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce told Hutch Post that the plan is still for the new Hilton Garden Inn to finish in 2025.

"The estimated timeline on it that I have heard is to be complete in June. I have not heard that time slip beyond June," Teufel said. "We were really hopeful to have it ready in March for the NJCAA tournament, but we also know that that's probably not practical, and so our best hope is June of 2025, it will be open."

Even once that is open, it only has about half as many rooms as the old Atrium Hotel had at its peak.

"I can't say we're actively in talks with any developer right now, but there are developers we had talked to previously, even before Raju made the site decision for the Hilton Garden Inn that I think still have interest in Hutchinson," Teufel said. "I think we get this one open, we prove that it's performing the way we think it will. I think we still need at least another 100, maybe 150 hotel rooms. So we'll keep marketing Hutchinson as an opportunity for that next hotel, certainly, and what's happening with the Atrium, I think that's going to clear that site for something for the future. That's going to be a little bit of a long-term because just the way that that project will go down. But I could see it in three to four years becoming a site for a new hotel as well."

Teufel doesn't expect Joshua Joseph to hold on to that asset long after the demolition is finished, if he can find a buyer.

"There will be some costs assessed to that site based on the teardown costs," Teufel said. "However, it's still an opportunity that the current property owner will have to market it, and I know he's not going to want to sit on that land. He knows that land still has value and it's probably more value after the demo because it's just set on such a marketable 61 corridor. So I think he will actively market it to try to recoup some of the demolition costs, and I expect maybe sooner than later, we'll see something there."

Joseph is in the midst of the demolition process at the Ambassador Hotel in Salina, as well, so he may have multiple properties to either offload or develop in the near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691675362709.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce told Hutch Post that the plan is still for the new Hilton Garden Inn to finish in 2025."The estimated timeline on it that I have heard is to be complete in June. I have not heard that time slip beyond June," Teufel said. "We were really hopeful to have it ready in March for the NJCAA tournament, but we also know that that's probably not practical, and so our best hope is June of 2025, it will be open."Even once that is open, it only has about half as many rooms as the old Atrium Hotel had at its peak."I can't say we're actively in talks with any developer right now, but there are developers we had talked to previously, even before Raju made the site decision for the Hilton Garden Inn that I think still have interest in Hutchinson," Teufel said. "I think we get this one open, we prove that it's performing the way we think it will. I think we still need at least another 100, maybe 150 hotel rooms. So we'll keep marketing Hutchinson as an opportunity for that next hotel, certainly, and what's happening with the Atrium, I think that's going to clear that site for something for the future. That's going to be a little bit of a long-term because just the way that that project will go down. But I could see it in three to four years becoming a site for a new hotel as well."Teufel doesn't expect Joshua Joseph to hold on to that asset long after the demolition is finished, if he can find a buyer."There will be some costs assessed to that site based on the teardown costs," Teufel said. "However, it's still an opportunity that the current property owner will have to market it, and I know he's not going to want to sit on that land. He knows that land still has value and it's probably more value after the demo because it's just set on such a marketable 61 corridor. So I think he will actively market it to try to recoup some of the demolition costs, and I expect maybe sooner than later, we'll see something there."Joseph is in the midst of the demolition process at the Ambassador Hotel in Salina, as well, so he may have multiple properties to either offload or develop in the near future.

Even with new hotel project finishing in 2025, more still needed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan Murray with NFIB-Kansas notes that his members are looking for property tax relief, and the 2025 Kansas Legislature will have to be careful about how it provides that help.

"The statewide mill levy is what you're referring to in terms of what is used to help fund K-12 education," Murray said. "They are able to reduce that, and they have done so in the past. It's at 20 mills in its current rate. It has been, I think, as high as 35 mills. Over time, they've reduced it, and they can do so again, but they have to strike a balance with funding the formula in a way that doesn't upset the apple cart with the Supreme Court. So they would have to do some state general fund transfers to make up for the property tax decrease at the statewide mill levy."

There are other policy provisions that can shine a light on the other levels of government that have more influence over property taxes.

"There was a statute that was passed and we modified it that did restrict what the local units of government could do in terms of raising property taxes, but they provided in that some language that gave them exceptions, for example, emergency police and fire infrastructure," Murray said. "It really didn't have the impact that we thought it might because they were able to kind of carve themselves out of it. That's where I think it's hard to pin down. I think ultimately, at the end of the day, it's important for voters at the local level to be involved and understand what their property taxes rates are doing and have their voice heard both at local meetings and at the voting booth."

The legislature is going to try to craft its own budget to counter that from the governor's office in 2025. It remains to be seen how that will change the final product.

"The Kansas House and Senate this off season created a legislative budget committee in a new process where they will attempt to create their own budget relative to what the governor presents to the legislature in January," Murray said. "What has been a customary practice is that the governor creates a budget, presents it to the legislature within of course, the 90 days of their session, they have to come up with a response to that budget through their appropriations process. They now are seeking to create their own budget apart from what the governor does. It's a hefty task and something they're kind of tipping their toe in the water on."

The Governor's State of the State message is scheduled for January 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600954270300.png" alt="National Federation of Independent Business " />
 <figcaption>National Federation of Independent Business </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan Murray with NFIB-Kansas notes that his members are looking for property tax relief, and the 2025 Kansas Legislature will have to be careful about how it provides that help."The statewide mill levy is what you're referring to in terms of what is used to help fund K-12 education," Murray said. "They are able to reduce that, and they have done so in the past. It's at 20 mills in its current rate. It has been, I think, as high as 35 mills. Over time, they've reduced it, and they can do so again, but they have to strike a balance with funding the formula in a way that doesn't upset the apple cart with the Supreme Court. So they would have to do some state general fund transfers to make up for the property tax decrease at the statewide mill levy."There are other policy provisions that can shine a light on the other levels of government that have more influence over property taxes."There was a statute that was passed and we modified it that did restrict what the local units of government could do in terms of raising property taxes, but they provided in that some language that gave them exceptions, for example, emergency police and fire infrastructure," Murray said. "It really didn't have the impact that we thought it might because they were able to kind of carve themselves out of it. That's where I think it's hard to pin down. I think ultimately, at the end of the day, it's important for voters at the local level to be involved and understand what their property taxes rates are doing and have their voice heard both at local meetings and at the voting booth."The legislature is going to try to craft its own budget to counter that from the governor's office in 2025. It remains to be seen how that will change the final product."The Kansas House and Senate this off season created a legislative budget committee in a new process where they will attempt to create their own budget relative to what the governor presents to the legislature in January," Murray said. "What has been a customary practice is that the governor creates a budget, presents it to the legislature within of course, the 90 days of their session, they have to come up with a response to that budget through their appropriations process. They now are seeking to create their own budget apart from what the governor does. It's a hefty task and something they're kind of tipping their toe in the water on."The Governor's State of the State message is scheduled for January 15.

Murray: State can give a little help with property tax

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Americans For Prosperity Legislative and Coalitions Director and Kansas Economist Michael Austin told Hutch Post that on December 13, the Kansas legislature got a grim holiday forecast. The state's nearly $2 billion surplus is set to vanish by 2029. Austin believes that the solution to that issue needs to come on both sides of the income and spending equation by implementing spending caps.

"Think of it like a financial thermostat for the government," Austin said. "Just like a thermostat might prevent your home from overheating, a spending cap can limit government budgets from spiraling out of control. It ties spending to sensible factors like inflation, population growth, private economic activity, all ensuring that the government lives within its means."

Other states have implemented such measures. As an example, the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, is a Colorado constitutional amendment that limits the amount of revenue that state and local governments can collect and spend.&nbsp;

"If a Kansas politician promises you more tax relief, you need to respond by asking them this, where is the spending cap? Because without it, any promise of tax relief is as empty as a government office on a Friday afternoon," Austin said. "You have to keep the golden rule of fiscal policy, which is the private sector must grow faster than government spending. If it doesn't, then that means meaningful tax relief will vanish and Kansas families and businesses will be left footing the bill for tomorrow's tax hikes."

Taxpayers across Kansas are seeking property tax relief, but much of that rests in the hands of more local entities, like cities, school boards and counties, rather than the state government. One thing the state can do, though, is continue to put downward pressure on income taxes.

"The legislature's actions last year ultimately ended with a compromise going from three income tax brackets to two, but by all means, I think we need to finish strong," Austin said. "It goes to show that even, you know, even if we are to pass a bill to lower income taxes, or even if we can pass a bill to lower property taxes, none of it will be sustainable unless we get a spending cap, unless we get a spending limit."

It's up to the 2025 Kansas Legislature to craft a spending limit that allows for vital government services to continue, while slowing or stopping overall spending growth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714067766426.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Americans For Prosperity Legislative and Coalitions Director and Kansas Economist Michael Austin told Hutch Post that on December 13, the Kansas legislature got a grim holiday forecast. The state's nearly $2 billion surplus is set to vanish by 2029. Austin believes that the solution to that issue needs to come on both sides of the income and spending equation by implementing spending caps."Think of it like a financial thermostat for the government," Austin said. "Just like a thermostat might prevent your home from overheating, a spending cap can limit government budgets from spiraling out of control. It ties spending to sensible factors like inflation, population growth, private economic activity, all ensuring that the government lives within its means."Other states have implemented such measures. As an example, the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, is a Colorado constitutional amendment that limits the amount of revenue that state and local governments can collect and spend.&nbsp;"If a Kansas politician promises you more tax relief, you need to respond by asking them this, where is the spending cap? Because without it, any promise of tax relief is as empty as a government office on a Friday afternoon," Austin said. "You have to keep the golden rule of fiscal policy, which is the private sector must grow faster than government spending. If it doesn't, then that means meaningful tax relief will vanish and Kansas families and businesses will be left footing the bill for tomorrow's tax hikes."Taxpayers across Kansas are seeking property tax relief, but much of that rests in the hands of more local entities, like cities, school boards and counties, rather than the state government. One thing the state can do, though, is continue to put downward pressure on income taxes."The legislature's actions last year ultimately ended with a compromise going from three income tax brackets to two, but by all means, I think we need to finish strong," Austin said. "It goes to show that even, you know, even if we are to pass a bill to lower income taxes, or even if we can pass a bill to lower property taxes, none of it will be sustainable unless we get a spending cap, unless we get a spending limit."It's up to the 2025 Kansas Legislature to craft a spending limit that allows for vital government services to continue, while slowing or stopping overall spending growth.

AFP staffer and economist wants to see spending caps

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;

12/30/2024 12:50 AM-Quinton	James Bower-Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises

12/30/2024 12:05 AM-David	Loren Imel-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

12/29/2024 10:23 PM-Wesley	Richard Wohlschlegel-Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; Reckless Driving

12/29/2024 9:53 PM-Russell	Alan Keeler Jr.-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

12/29/2024 7:23 PM-Davin	Lee Rose-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

12/29/2024 11:22 AM-Terri	Michelle Gonzales-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

12/29/2024 11:07 AM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;12/30/2024 12:50 AM-Quinton	James Bower-Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises12/30/2024 12:05 AM-David	Loren Imel-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;12/29/2024 10:23 PM-Wesley	Richard Wohlschlegel-Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; Reckless Driving12/29/2024 9:53 PM-Russell	Alan Keeler Jr.-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Failure to Appear&nbsp;12/29/2024 7:23 PM-Davin	Lee Rose-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;12/29/2024 11:22 AM-Terri	Michelle Gonzales-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,50012/29/2024 11:07 AM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

BOB KENYON Special to Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Net Zero home produces as much electricity as it consumes.

If you’ve been following this series, you have learned you need a solar system to get to Net Zero. You will need to optimize your envelope. If those steps fail to reach your goals, you’ll want to consider consuming less electricity.

While I’ve shared how to get to net zero, I’ve only insinuated why (why = pourquoi en français) you might seriously want to consider it. There are at least two reasons: One is to save money. If you don’t pay to heat or cool your house and charge your EV from your solar system, your budget is far more manageable. I haven't pumped gasoline since August. I charged for free at Midwest Ford then at my new house with the solar system. I’m driving on sunshine - And don't it feel good!

The second and personally far more important reason to be net zero, is to fight climate change, yup I went there. Pulling less electricity from the grid means the electric company will burn less coal and thus pump less carbon into the atmosphere. To the climate deniers, we’ll just have to agree to disagree. While there is a mountain of evidence that the climate is changing and that humans are the cause, I’ll focus on just a few things.

If you view the time lapse photography from NASA of the Arctic Sea ice cap from 1979 - 2022, you can see the ice cap reduce from 7 million square kilometers to 4 million square kilometers - nearly cut in half in just 43 years.

Source: <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/video-annual-arctic-sea-ice-minimum-1979-2022-with-area-graph/">https://science.nasa.gov/resource/video-annual-arctic-sea-ice-minimum-1979-2022-with-area-graph/</a>

Your response may be: who cares, it doesn't affect me that the ice caps are melting causing the oceans to rise. The folks in Miami might beg to differ. According to a University of Miami professor, Harold Wanless, about 60% of Miami-Dade County could be underwater by 2060. On the Grenadian island of Carriacou, even the dead are now climate victims, as graveyards are being swallowed by the sea.

Melting ice caps means the oceans are getting measurably warmer. Warmer oceans make hurricanes more powerful. Two massive hurricanes have caused enormous damage to our US Southeast a month or two back. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was very active and extremely destructive. The Atlantic hurricane season inflicted at least $220 billion in damages and 400 deaths. I recently bought homeowner’s insurance and the rates have gone through the roof (assuming you still have a roof). Rates are skyrocketing to cover the costs of these storms. We are all paying the price for this crisis. These hurricanes were rated “once in a thousand year” storms. Kinda makes you wonder why we had two once-in-a-thousand-year storms a month apart.

For my 50th birthday I went scuba diving off the coast of Belize at their stunning coral reef. The colors were magical pastels that spanned the pastel rainbow. I returned a couple years ago and saw the reef is now bleached white - nearly dead from the warmer water. Scientists in Australia are scrambling to create genetically modified reefs in aquariums to survive warmer water as the Great Barrier Reef is dying as well.

At the risk of sounding “preachy”, I feel that fighting climate change is part of my spiritual journey, a sacred obligation, if you will. At my church, we often pray: "Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory." from the Prayers of the People in the Book of Common Prayer.

“John 3:16 says that God loves the whole cosmos,” says Professor Copeland of Boston University, who directs the Faith and Ecological Justice Program, which helps students prepare to do faith-based ecological work. “And Genesis 1 repeatedly says that creation is very good. So, the idea that we can just destroy it, or use it up, or neglect it seems irreligious to me.”

As a Boy Scout many years ago, our mantra was that a campsite should always be left better than how we found it. Surely your parents instructed you to be a courteous guest when you visited friends or relatives. Shouldn’t we be courteous guests while on Earth?

In the words of Cat Stevens: “Oh very young, What will you leave us this time? You're only dancing on this Earth for a short while.” 

“If future generations are going to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave more than the miracles of modern technology, we must leave them with a glimpse of the world as it was when it was new,” President Lyndon B. Johnson, Wilderness Act 1964. 

Sir David Attenborough is credited as saying: “How could I look my grandchildren in the eye and say I knew what was happening to the world, and did nothing?”

Let’s leave our grandkids a habitable planet.

<a href="mailto:BobKenyon@gmail.com">BobKenyon@gmail.com</a>

● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/babd9a2b-58cc-49ad-b60c-0b1a9267c84b">What I Learned in First Two Months of EV Ownership</a>

● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/44660603-db16-46b7-839b-e0711869eabd">Did I just buy a Net Zero House?</a>

● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/420e2432-973a-4e26-b036-e6e3b120a21fc">Net Zero: Optimize Your Envelope</a>

● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/814217c0-0ac6-4533-82e0-0184495ab78f">Net Zero: Solar 101</a>

● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3e228509-7434-4553-95bb-9381c0f9ee3b">Net Zero: Consume Less</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729690809614.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOB KENYON Special to Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Net Zero home produces as much electricity as it consumes.If you’ve been following this series, you have learned you need a solar system to get to Net Zero. You will need to optimize your envelope. If those steps fail to reach your goals, you’ll want to consider consuming less electricity.While I’ve shared how to get to net zero, I’ve only insinuated why (why = pourquoi en français) you might seriously want to consider it. There are at least two reasons: One is to save money. If you don’t pay to heat or cool your house and charge your EV from your solar system, your budget is far more manageable. I haven't pumped gasoline since August. I charged for free at Midwest Ford then at my new house with the solar system. I’m driving on sunshine - And don't it feel good!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735217243755.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Bob Kenyon" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Bob Kenyon</figcaption>
 </figure>The second and personally far more important reason to be net zero, is to fight climate change, yup I went there. Pulling less electricity from the grid means the electric company will burn less coal and thus pump less carbon into the atmosphere. To the climate deniers, we’ll just have to agree to disagree. While there is a mountain of evidence that the climate is changing and that humans are the cause, I’ll focus on just a few things.If you view the time lapse photography from NASA of the Arctic Sea ice cap from 1979 - 2022, you can see the ice cap reduce from 7 million square kilometers to 4 million square kilometers - nearly cut in half in just 43 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735217368153.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Source: <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/video-annual-arctic-sea-ice-minimum-1979-2022-with-area-graph/">https://science.nasa.gov/resource/video-annual-arctic-sea-ice-minimum-1979-2022-with-area-graph/</a>Your response may be: who cares, it doesn't affect me that the ice caps are melting causing the oceans to rise. The folks in Miami might beg to differ. According to a University of Miami professor, Harold Wanless, about 60% of Miami-Dade County could be underwater by 2060. On the Grenadian island of Carriacou, even the dead are now climate victims, as graveyards are being swallowed by the sea.Melting ice caps means the oceans are getting measurably warmer. Warmer oceans make hurricanes more powerful. Two massive hurricanes have caused enormous damage to our US Southeast a month or two back. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was very active and extremely destructive. The Atlantic hurricane season inflicted at least $220 billion in damages and 400 deaths. I recently bought homeowner’s insurance and the rates have gone through the roof (assuming you still have a roof). Rates are skyrocketing to cover the costs of these storms. We are all paying the price for this crisis. These hurricanes were rated “once in a thousand year” storms. Kinda makes you wonder why we had two once-in-a-thousand-year storms a month apart.For my 50th birthday I went scuba diving off the coast of Belize at their stunning coral reef. The colors were magical pastels that spanned the pastel rainbow. I returned a couple years ago and saw the reef is now bleached white - nearly dead from the warmer water. Scientists in Australia are scrambling to create genetically modified reefs in aquariums to survive warmer water as the Great Barrier Reef is dying as well.At the risk of sounding “preachy”, I feel that fighting climate change is part of my spiritual journey, a sacred obligation, if you will. At my church, we often pray: "Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory." from the Prayers of the People in the Book of Common Prayer.“John 3:16 says that God loves the whole cosmos,” says Professor Copeland of Boston University, who directs the Faith and Ecological Justice Program, which helps students prepare to do faith-based ecological work. “And Genesis 1 repeatedly says that creation is very good. So, the idea that we can just destroy it, or use it up, or neglect it seems irreligious to me.”As a Boy Scout many years ago, our mantra was that a campsite should always be left better than how we found it. Surely your parents instructed you to be a courteous guest when you visited friends or relatives. Shouldn’t we be courteous guests while on Earth?In the words of Cat Stevens: “Oh very young, What will you leave us this time? You're only dancing on this Earth for a short while.” “If future generations are going to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave more than the miracles of modern technology, we must leave them with a glimpse of the world as it was when it was new,” President Lyndon B. Johnson, Wilderness Act 1964. Sir David Attenborough is credited as saying: “How could I look my grandchildren in the eye and say I knew what was happening to the world, and did nothing?”Let’s leave our grandkids a habitable planet.Comments? Questions? Drop me a line.<a href="mailto:BobKenyon@gmail.com">BobKenyon@gmail.com</a>Previous articles:● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/babd9a2b-58cc-49ad-b60c-0b1a9267c84b">What I Learned in First Two Months of EV Ownership</a>● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/44660603-db16-46b7-839b-e0711869eabd">Did I just buy a Net Zero House?</a>● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/420e2432-973a-4e26-b036-e6e3b120a21fc">Net Zero: Optimize Your Envelope</a>● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/814217c0-0ac6-4533-82e0-0184495ab78f">Net Zero: Solar 101</a>● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3e228509-7434-4553-95bb-9381c0f9ee3b">Net Zero: Consume Less</a>

Net Zero: Pourquoi?

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Graciela Medina, a junior at Hutchinson High School, was named the 2025 Hutchinson Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year at their banquet earlier this month.

"I was shocked," Medina said. "I was excited, but shocked, you know. So now that I just have to think about what's ahead of me and what I have to kind of get myself ready for, so it'll be fun."

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys &amp; Girls Club member can receive. Medina wants to do two big things after high school.

"I want to enlist into the military," Medina said. "I think that'll be a really big challenge for me, and I want to attend school for athletic training as well. I think just doing the military and attending school will be really tough for me."

She's hoping to be able to help kids like her stay healthy and active.

"I've always enjoyed sports my whole life," Medina said. "I've always been an athletic girl wanting to be on the field, on the court. For me to not pursue my passion for soccer after high school, I think being able to be on the sideline, it would still make me feel part of like the, I guess like athletic whole thing."

Medina gains a $1,000 scholarship for the win, thanks to Heartland Credit Union. She's also headed to the Kansas Youth of the Year competition in the spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733480402646.jpeg" alt="Graciela Medina is the 2025 Youth of the Year. Image Courtesy Hutchinson Boys and Girls Club." />
 <figcaption>Graciela Medina is the 2025 Youth of the Year. Image Courtesy Hutchinson Boys and Girls Club.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Graciela Medina, a junior at Hutchinson High School, was named the 2025 Hutchinson Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year at their banquet earlier this month."I was shocked," Medina said. "I was excited, but shocked, you know. So now that I just have to think about what's ahead of me and what I have to kind of get myself ready for, so it'll be fun."Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys &amp; Girls Club member can receive. Medina wants to do two big things after high school."I want to enlist into the military," Medina said. "I think that'll be a really big challenge for me, and I want to attend school for athletic training as well. I think just doing the military and attending school will be really tough for me."She's hoping to be able to help kids like her stay healthy and active."I've always enjoyed sports my whole life," Medina said. "I've always been an athletic girl wanting to be on the field, on the court. For me to not pursue my passion for soccer after high school, I think being able to be on the sideline, it would still make me feel part of like the, I guess like athletic whole thing."Medina gains a $1,000 scholarship for the win, thanks to Heartland Credit Union. She's also headed to the Kansas Youth of the Year competition in the spring.