HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Laura Meyer Dick talked to Hutch Post about the Landmark project. She explained that there are Moderate Income Housing tax credits on a part of it.

"Twenty-four of our 36 apartments will have an income range on it," Meyer-Dick said. "In Hutchinson, it's middle class, moderate income. Young professionals, they want to live in the cool, redeveloped, old buildings. I have three daughters in their 20s, and that's where they like to live. So that is one piece of the capital stack. So then we have 12 market rate apartments, but the rent will pretty much be, the guidelines for moderate income rent are pretty much market rate in Hutchinson. So there won't be a lot of difference in the rent. You won't be able to tell which apartments are which."

"The northwest corner, we got a heritage trust fund grant for that," Meyer-Dick said.&nbsp; "That is the only part of the building that has got some stabilization issues. I had that checked out before we bought it, so we're gonna try it. Ward Davis is starting that project hopefully in the next couple weeks to shore up that corner. We may not be able to finish that project till spring because of the masonry and the temperatures. Kind of depends on what our temperatures are. I say the project's getting ready to start because there is a porta potty on the property now. As far as the major demo and construction, that will start late winter, early spring."

The bottom floor is part of the new STAR Bond district and it will have retail.

"I'm hoping to get a restaurant," Meyer-Dick said. "If anybody is interested in opening a restaurant in Hutchinson, Kansas that's listening to us, reach out and contact me. In the front, I'd like to have a restaurant. That's what we're white boxing it out to be, just setting it up as a restaurant so there's space for the kitchen. We'll have the utilities already there with the building construction to build out a kitchen on the northeast side of the main floor. We could divide that. If we can't get a restaurant, we could divide that into two retail spaces for something else. Or if we have a small coffee shop that wants to go in there, we could do a coffee shop and a retail. And then on Fifth Street, past the lobby, the door on Fifth Street will be the lobby to the apartments. There will be two retail spaces behind that, and then we hope to have a speakeasy. There's actually a door off the alley and there's a pretty cool space back there. It's filled with junk right now and we can't see exactly what it is back there. We'll have to get that out during demo, but we hope to have a speakeasy in the alley."

The hope is to finish the renovation and be able to use the building by the fall of 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709728775181.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Laura Meyer Dick talked to Hutch Post about the Landmark project. She explained that there are Moderate Income Housing tax credits on a part of it."Twenty-four of our 36 apartments will have an income range on it," Meyer-Dick said. "In Hutchinson, it's middle class, moderate income. Young professionals, they want to live in the cool, redeveloped, old buildings. I have three daughters in their 20s, and that's where they like to live. So that is one piece of the capital stack. So then we have 12 market rate apartments, but the rent will pretty much be, the guidelines for moderate income rent are pretty much market rate in Hutchinson. So there won't be a lot of difference in the rent. You won't be able to tell which apartments are which."Work will actually start really soon."The northwest corner, we got a heritage trust fund grant for that," Meyer-Dick said.&nbsp; "That is the only part of the building that has got some stabilization issues. I had that checked out before we bought it, so we're gonna try it. Ward Davis is starting that project hopefully in the next couple weeks to shore up that corner. We may not be able to finish that project till spring because of the masonry and the temperatures. Kind of depends on what our temperatures are. I say the project's getting ready to start because there is a porta potty on the property now. As far as the major demo and construction, that will start late winter, early spring."The bottom floor is part of the new STAR Bond district and it will have retail."I'm hoping to get a restaurant," Meyer-Dick said. "If anybody is interested in opening a restaurant in Hutchinson, Kansas that's listening to us, reach out and contact me. In the front, I'd like to have a restaurant. That's what we're white boxing it out to be, just setting it up as a restaurant so there's space for the kitchen. We'll have the utilities already there with the building construction to build out a kitchen on the northeast side of the main floor. We could divide that. If we can't get a restaurant, we could divide that into two retail spaces for something else. Or if we have a small coffee shop that wants to go in there, we could do a coffee shop and a retail. And then on Fifth Street, past the lobby, the door on Fifth Street will be the lobby to the apartments. There will be two retail spaces behind that, and then we hope to have a speakeasy. There's actually a door off the alley and there's a pretty cool space back there. It's filled with junk right now and we can't see exactly what it is back there. We'll have to get that out during demo, but we hope to have a speakeasy in the alley."The hope is to finish the renovation and be able to use the building by the fall of 2026.

Landmark project will see first steps this month

INMAN, Kan. — Pleasant View Home in Inman is holding their Gift Day on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Inman Community Building and the Pleasant View Home Chapel.

They will be serving Chili, Chicken Noodle Soup and Cinnamon Rolls from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Raffle tickets are also available <a href="https://www.pleasantviewhome.com/2024-gift-day-raffle/">online</a>&nbsp;through Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698692997266.jpeg" alt="Pleasant View Home" />
 <figcaption>Pleasant View Home</figcaption>
 </figure>INMAN, Kan. — Pleasant View Home in Inman is holding their Gift Day on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Inman Community Building and the Pleasant View Home Chapel.They will be serving Chili, Chicken Noodle Soup and Cinnamon Rolls from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.Raffle tickets are also available <a href="https://www.pleasantviewhome.com/2024-gift-day-raffle/">online</a>&nbsp;through Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.&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;

Pleasant View Home Gift Day Thursday

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;

11/5/2024 2:40 AM-Christopher	Lee Jamison-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Bodyl Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway

11/5/2024 1:37 AM-Levi	Charles Trammell-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

11/4/2024 5:25 PM-Dirk	Jacob Kukula-Probation Violation; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

11/4/2024 4:10 PM-Leroy	Cornelius Paige Jr.-Probation Violation

11/4/2024 4:09 PM-Justin	Howard Richardson-Probation Violation&nbsp;

11/4/2024 3:10 PM-Harvey	D Nisly-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

11/4/2024 11:40 AM-Mahlorie	Ann Hunter Antonio-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; &nbsp;&nbsp;11/5/2024 2:40 AM-Christopher	Lee Jamison-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Bodyl Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway11/5/2024 1:37 AM-Levi	Charles Trammell-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;11/4/2024 5:25 PM-Dirk	Jacob Kukula-Probation Violation; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body11/4/2024 4:10 PM-Leroy	Cornelius Paige Jr.-Probation Violation11/4/2024 4:09 PM-Justin	Howard Richardson-Probation Violation&nbsp;11/4/2024 3:10 PM-Harvey	D Nisly-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;11/4/2024 11:40 AM-Mahlorie	Ann Hunter Antonio-Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With advance voting closing at noon, the numbers heading into Monday were quite significant in Reno County.

"On Saturday, we actually processed 671 voters in four hours," said Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "It was amazing. Currently we have 9,613 people that have come in and early voted."

If you haven't looked at your ballot yet, you can still do that online.

"What you'll do is you'll go to <a href="http://voteks.gov">voteks.gov</a>, and you'll click on the link that says voter view. You'll just put in your name and your date of birth, and that'll bring up all of your districts. You can look at your ballot. It's the exact ballot that you're going to get at the polling location, and check out and see what's going to be on your ballot."

Fager doesn't even want to guess a turnout number at this point.

"I couldn't tell you what it's going to be this election," Fager said. "It's been record numbers, for sure. I mean, I can tell you, I think we're still going to have lines at the polls, hopefully not too long. The wait time shouldn't be terrible, because we have tried to divide them up pretty well, but yeah, I honestly could not tell you for sure. I know it's going to be a record breaker."

Fager said turnout was 71% for the 2020 Presidential race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712114185032.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With advance voting closing at noon, the numbers heading into Monday were quite significant in Reno County."On Saturday, we actually processed 671 voters in four hours," said Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "It was amazing. Currently we have 9,613 people that have come in and early voted."If you haven't looked at your ballot yet, you can still do that online."What you'll do is you'll go to <a href="http://voteks.gov">voteks.gov</a>, and you'll click on the link that says voter view. You'll just put in your name and your date of birth, and that'll bring up all of your districts. You can look at your ballot. It's the exact ballot that you're going to get at the polling location, and check out and see what's going to be on your ballot."Fager doesn't even want to guess a turnout number at this point."I couldn't tell you what it's going to be this election," Fager said. "It's been record numbers, for sure. I mean, I can tell you, I think we're still going to have lines at the polls, hopefully not too long. The wait time shouldn't be terrible, because we have tried to divide them up pretty well, but yeah, I honestly could not tell you for sure. I know it's going to be a record breaker."Fager said turnout was 71% for the 2020 Presidential race.

Advance voting heavy, turnout expected to be large

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson is still taking applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance.

"We are doing in-person applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to noon," said Major Paul James with the Salvation Army. "The United Way is going to be doing a holiday hub at the library on November 19. I&nbsp;think it's from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and so we'll be doing in-person applications then, and that's for the folks that have a hard time with technology."

Project Concern with KWBW radio kicks off Monday and runs through the Monday before Thanksgiving. 2024 is the 31st year of Project Concern. KWBW has raised nearly a half-million dollars over the years for Thanksgiving meals.

If you want to give, listeners can simply come to the EAGLE Media studios during the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Your generous donations can be made in the form of cash or check, credit cards cannot be accepted.

Also, a portion of the money goes to Friendship Meals and the Christian Soup Ministry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637628961979.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army in Hutchinson is still taking applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance."We are doing in-person applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to noon," said Major Paul James with the Salvation Army. "The United Way is going to be doing a holiday hub at the library on November 19. I&nbsp;think it's from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and so we'll be doing in-person applications then, and that's for the folks that have a hard time with technology."Project Concern with KWBW radio kicks off Monday and runs through the Monday before Thanksgiving. 2024 is the 31st year of Project Concern. KWBW has raised nearly a half-million dollars over the years for Thanksgiving meals.If you want to give, listeners can simply come to the EAGLE Media studios during the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Your generous donations can be made in the form of cash or check, credit cards cannot be accepted.Also, a portion of the money goes to Friendship Meals and the Christian Soup Ministry.

Project Concern kicks off, Thanksgiving applications still being taken

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the major announcement of a new Evergy power plant coming to Reno County in 2030, Hutch Post talked to Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce about how the deal came together.

"It has been no secret over the last couple of years that Evergy's economic development team has seen a heightened number of projects coming, looking at Kansas," Teufel said. "Evergy has had to look at every one of those with a fine tooth comb and say, can we use the limited amount of capacity that they have left in their system for us to compete for projects? It was just very fortunate that as we started about three years ago trying to put together a plan for how we acquire a large site and what ingredients that site has, that we started conversation about the site that we currently are developing on K-96, which is not the site where Evergy located. But it was, I feel like it was, the catalyst to get things started because as we started site acquisition and started looking at highway access, rail access, gas access, but also electric and water utility access, we started seeing a pipeline of projects that required more power than I had ever seen on projects in my life, and I've been doing this for about 25 years."

Once Evergy understood the future power needs of any industry that might come to Kansas, they knew they needed to get regulations worked on in Topeka to get things moving in a positive direction.

"They called us in our February, March timeframe and said they were going to be working on some legislation, and they needed legislative support," Teufel said. "They were lining up legislators to support a bill that they were taking through the process, and so we were in Topeka and had good conversations with our local legislators who were very supportive of the bill. I think that really led to them seeing Hutchinson and Reno County are all in lockstep together to try to move the needle on economic development. Paul Waggoner, Jason Probst, Michael Murphy, but also in particular Joe Seiwert, were all very supportive of the bill that Evergy took forward. In fact, I think Joe spoke for it on the floor of the House, and so as they continued getting that bill through the legislature, through both the House and Senate, once that happened, I got a call from another member of the Evergy team. They said, please provide us a little bit more information about the sites where we could build. So their site selection folks called in April shortly after the legislation was passed."

Ultimately, this resulted in an Evergy site tour in July.

"Many of us were under NDAs at that point," Teufel said. "The good thing was we had already assembled a strong team of what we're calling the K-96 steering committee, and that steering committee is helping guide discussion around how we deliver utilities to the K-96 site. It's made up of folks from the county, as well as South Hutchinson and Hutchinson. When Evergy scheduled a visit here in the first week of July, we were able to have all of those parties around the table so that when Evergy was here, a lot of the questions about just the philosophy of this community and how we're going to deliver water and wastewater services to sites to the south of Highway 50 could all come together in a way that people could provide at least theoretical answers and talk about some volumes that are available. When Evergy came in July, they brought a team, we had a meeting at the chamber and Evergy then divulged a little bit more information about those requirements for what their own utility needs would be."

Because the new plant is a natural gas plant, they needed pipeline access for a site and that's ultimately why they chose land at the corner of McNew and Morgan, near South Hutchinson. Then it was time for the Chamber to work on getting control of the land.

"Growth, Inc. actually took the option out and then there was the ability that that option could be assigned," Teufel said. "Then we have subsequently just immediately after assigned the option to Evergy. So they have a two-year option agreement and they can do their due diligence."

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the plant coming on the system in 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729598068277.png" alt="A rendering of the proposed Hutchinson 705 MW Evergy Plant. Image Courtesy Evergy." />
 <figcaption>A rendering of the proposed Hutchinson 705 MW Evergy Plant. Image Courtesy Evergy.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the major announcement of a new Evergy power plant coming to Reno County in 2030, Hutch Post talked to Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce about how the deal came together."It has been no secret over the last couple of years that Evergy's economic development team has seen a heightened number of projects coming, looking at Kansas," Teufel said. "Evergy has had to look at every one of those with a fine tooth comb and say, can we use the limited amount of capacity that they have left in their system for us to compete for projects? It was just very fortunate that as we started about three years ago trying to put together a plan for how we acquire a large site and what ingredients that site has, that we started conversation about the site that we currently are developing on K-96, which is not the site where Evergy located. But it was, I feel like it was, the catalyst to get things started because as we started site acquisition and started looking at highway access, rail access, gas access, but also electric and water utility access, we started seeing a pipeline of projects that required more power than I had ever seen on projects in my life, and I've been doing this for about 25 years."Once Evergy understood the future power needs of any industry that might come to Kansas, they knew they needed to get regulations worked on in Topeka to get things moving in a positive direction."They called us in our February, March timeframe and said they were going to be working on some legislation, and they needed legislative support," Teufel said. "They were lining up legislators to support a bill that they were taking through the process, and so we were in Topeka and had good conversations with our local legislators who were very supportive of the bill. I think that really led to them seeing Hutchinson and Reno County are all in lockstep together to try to move the needle on economic development. Paul Waggoner, Jason Probst, Michael Murphy, but also in particular Joe Seiwert, were all very supportive of the bill that Evergy took forward. In fact, I think Joe spoke for it on the floor of the House, and so as they continued getting that bill through the legislature, through both the House and Senate, once that happened, I got a call from another member of the Evergy team. They said, please provide us a little bit more information about the sites where we could build. So their site selection folks called in April shortly after the legislation was passed."Ultimately, this resulted in an Evergy site tour in July."Many of us were under NDAs at that point," Teufel said. "The good thing was we had already assembled a strong team of what we're calling the K-96 steering committee, and that steering committee is helping guide discussion around how we deliver utilities to the K-96 site. It's made up of folks from the county, as well as South Hutchinson and Hutchinson. When Evergy scheduled a visit here in the first week of July, we were able to have all of those parties around the table so that when Evergy was here, a lot of the questions about just the philosophy of this community and how we're going to deliver water and wastewater services to sites to the south of Highway 50 could all come together in a way that people could provide at least theoretical answers and talk about some volumes that are available. When Evergy came in July, they brought a team, we had a meeting at the chamber and Evergy then divulged a little bit more information about those requirements for what their own utility needs would be."Because the new plant is a natural gas plant, they needed pipeline access for a site and that's ultimately why they chose land at the corner of McNew and Morgan, near South Hutchinson. Then it was time for the Chamber to work on getting control of the land."Growth, Inc. actually took the option out and then there was the ability that that option could be assigned," Teufel said. "Then we have subsequently just immediately after assigned the option to Evergy. So they have a two-year option agreement and they can do their due diligence."Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the plant coming on the system in 2030.

Evergy plant deal was right place, right time

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly believes that Medicaid expansion is still something that needs to be done and she wants to do everything she can to make sure it happens before she leaves Cedar Crest. She spoke about that in an interview with Hutch Post last week.

"We have Republican leadership in both the House and in the Senate that is somewhat extreme and ideological, still living sort of in the past when there was so much contention around the original Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, as many people call it," Kelly said. "That's been in place now for over ten years. Forty five million people are part of that, and it is long past time for Kansas to pass Medicaid expansion."

The numbers in support of Medicaid expansion in Kansas are still strong.&nbsp; According to the latest Kansas Speaks survey from Fort Hays State University released in October, support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas in 2024 continues to be at about 70 percent, and 51 percent of the respondents felt the issue was highly or extremely important as they decide who gets their vote to represent them in the Kansas Legislature, compared to 8 percent who felt the issue was not important at all.

"We have now sent over $7 billion of Kansas taxpayer dollars to Washington, D.C. to be distributed to other states that have expanded Medicaid," Kelly said. "We need to bring that back home. In those 10 years plus, all of the states around Kansas have expanded Medicaid, so not only are we bleeding money, we're bleeding our health care workers who are moving across state lines to work in Nebraska or Oklahoma, Missouri or Colorado, because there they can get reimbursed for their services."

This is one of the reasons it is important to her that Democrats gain as many legislative seats as they can, in an effort to break the Republican supermajorities in Topeka.&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>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly believes that Medicaid expansion is still something that needs to be done and she wants to do everything she can to make sure it happens before she leaves Cedar Crest. She spoke about that in an interview with Hutch Post last week."We have Republican leadership in both the House and in the Senate that is somewhat extreme and ideological, still living sort of in the past when there was so much contention around the original Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, as many people call it," Kelly said. "That's been in place now for over ten years. Forty five million people are part of that, and it is long past time for Kansas to pass Medicaid expansion."The numbers in support of Medicaid expansion in Kansas are still strong.&nbsp; According to the latest Kansas Speaks survey from Fort Hays State University released in October, support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas in 2024 continues to be at about 70 percent, and 51 percent of the respondents felt the issue was highly or extremely important as they decide who gets their vote to represent them in the Kansas Legislature, compared to 8 percent who felt the issue was not important at all."We have now sent over $7 billion of Kansas taxpayer dollars to Washington, D.C. to be distributed to other states that have expanded Medicaid," Kelly said. "We need to bring that back home. In those 10 years plus, all of the states around Kansas have expanded Medicaid, so not only are we bleeding money, we're bleeding our health care workers who are moving across state lines to work in Nebraska or Oklahoma, Missouri or Colorado, because there they can get reimbursed for their services."This is one of the reasons it is important to her that Democrats gain as many legislative seats as they can, in an effort to break the Republican supermajorities in Topeka.&nbsp;

Medicaid expansion remains a goal for Governor

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton sent a letter in October to businesses in Reno County that sell products that may or may not contain THC. Stanton provided Hutch Post a copy of that letter. It is quoted below.

It has come to my attention that businesses in Reno County may be marketing or selling products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in violation of Kansas law.

K.S.A. 2-3908(a) defines several hemp products that are per se illegal to manufacture, market, sell, or distribute by any person in the state of Kansas. Those products include the following: cigarettes containing industrial hemp; cigars containing industrial hemp; chew, dip or other smokeless material containing industrial hemp; teas containing industrial hemp; liquids, solids or gasses containing industrial hemp for use in vaporizing devices; and other generally defined products. To be clear, this includes any vape cartridge containing any amount of THC. I have included a copy of the statute with this letter.

This letter is intended to be a reminder to those businesses or private individuals that the manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of these items is unlawful and that anyone violating the statute is subject to prosecution under the statute. The Reno County District Attorney's Office will prosecute any business or individual found to be selling these items in contravention of the statute.

It is the responsibility of any person attempting to manufacture, market, sell or distribute any item containing THC to be aware of the restrictions placed on these activities in relation to industrial hemp. K.S.A. 2-3908(b) also restricts these activities as to other products unless the person engaging in the manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of the listed items is properly licensed under Kansas law.

Any business or person violating subsection (b) of the statute will also be prosecuted.

Finally, the Kansas Attorney General issued a legal opinion in December 2021 regarding the legality the distribution of a cannabinoid known as "Delta-8" or "Delta-8 THC" in Kansas. That Attorney General's opinion can be found at AGO 2021-004 (ks.gov). In that opinion, the Kansas Attorney General determined that Delta-8 THC is a schedule one controlled substance and is unlawful to possess or sell in the state of Kansas. The only exception to this determination is when the product containing the Delta-8 THC is (1) made from industrial hemp, and (2) if made from industrial hemp, it must contain no more than 0.3% total tetrahydrocannabinols. Any product containing Delta-8 THC that does not fit this definition is per se illegal, and the manufacture, marketing, sale, distribution, or possession of such a product is illegal under the Kansas uniform controlled substances act, K.S.A. 21-5701, et seq. Violation of the provisions of these statutes will subject the business or person committing the violations to criminal prosecution.

2-3908. Unlawful hemp products; penalties; exceptions. (a) (1) It shall be unlawful for any of the following hemp products to be manufactured, marketed, sold or distributed by any person in the state of Kansas: 

(A) Cigarettes containing industrial hemp; 

(C) chew, dip or other smokeless material containing industrial hemp; 

(E) liquids, solids or gases containing industrial hemp for use in vaporizing devices; and 

(F) any other hemp product intended for human or animal consumption containing any ingredient derived from industrial hemp that is prohibited pursuant to the Kansas food, drug and cosmetic act, K.S.A. 65-636 et seq., and amendments thereto, and the commercial feeding stuffs act, K.S.A. 2-1001 et seq., and amendments thereto. This subparagraph shall not otherwise prohibit the use of any such ingredient, including cannabidiol oil, in such hemp products. 

(A) "Human or animal consumption" means: 

(ii) applied by any means such that an ingredient derived from industrial hemp enters the human or animal body. 

(B) "Intended for human or animal consumption" means: 

(i) Designed by the manufacturer for human or animal consumption; 

(ii) marketed for human or animal consumption; or 

(iii) distributed with the intent that it be used for human or animal consumption. 

(b) (1) It shall be unlawful for any of the following hemp products to be marketed, sold or distributed to any person in Kansas who is not registered as a hemp processor pursuant to K.S.A. 2-3907, and amendments thereto, or who does not possess a license by the Kansas department of agriculture under any commercial plan established pursuant to K.S.A. 2-3906, and amendments thereto, or the research program established pursuant to K.S.A. 2-3902, and amendments thereto: 

(B) ground industrial hemp floral material; 

(C) ground industrial hemp leaf material; or 

(D) any extract from industrial hemp with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration greater than 0.3% that will be further processed. 

(2) No license or registration shall be required for the transport of hemp products described in paragraph (1) if such products are transported between hemp producers and hemp processors or between more than one hemp processor. Any such transportation of hemp products shall be subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the state fire marshal pursuant to this act. 

(c) (1) Upon a first conviction for a violation of subsection (a), a person shall be guilty of a class B nonperson misdemeanor. 

(2) Upon a second conviction for a violation of subsection (a), a person shall be guilty of a class A nonperson misdemeanor. 

(3) Upon a third conviction for a violation of subsection (a), a person shall be guilty of lrvrl 5 drug felony. 

(14) Upon a first conviction for a violation of this subsection (b), a person shall be guilty of a class A nonperson misdemeanor. 

(25) On a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this subsection (b), a person shall be guilty of a severity level 9, nonperson felony. 

(6) Violations of subsection (b) are exempted from prosecution under K.S.A. 5705 and/or K.S.A. 21-5706 and amendments thereto and shall not be considered identical offenses will as to any crime pursuant to K.S.A. 21-5701, et seq. for purposes of sentencing. 

(d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: 

(1) The use of any hemp product for research purposes by a state educational institution or affiliated entity; or 

(2) the production, use or sale of any hemp product that is otherwise not prohibited by state or federal law. 

(e) This section shall be a part of and supplemental to the commercial industrial hemp act, K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq., and amendments thereto. 

History: L. 2019, ch. 37, § 5; L. 2021, ch. 76, § 6; April 29.

Stanton told Hutch Post in a telephone conversation that his intent is simply to make everyone aware of the statute. He just wants all businesses selling vape products or other potential delivery systems for THC to be on a level and statutorily compliant playing field. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681236322749.jpeg" alt="Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton speaks to the Board of County Commissioners April 11, 2023-File Photo by Sandra Milburn" />
 <figcaption>Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton speaks to the Board of County Commissioners April 11, 2023-File Photo by Sandra Milburn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton sent a letter in October to businesses in Reno County that sell products that may or may not contain THC. Stanton provided Hutch Post a copy of that letter. It is quoted below.It has come to my attention that businesses in Reno County may be marketing or selling products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in violation of Kansas law. K.S.A. 2-3908(a) defines several hemp products that are per se illegal to manufacture, market, sell, or distribute by any person in the state of Kansas. Those products include the following: cigarettes containing industrial hemp; cigars containing industrial hemp; chew, dip or other smokeless material containing industrial hemp; teas containing industrial hemp; liquids, solids or gasses containing industrial hemp for use in vaporizing devices; and other generally defined products. To be clear, this includes any vape cartridge containing any amount of THC. I have included a copy of the statute with this letter. This letter is intended to be a reminder to those businesses or private individuals that the manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of these items is unlawful and that anyone violating the statute is subject to prosecution under the statute. The Reno County District Attorney's Office will prosecute any business or individual found to be selling these items in contravention of the statute. It is the responsibility of any person attempting to manufacture, market, sell or distribute any item containing THC to be aware of the restrictions placed on these activities in relation to industrial hemp. K.S.A. 2-3908(b) also restricts these activities as to other products unless the person engaging in the manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of the listed items is properly licensed under Kansas law. Any business or person violating subsection (b) of the statute will also be prosecuted. Finally, the Kansas Attorney General issued a legal opinion in December 2021 regarding the legality the distribution of a cannabinoid known as "Delta-8" or "Delta-8 THC" in Kansas. That Attorney General's opinion can be found at AGO 2021-004 (ks.gov). In that opinion, the Kansas Attorney General determined that Delta-8 THC is a schedule one controlled substance and is unlawful to possess or sell in the state of Kansas. The only exception to this determination is when the product containing the Delta-8 THC is (1) made from industrial hemp, and (2) if made from industrial hemp, it must contain no more than 0.3% total tetrahydrocannabinols. Any product containing Delta-8 THC that does not fit this definition is per se illegal, and the manufacture, marketing, sale, distribution, or possession of such a product is illegal under the Kansas uniform controlled substances act, K.S.A. 21-5701, et seq. Violation of the provisions of these statutes will subject the business or person committing the violations to criminal prosecution.The relevant statute is below.2-3908. Unlawful hemp products; penalties; exceptions. (a) (1) It shall be unlawful for any of the following hemp products to be manufactured, marketed, sold or distributed by any person in the state of Kansas: (A) Cigarettes containing industrial hemp; (B) cigars containing industrial hemp; (C) chew, dip or other smokeless material containing industrial hemp; (D) teas containing industrial hemp; (E) liquids, solids or gases containing industrial hemp for use in vaporizing devices; and (F) any other hemp product intended for human or animal consumption containing any ingredient derived from industrial hemp that is prohibited pursuant to the Kansas food, drug and cosmetic act, K.S.A. 65-636 et seq., and amendments thereto, and the commercial feeding stuffs act, K.S.A. 2-1001 et seq., and amendments thereto. This subparagraph shall not otherwise prohibit the use of any such ingredient, including cannabidiol oil, in such hemp products. (2) As used in this subsection: (A) "Human or animal consumption" means: (i) Ingested orally; or (ii) applied by any means such that an ingredient derived from industrial hemp enters the human or animal body. (B) "Intended for human or animal consumption" means: (i) Designed by the manufacturer for human or animal consumption; (ii) marketed for human or animal consumption; or (iii) distributed with the intent that it be used for human or animal consumption. (b) (1) It shall be unlawful for any of the following hemp products to be marketed, sold or distributed to any person in Kansas who is not registered as a hemp processor pursuant to K.S.A. 2-3907, and amendments thereto, or who does not possess a license by the Kansas department of agriculture under any commercial plan established pursuant to K.S.A. 2-3906, and amendments thereto, or the research program established pursuant to K.S.A. 2-3902, and amendments thereto: (A) Industrial hemp buds; (B) ground industrial hemp floral material; (C) ground industrial hemp leaf material; or (D) any extract from industrial hemp with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration greater than 0.3% that will be further processed. (2) No license or registration shall be required for the transport of hemp products described in paragraph (1) if such products are transported between hemp producers and hemp processors or between more than one hemp processor. Any such transportation of hemp products shall be subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the state fire marshal pursuant to this act. (c) (1) Upon a first conviction for a violation of subsection (a), a person shall be guilty of a class B nonperson misdemeanor. (2) Upon a second conviction for a violation of subsection (a), a person shall be guilty of a class A nonperson misdemeanor. (3) Upon a third conviction for a violation of subsection (a), a person shall be guilty of lrvrl 5 drug felony. (14) Upon a first conviction for a violation of this subsection (b), a person shall be guilty of a class A nonperson misdemeanor. (25) On a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this subsection (b), a person shall be guilty of a severity level 9, nonperson felony. (6) Violations of subsection (b) are exempted from prosecution under K.S.A. 5705 and/or K.S.A. 21-5706 and amendments thereto and shall not be considered identical offenses will as to any crime pursuant to K.S.A. 21-5701, et seq. for purposes of sentencing. (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) The use of any hemp product for research purposes by a state educational institution or affiliated entity; or (2) the production, use or sale of any hemp product that is otherwise not prohibited by state or federal law. (e) This section shall be a part of and supplemental to the commercial industrial hemp act, K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq., and amendments thereto. History: L. 2019, ch. 37, § 5; L. 2021, ch. 76, § 6; April 29.Stanton told Hutch Post in a telephone conversation that his intent is simply to make everyone aware of the statute. He just wants all businesses selling vape products or other potential delivery systems for THC to be on a level and statutorily compliant playing field.

DA sends letter clarifying THC statute to businesses

11/3/2024 11:58 PM-Wyatt	Logan Gray-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction&nbsp;

11/3/2024 3:15 PM-Susan	Kay Evans-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;

11/3/2024 2:43 PM-Steven	Richard Webber-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

11/3/2024 2:27 PM-Joshua	William Kelley-Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Introduce Firearm, Ammo, Explosive or Controlled Substance; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana&nbsp;

11/3/2024 4:34 AM-Timothy	Luke Foster-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

<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;11/3/2024 11:58 PM-Wyatt	Logan Gray-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction&nbsp;11/3/2024 3:15 PM-Susan	Kay Evans-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;11/3/2024 2:43 PM-Steven	Richard Webber-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+11/3/2024 2:27 PM-Joshua	William Kelley-Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Introduce Firearm, Ammo, Explosive or Controlled Substance; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana&nbsp;11/3/2024 4:34 AM-Timothy	Luke Foster-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

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

11/3/2024 2:39 AM-Desirea	Nicole Larralde-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

11/2/2024 9:30 PM-Madison	Lynn Sell-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;

11/2/2024 2:26 PM-Venancio	Espinoza Vigil Sr.-Failure to Appear

11/2/2024 10:06 AM-Russell	Lee Reese II-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

11/2/2024 8:45 AM-Jaden	Lee Bergen-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;11/3/2024 2:39 AM-Desirea	Nicole Larralde-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv11/2/2024 9:30 PM-Madison	Lynn Sell-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;11/2/2024 2:26 PM-Venancio	Espinoza Vigil Sr.-Failure to Appear11/2/2024 10:06 AM-Russell	Lee Reese II-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;11/2/2024 8:45 AM-Jaden	Lee Bergen-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

Country 102.9's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/patjames/">Pat James</a>&nbsp;brings you some ideas on events to attend this weekend around the Hutchinson area. Click the play button to listen.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://hutchpost.com/category/podcasts">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to more Hutch Post podcasts on demand!

<a target="_blank" href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/community-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to submit an event for this podcast or to see area events listed on the Visit Hutch Event Calendar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701449832848.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Country 102.9's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/patjames/">Pat James</a>&nbsp;brings you some ideas on events to attend this weekend around the Hutchinson area. Click the play button to listen.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe title="🎧 LISTEN: 'Happening Around Hutch' this weekend (Nov. 2-3)" 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=wpzrw-1727719-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a target="_blank" href="https://hutchpost.com/category/podcasts">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to more Hutch Post podcasts on demand!<a target="_blank" href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/community-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to submit an event for this podcast or to see area events listed on the Visit Hutch Event Calendar.

🎧 LISTEN: 'Happening Around Hutch' this weekend

11/1/2024 10:34 PM-Derek	Ignacio Trevino-Direct Contempt

11/1/2024 9:24 PM-Bret	Lee Fallis-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

11/1/2024 8:38 PM-Dylan	Matthew Reed-Failure to Appear

11/1/2024 7:08 PM-Jamie	Michelle Windmeyer-Criminal Use of Weapons; Criminal Carrying; Knowingly carry Any Bludgeon, Sandclub, Metal Knuckles etc...,&nbsp;

11/1/2024 6:38 PM-Judson	Taylor Wilkening-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher

11/1/2024 6:36 PM-Seth	Aaron Moss-Probation Violation&nbsp;

11/1/2024 5:22 PM-Dawn	Marie Gunn-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order; Failure to Appear

11/1/2024 5:09 PM-Elicia	Christine Hase-Failure to Appear

11/1/2024 3:35 PM-Chase	Bradley Myrtle-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner&nbsp;

11/1/2024 3:24 PM-Dominque	Michelle Hamm-DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense&nbsp;

11/1/2024 12:36 PM-Austin	Trentidy Mason-Failure to Appear

11/1/2024 8:31 AM-Timothy	Matthew England-Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon; Interference with Law Enforcement; Falsely report a Felony crime intending to obstruct; Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Transmit/commun false info to req emerg srvc; MVA; Fail to Give Information at accident involving Injury, Death, Attended Property or Vehicle; Falsify Accident Report; Accidents, Fail to Remove Vehicle from Roadway after Motor Vehicle Accident

<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;11/1/2024 10:34 PM-Derek	Ignacio Trevino-Direct Contempt11/1/2024 9:24 PM-Bret	Lee Fallis-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;11/1/2024 8:38 PM-Dylan	Matthew Reed-Failure to Appear11/1/2024 7:08 PM-Jamie	Michelle Windmeyer-Criminal Use of Weapons; Criminal Carrying; Knowingly carry Any Bludgeon, Sandclub, Metal Knuckles etc...,&nbsp;11/1/2024 6:38 PM-Judson	Taylor Wilkening-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher11/1/2024 6:36 PM-Seth	Aaron Moss-Probation Violation&nbsp;11/1/2024 5:22 PM-Dawn	Marie Gunn-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order; Failure to Appear11/1/2024 5:09 PM-Elicia	Christine Hase-Failure to Appear11/1/2024 3:35 PM-Chase	Bradley Myrtle-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner&nbsp;11/1/2024 3:24 PM-Dominque	Michelle Hamm-DUI; Alcohol Concentration .08 or more shown by competent evidence; 1st Offense&nbsp;11/1/2024 12:36 PM-Austin	Trentidy Mason-Failure to Appear11/1/2024 8:31 AM-Timothy	Matthew England-Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon; Interference with Law Enforcement; Falsely report a Felony crime intending to obstruct; Leave the scene of an accident; Injury or Property Damage &gt; $1000; Transmit/commun false info to req emerg srvc; MVA; Fail to Give Information at accident involving Injury, Death, Attended Property or Vehicle; Falsify Accident Report; Accidents, Fail to Remove Vehicle from Roadway after Motor Vehicle Accident

Week 9 is officially in the books, as the first round of the state playoffs are in the books. See below for how the Hutch Post area teams did.

CLASS 5A No. 4 Hutchinson 42, No. 13 Salina South 7

CLASS 4A No. 5 Buhler 35, No. 12 Ark City 7 No. 8 McPherson 41, No. 9 Abilene 20

CLASS 3A No. 6 Hesston 43, No. 11 Goodland 34 No. 8 Clay Center 47, No. 9 Pratt 46

CLASS 2A No. 5 Haven 38, No. 12 Cimarron 7 No. 7 Phillipsburg 16,&nbsp;No. 10 Kingman 6 No. 11 Halstead 36,&nbsp; No. 6 Lakin 6

CLASS 1A No. 15 Trinity Catholic 20, No. 2 Moundridge 14 No. 5 Sedgwick 48, No. 12 Republic County 20 (Thursday) No. 6 Sterling 48, No. 11 Hays-TMP 6 No. 4 Plainville 28,&nbsp;No. 13 Inman 0

8-MAN DI Little River 42, Lincoln 40&nbsp;(Game played Thursday) Sublette 1,&nbsp;Pratt-Skyline 0 (Skyline forfeit)

8-MAN DII Central Christian 48, Macksville 6 (Thursday) Victoria 52, Fairfield 0&nbsp;(Thursday)

NON-BRACKETED GAMES Lyons vs. Belle Plaine Nickerson vs. Chapman Stafford 24, Pretty Prairie 22

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719520482079.png" alt="EAGLE Media High School Football Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media High School Football Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure>Week 9 is officially in the books, as the first round of the state playoffs are in the books. See below for how the Hutch Post area teams did.Week 9CLASS 5A No. 4 Hutchinson 42, No. 13 Salina South 7CLASS 4A No. 5 Buhler 35, No. 12 Ark City 7 No. 8 McPherson 41, No. 9 Abilene 20CLASS 3A No. 6 Hesston 43, No. 11 Goodland 34 No. 8 Clay Center 47, No. 9 Pratt 46CLASS 2A No. 5 Haven 38, No. 12 Cimarron 7 No. 7 Phillipsburg 16,&nbsp;No. 10 Kingman 6 No. 11 Halstead 36,&nbsp; No. 6 Lakin 6CLASS 1A No. 15 Trinity Catholic 20, No. 2 Moundridge 14 No. 5 Sedgwick 48, No. 12 Republic County 20 (Thursday) No. 6 Sterling 48, No. 11 Hays-TMP 6 No. 4 Plainville 28,&nbsp;No. 13 Inman 08-MAN DI Little River 42, Lincoln 40&nbsp;(Game played Thursday) Sublette 1,&nbsp;Pratt-Skyline 0 (Skyline forfeit)8-MAN DII Central Christian 48, Macksville 6 (Thursday) Victoria 52, Fairfield 0&nbsp;(Thursday)NON-BRACKETED GAMES Lyons vs. Belle Plaine Nickerson vs. Chapman Stafford 24, Pretty Prairie 22

🏈 EAGLE Media Scoreboard (Week 9)

BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 1 Hutchinson (0-0) at NOC-Tonkawa (0-0) 2024-25 Season Opener When: Friday, November 1, 2024 At: NOC Gym, Tonkawa, OK Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), 5:15 p.m. – Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1506260">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_1_-_NOC-Tonkawa-1.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The 51st season opens Friday night for the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team as the 2023-24 national champion Blue Dragons are on the road to play at Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa.

The Blue Dragons (37-0 in 2023-24) take on the Mavericks (14-16 in 2023-24) at 5:30 p.m. at the NOC Gym in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

This is the first time since the 2005-06 season the Blue Dragons have opened the season on the road. Hutchinson traveled to Kansas City on November 4-5 2005 to defeat

Iowa Central and North Arkansas in the KCK Classic. This will be the 16th time the Hutchinson women have opened a season on the road.

Hutchinson is 41-9 all-time in season openers.

Head coach John Ontjes begins his 18th season with the Blue Dragons. He has posted a career 483-96 all-time record at Hutchinson, which includes last year’s NJCAA National Championship.

Four players return from a team that went 37-0 last season, defeating Northwest Florida State 88-80 in overtime on April 1 in Casper, Wyoming.

All-conference, All-region and All-NJCAA Tournament player Hailey Jackson is the top returning scorer for the Blue Dragons. Jackson, who will go down in Blue Dragon lore as the player who hit three clutch free throws with 0.7 seconds left to force regulation in last season’s championship game, averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.

Also back are guards Kahlen Norris and Jada Pleasant and forward Madi Denison.

Three transfers and seven true freshmen make up the 2024-25 roster for the Blue Dragons.

NOC-Tonkawa lost in the semifinals of the Region 2 tournament last season. Head coach Greg Krause returns only one player in guard Natalie Walker, who averaged 3.5 points in 26 games last season.

The Blue Dragons and Mavericks met last season on November 21 at the Sports Arena. The Dragons rolled to an 80-54 victory. The Dragons shot nearly 48 percent and was led by Journey Armstead’s 14 points. Jackson had her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Friday’s game will be the first trip to Tonkawa for the Blue Dragons since Ontjes’ first season in 2007-08. The Blue Dragons dropped an 81-73 decision to the Mavericks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730471772135.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationBLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 1 Hutchinson (0-0) at NOC-Tonkawa (0-0) 2024-25 Season Opener When: Friday, November 1, 2024 At: NOC Gym, Tonkawa, OK Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), 5:15 p.m. – Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=1506260">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 5:15 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_1_-_NOC-Tonkawa-1.pdf">CLICK FOR BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>The 51st season opens Friday night for the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team as the 2023-24 national champion Blue Dragons are on the road to play at Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa.The Blue Dragons (37-0 in 2023-24) take on the Mavericks (14-16 in 2023-24) at 5:30 p.m. at the NOC Gym in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.This is the first time since the 2005-06 season the Blue Dragons have opened the season on the road. Hutchinson traveled to Kansas City on November 4-5 2005 to defeatIowa Central and North Arkansas in the KCK Classic. This will be the 16th time the Hutchinson women have opened a season on the road.Hutchinson is 41-9 all-time in season openers.Head coach John Ontjes begins his 18th season with the Blue Dragons. He has posted a career 483-96 all-time record at Hutchinson, which includes last year’s NJCAA National Championship.Four players return from a team that went 37-0 last season, defeating Northwest Florida State 88-80 in overtime on April 1 in Casper, Wyoming.All-conference, All-region and All-NJCAA Tournament player Hailey Jackson is the top returning scorer for the Blue Dragons. Jackson, who will go down in Blue Dragon lore as the player who hit three clutch free throws with 0.7 seconds left to force regulation in last season’s championship game, averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.Also back are guards Kahlen Norris and Jada Pleasant and forward Madi Denison.Three transfers and seven true freshmen make up the 2024-25 roster for the Blue Dragons.NOC-Tonkawa lost in the semifinals of the Region 2 tournament last season. Head coach Greg Krause returns only one player in guard Natalie Walker, who averaged 3.5 points in 26 games last season.The Blue Dragons and Mavericks met last season on November 21 at the Sports Arena. The Dragons rolled to an 80-54 victory. The Dragons shot nearly 48 percent and was led by Journey Armstead’s 14 points. Jackson had her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.Friday’s game will be the first trip to Tonkawa for the Blue Dragons since Ontjes’ first season in 2007-08. The Blue Dragons dropped an 81-73 decision to the Mavericks.

🏀 WBB: Defending national champs open season on road 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce told Hutch Post that the construction jobs that will come to Hutchinson in 2027 to build the new Evergy power plant will likely result in a lot of hotel room usage, so Hutch Post asked if she hoped that would prompt additional hotel development.

"I really hope it does," Teufel said. "We've had those exact thoughts. We have said for a long time, even with the new Hilton Garden Inn product and the other great hotel sites that we have in our community, we still will be under capacity in the number of hotel rooms. And so, I really see that we need to prepare as a community to get ready to market to another hotelier to come in."

She did say that the original time line for the Hilton Garden Inn looks like it may not be met.

"There have been meetings at City Hall with the whole team," Teufel said.&nbsp; "I have not actually been in those meetings. My VP of tourism, Leanne Cox, has been in on those. From the very beginning, everyone has been pushing towards that March timeline, but things are just sometimes not practical. And everyone knows that's the goal. However, and there was a lot of flexibility in give and take. In fact, some provisional occupancy certificates were talked about so that they can start moving furniture in sooner than later to get ready for that opening. However, the contractor has said there are some parts of their supply chain that are just going to be delayed. And so our greatest expectation is it might not happen until June."

Where might a second hotel go? One good spot is a familiar one.

"Even along the 61 corridor as the Atrium project is torn down, many people has talked about what is the future of that site," Teufel said. "I still think that corridor is prime for hotel development as well."

There are no specific proposals in the pipeline right now, but once the demolition of the Atrium is complete, more options may be available to a future developer.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676993555557.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 construction jobs that will come to Hutchinson in 2027 to build the new Evergy power plant will likely result in a lot of hotel room usage, so Hutch Post asked if she hoped that would prompt additional hotel development."I really hope it does," Teufel said. "We've had those exact thoughts. We have said for a long time, even with the new Hilton Garden Inn product and the other great hotel sites that we have in our community, we still will be under capacity in the number of hotel rooms. And so, I really see that we need to prepare as a community to get ready to market to another hotelier to come in."She did say that the original time line for the Hilton Garden Inn looks like it may not be met."There have been meetings at City Hall with the whole team," Teufel said.&nbsp; "I have not actually been in those meetings. My VP of tourism, Leanne Cox, has been in on those. From the very beginning, everyone has been pushing towards that March timeline, but things are just sometimes not practical. And everyone knows that's the goal. However, and there was a lot of flexibility in give and take. In fact, some provisional occupancy certificates were talked about so that they can start moving furniture in sooner than later to get ready for that opening. However, the contractor has said there are some parts of their supply chain that are just going to be delayed. And so our greatest expectation is it might not happen until June."Where might a second hotel go? One good spot is a familiar one."Even along the 61 corridor as the Atrium project is torn down, many people has talked about what is the future of that site," Teufel said. "I still think that corridor is prime for hotel development as well."There are no specific proposals in the pipeline right now, but once the demolition of the Atrium is complete, more options may be available to a future developer.

Evergy construction may spur additional hotels

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Daylight Saving Time disappearing Sunday, it's important that drivers are ready for the change in their environment.

"What gets me most is how early it gets dark. We'll be seeing sunset around 5:30 p.m. instead of 6:30 or 6:45, said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's the biggest change, I think, that gets most people, especially if they're driving home, that first Monday after the time change. So it's really important to pay attention to that. Make sure that you have your headlights on as it starts to get dark. Don't wait till after dark."

This can also cause your body's sleep patterns to be different in an adjustment period.

"With drowsy driving, make sure that you're getting plenty of extra sleep," Steward said. "We do get that extra hour,supposedly, of sleep. Then look for ways to travel at times of the day that you're normally awake. That can help with drowsy driving. Avoid heavy foods and avoid medications that can cause drowsiness or impairment."

Drivers know that drowsy driving is a problem, but some of them still do it.

"Data shows that most motorists identify drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous," Steward said. "Yet, despite those high rates of perceived danger, the people we surveyed, about 17 percent of drivers admitted to having driven while so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open. Additional AAA Foundation research showed that drivers who have slept less than five hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. And then drivers who missed one or two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk of a crash."

Foundation research says more than half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730391624717.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy AAA Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy AAA Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Daylight Saving Time disappearing Sunday, it's important that drivers are ready for the change in their environment."What gets me most is how early it gets dark. We'll be seeing sunset around 5:30 p.m. instead of 6:30 or 6:45, said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's the biggest change, I think, that gets most people, especially if they're driving home, that first Monday after the time change. So it's really important to pay attention to that. Make sure that you have your headlights on as it starts to get dark. Don't wait till after dark."This can also cause your body's sleep patterns to be different in an adjustment period."With drowsy driving, make sure that you're getting plenty of extra sleep," Steward said. "We do get that extra hour,supposedly, of sleep. Then look for ways to travel at times of the day that you're normally awake. That can help with drowsy driving. Avoid heavy foods and avoid medications that can cause drowsiness or impairment."Drivers know that drowsy driving is a problem, but some of them still do it."Data shows that most motorists identify drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous," Steward said. "Yet, despite those high rates of perceived danger, the people we surveyed, about 17 percent of drivers admitted to having driven while so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open. Additional AAA Foundation research showed that drivers who have slept less than five hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. And then drivers who missed one or two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk of a crash."Foundation research says more than half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving and darkness both risks of time change

10/31/2024 9:37 PM-Ryan	William Rue-Failure to Appear; Direct Contempt&nbsp;

10/31/2024 9:34 PM-Leo	LaMont Wells-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

10/31/2024 7:25 PM-Jacob	David Gendreau-Direct Contempt&nbsp;

10/31/2024 2:49 PM-Quintin	Lee Nichols-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

10/31/2024 2:13 PM-Cody	Ryan Griffin-Failure to Appear

10/31/2024 2:01 PM-Daniel	Ray	Coronado Jr.-; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g; Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Probation Violation; Homicide; Murder 2nd Degree, Intentionally; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; Criminal Discharge of a Firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling, building or structure; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon&nbsp;

10/31/2024 1:30 PM-Jamie	Michael Tiedtke-Rape, Incapable of consent (alcohol, drugs, mental deficiency)&nbsp;

10/31/2024 10:23 AM-Jerry	Allan Anderson Jr.-In Transit From-To Other Agency&nbsp;

10/31/2024 8:29 AM-John	Robert Cantu-Criminal Restraint; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;10/31/2024 9:37 PM-Ryan	William Rue-Failure to Appear; Direct Contempt&nbsp;10/31/2024 9:34 PM-Leo	LaMont Wells-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)10/31/2024 7:25 PM-Jacob	David Gendreau-Direct Contempt&nbsp;10/31/2024 2:49 PM-Quintin	Lee Nichols-Failure to Appear&nbsp;10/31/2024 2:13 PM-Cody	Ryan Griffin-Failure to Appear10/31/2024 2:01 PM-Daniel	Ray	Coronado Jr.-; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g; Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Probation Violation; Homicide; Murder 2nd Degree, Intentionally; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; Criminal Discharge of a Firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling, building or structure; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon&nbsp;10/31/2024 1:30 PM-Jamie	Michael Tiedtke-Rape, Incapable of consent (alcohol, drugs, mental deficiency)&nbsp;10/31/2024 10:23 AM-Jerry	Allan Anderson Jr.-In Transit From-To Other Agency&nbsp;10/31/2024 8:29 AM-John	Robert Cantu-Criminal Restraint; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qdFgjpZsxvPfznMzf-WHrH-PcZ6A8rhfWSivqzvJRvM/edit?gid=0#gid=0">Pool play seeding and schedule</a>

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HALSTEAD, Kan. — The Halstead High School volleyball team is headed to the state tournament for the first time in 33 years, Friday, when the Dragons open pool play at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Halstead has come up short of a state bid in each of the last two seasons, falling in the sub-state title game to Cheney in 2022 and Smoky Valley in 2023. Both of those teams would eventually fall in the class 3A state title game. The Dragons are the No. 1 seed in 3A with a 38-2 record.

"The last couple of years we've been in those sub-state championships and we've been so close," head coach Diana Schutte said. "It can be daunting in our area, because no matter which way you go, the chances of going, you need to have talent, but you also kind of need a little bit of luck. It's almost a bit of relief, that finally we get this experience and we get to give these girls that work so hard year after year what they deserve. It's not only special for our girls, but also for our community."

The town of Halstead will hold a send-off for the team on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. before making the 26-mile trip west on Highway 50 to the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

"It's going to be pretty special to see everyone lined Main Street," Schutte said. "It'll be pretty neat to see the entire town and Main Street out, I hope the girls will be able to soak that all in."

The Dragons defeated rival Hesston (25-16, 25-20) in the sub-state championship game to punch the ticket to state. This comes after Halstead beat Southeast of Saline (25-14, 25-20) in the sub-state semifinal.

"I think that win against Hesston was more important to some of the town folks than it was for some of the girls," Schutte said. "Some of the community members said they wanted to go to state, but to beat Hesston to go to state felt pretty good."

The goal of making it to the state tournament was definitely on the table, but Schutte knew it was going to be tough after graduating two of its top players from last season.

"The two seniors we lost last year (Dominique Schutte, Lauren Wilson) had such a high energy and that's something you can't always coach, so I was a little concerned coming in to this season, not only losing our top hitter, but also our big energy players. I told this team that you can't just teach that, you've got to practice it, so we were at a tournament this summer and just had so much energy and the girls were meshing really well together. I thought then that we got a shot, we've got some talent, but we also have some really good energy, so that's when it kind of hit me there."

Schutte was in the stands as a spectator in 2020 and 2021 when the Halstead girls basketball team qualified for the state tournament, coached by her husband, Derek. The roles will be reversed on Friday, when Derek will be in the stands watching his wife coach with their eight kids.

"He's been so supportive," Schutte said. "I know some really great female coaches who sometimes didn't have that support to where when they have kids they're just we can't coach anymore with our family, and not one time in my career has he said he doesn't think we can do this. He has always said he's got the kids and has allowed me to do what I need to do, and not everybody has that support system like I have."

When team introductions are done on Friday afternoon, there will be two Schutte's announced, not only Diana, but her daughter, Dalaina, who is a senior. Dalaina is the Dragons' setter and surpassed 2,000 assists in her career earlier this year, and currently sits at 2,157.

"We do a very good job of separating mom from coach," Schutte said. "When she comes home we don't even talk about volleyball, but knowing since she was little, this is a dream and every year being so close in basketball and volleyball, just the heartache. She's not just a player, it's her parents' living, so a little extra special for her and I know this has been a dream of playing in the Sports Arena. I'm so glad she gets to do it with these girls she has worked so hard with."

There are a few other family connections on this Halstead team, as well.

"We have Tess Williams and her cousin Annie Williams," Schutte said. "Their vibe on the court and on the bench is pretty funny how they go back and forth, just because their dads (Grant and Alex) are so funny, so that's been fun to watch. Then we have a set of twins with Piper and Jordy Schroeder, they're both sophomores this year. Plus, Dalaina and me, so it's kind of like a big family out there."

Halstead has several other players to keep an eye on this weekend.

"Katharine Engel is a junior and one of our outsides and she has been starting since her freshman year," Schutte said. "She is one of those that gets after it every day, and she is so undersized, like she is so much smaller than other outsides, but she is fierce and strong. Our other outside is Bailey Bernal, she is a sophomore that spent most of her offseason traveling the country to play sand volleyball, so she sees the court really well and her court sense is great. Our libero, Piper Schroeder tore her ACL the second or third game of basketball season last year. She is one of our strongest serve receivers and is freakishly fast, so she is everywhere. Daynica Euwer has adjusted to some changes and had a fantastic sub-state."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730308558517.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @Halstead_AD on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @Halstead_AD on X</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qdFgjpZsxvPfznMzf-WHrH-PcZ6A8rhfWSivqzvJRvM/edit?gid=0#gid=0">Pool play seeding and schedule</a><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHALSTEAD, Kan. — The Halstead High School volleyball team is headed to the state tournament for the first time in 33 years, Friday, when the Dragons open pool play at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.Halstead has come up short of a state bid in each of the last two seasons, falling in the sub-state title game to Cheney in 2022 and Smoky Valley in 2023. Both of those teams would eventually fall in the class 3A state title game. The Dragons are the No. 1 seed in 3A with a 38-2 record."The last couple of years we've been in those sub-state championships and we've been so close," head coach Diana Schutte said. "It can be daunting in our area, because no matter which way you go, the chances of going, you need to have talent, but you also kind of need a little bit of luck. It's almost a bit of relief, that finally we get this experience and we get to give these girls that work so hard year after year what they deserve. It's not only special for our girls, but also for our community."The town of Halstead will hold a send-off for the team on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. before making the 26-mile trip west on Highway 50 to the Hutchinson Sports Arena."It's going to be pretty special to see everyone lined Main Street," Schutte said. "It'll be pretty neat to see the entire town and Main Street out, I hope the girls will be able to soak that all in."The Dragons defeated rival Hesston (25-16, 25-20) in the sub-state championship game to punch the ticket to state. This comes after Halstead beat Southeast of Saline (25-14, 25-20) in the sub-state semifinal."I think that win against Hesston was more important to some of the town folks than it was for some of the girls," Schutte said. "Some of the community members said they wanted to go to state, but to beat Hesston to go to state felt pretty good."The goal of making it to the state tournament was definitely on the table, but Schutte knew it was going to be tough after graduating two of its top players from last season."The two seniors we lost last year (Dominique Schutte, Lauren Wilson) had such a high energy and that's something you can't always coach, so I was a little concerned coming in to this season, not only losing our top hitter, but also our big energy players. I told this team that you can't just teach that, you've got to practice it, so we were at a tournament this summer and just had so much energy and the girls were meshing really well together. I thought then that we got a shot, we've got some talent, but we also have some really good energy, so that's when it kind of hit me there."Schutte was in the stands as a spectator in 2020 and 2021 when the Halstead girls basketball team qualified for the state tournament, coached by her husband, Derek. The roles will be reversed on Friday, when Derek will be in the stands watching his wife coach with their eight kids."He's been so supportive," Schutte said. "I know some really great female coaches who sometimes didn't have that support to where when they have kids they're just we can't coach anymore with our family, and not one time in my career has he said he doesn't think we can do this. He has always said he's got the kids and has allowed me to do what I need to do, and not everybody has that support system like I have."When team introductions are done on Friday afternoon, there will be two Schutte's announced, not only Diana, but her daughter, Dalaina, who is a senior. Dalaina is the Dragons' setter and surpassed 2,000 assists in her career earlier this year, and currently sits at 2,157."We do a very good job of separating mom from coach," Schutte said. "When she comes home we don't even talk about volleyball, but knowing since she was little, this is a dream and every year being so close in basketball and volleyball, just the heartache. She's not just a player, it's her parents' living, so a little extra special for her and I know this has been a dream of playing in the Sports Arena. I'm so glad she gets to do it with these girls she has worked so hard with."There are a few other family connections on this Halstead team, as well."We have Tess Williams and her cousin Annie Williams," Schutte said. "Their vibe on the court and on the bench is pretty funny how they go back and forth, just because their dads (Grant and Alex) are so funny, so that's been fun to watch. Then we have a set of twins with Piper and Jordy Schroeder, they're both sophomores this year. Plus, Dalaina and me, so it's kind of like a big family out there."Halstead has several other players to keep an eye on this weekend."Katharine Engel is a junior and one of our outsides and she has been starting since her freshman year," Schutte said. "She is one of those that gets after it every day, and she is so undersized, like she is so much smaller than other outsides, but she is fierce and strong. Our other outside is Bailey Bernal, she is a sophomore that spent most of her offseason traveling the country to play sand volleyball, so she sees the court really well and her court sense is great. Our libero, Piper Schroeder tore her ACL the second or third game of basketball season last year. She is one of our strongest serve receivers and is freakishly fast, so she is everywhere. Daynica Euwer has adjusted to some changes and had a fantastic sub-state."The Dragons have been focusing on things that have got them to this point in the season at practice this week."We've been focusing on things that we're good at," Schutte said. "We've been working a lot on communicating together, and also just our defense. The other teams in our pool are just so much bigger than us, so trying to fine tune our blocks and slowing the ball down a little bit to keep the ball alive. We're really good at out-of-system balls, which in the past we haven't done well, so just being able to get digs off of peoples hits and wearing them out."&nbsp;Halstead has won the Central Kansas League preseason tournament, the Marion Spikefest tournament, the Canton-Galva tournament, and the Central Kansas League regular season title. The Dragons have wins over Little River (1A state qualifier), Inman (2A state qualifier) and two wins over Hoisington (3A state qualifier).Schutte, which picked up her 400th career victory earlier this season, also led Hodgeman County to the 1A state tournament in 2010.&nbsp;"Every division is different and I am excited to get this opportunity at Hutch," Schutte said. "I knew how 1A worked, so I'm excited to see the competition this weekend. It's going to be a bloodbath all weekend, and will be a lot of fun to be a part of."