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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advance voting strong so far

Week 8 of the high school football season is upon us in the Sunflower State, the final week of the regular season. See below for the schedule involving area teams.

Week 8 Hutchinson at Maize South Central Christian vs. Norwich Trinity Catholic vs. Sterling Buhler vs. McPherson Pretty Prairie at Argonia-Attica Fairfield vs. Stafford Haven vs. Kingman Inman vs. Moundridge Lyons at Halstead Nickerson at Wichita Trinity Academy Sedgwick vs. Remington Hesston vs. Andale Little River at Solomon Pratt at Cheney Pratt-Skyline vs. Kiowa County

You can find all of the Hutch Post area football schedules for the entire season&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8e247860-8dc7-4f3a-86de-3a909aec11d2">here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<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 8 of the high school football season is upon us in the Sunflower State, the final week of the regular season. See below for the schedule involving area teams.Week 8 Hutchinson at Maize South Central Christian vs. Norwich Trinity Catholic vs. Sterling Buhler vs. McPherson Pretty Prairie at Argonia-Attica Fairfield vs. Stafford Haven vs. Kingman Inman vs. Moundridge Lyons at Halstead Nickerson at Wichita Trinity Academy Sedgwick vs. Remington Hesston vs. Andale Little River at Solomon Pratt at Cheney Pratt-Skyline vs. Kiowa CountyYou can find all of the Hutch Post area football schedules for the entire season&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8e247860-8dc7-4f3a-86de-3a909aec11d2">here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Week 8 area high school schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teen Driver Safety Week: Parents need to be involved

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

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

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

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

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

Hutch Post area county blood drive schedules are below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patients needing blood rely on committed blood donors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Bookings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prices at pump still dropping in Kansas

Nick Gosnell: With us this morning is Mike Murphy. He is running as a Republican for Kansas Senate District 34. And I'm going to do the best I can, Mike, to not ask you the exact same questions that I asked you prior to the primary, but that may be a challenge. So we'll see how it goes. I guess, let's just start, let's just dive right in. Let's just start with taxes and spending, because people talk about taxes all the time, but you don't hear talk about spending near as often. Now, I've heard it from you, and I want to give you an opportunity to do that.

Mike Murphy: Oh, okay. Well, thanks for the opportunity, and appreciate you having me in. Yeah, it's kind of like the weather. People talk about it, but nobody does anything about it, right? This is the same thing. People, they want their stuff, they want their services, they want this, they want that. And then they complain when they get the tax bill. Well, the bottom line is, is taxes are too high and spending is too high. And we're just going to have to find some ways. It's going to be tough, because every time you, you know, you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on the support of Paul. When you start taking money from Paul, he's going to start squawking. And that's what we end up with. You know, there are those third rail subjects, you know, whether we're talking health care, child care, things like that, that lots of times, but we're taking hard-earned money from people to pay for a lot of these things. And when government does things, they waste a lot, because they've got no vested interest in that money. So I think we need to, excuse me, we need to figure out a way to get to a point to where we can start cutting some things. There's no way we can cut taxes unless we cut spending.

Nick Gosnell: Well, and it seems a little counterintuitive, unless you've been in Topeka and kind of understand how things work. But having to have a person to oversee the people that do the actual work, which is what happens in government, because you've got to have not only the people that do the actual work, but then you've got to have the oversight people to make sure that the people doing the actual work are working, because that's the people that then talk to people that run for the legislature and those sorts of things. Well, that's an additional person, isn't it? Now, to call it waste might be overstating it a bit, but when you have a private business that has the workers do the work, and then they get the rewards, there tends to be less people than when you have a government entity do it, because then you've got to have those oversight people, and then you have to have the people that are doing all of the individual functions of different pieces of a program and so on. So like I said, not necessarily that it's waste, but it's definitely not as efficient as when it's done by the private sector, is it?

Mike Murphy: Right. When you add layers, I like to look at it just like our homes, like our families. We can mow our own grass, or we can hire it done. It costs more to hire it done. Now, it's nice to go play while your lawn's being cut, and any number of other things. I'm a weird guy. I still change the oil in my car and stuff like that at home. Most people don't do that, but the bottom line is there's things that government could do, like you said, without some of those layers, and the other thing that I like to compare with a family is you can't just come in next month and say, I need more money. My expenses have gone up. I want to go on vacation. I want things like that. Mr. Boss, I need more money. Well, that's what government does. Government just says, okay, they just take it. They just say, well, here we go. We need more money. We just take it. We're going to have to change the way we think. I don't know any other way to put it.

Nick Gosnell: Well, and part of the issue is that in Topeka, people are concerned with making sure that their district gets a piece of this pie often, as much as they are concerned with the fact that the pie just keeps getting more stuffed with stuff from the people to the government. They don't think that, or at least I would say a majority probably don't think the way that you've just articulated.

Mike Murphy: No, I agree. I agree. And then the other thing too is you've got these things we call lobbyists. Some lobbyists are wonderful. I mean, they really are. They're very good. Some of them are not so much. And we get in a situation where then, of course, where they're wanting to add their piece of pie in. And there's been some adjustments to some of that. I know they're looking at where they're doing like the omnibus and stuff like that because historically there's a lot of stuff been thrown in there at the end that never really went through the process. And so we need to do a better job of watching those sorts of things.

Nick Gosnell: It's a lot bigger district than it was four years ago because they redrew the lines. So now it's Reno, Kingman, and I think Barber counties. So all the way down to the state line for you. Has that changed at all what you see the district wanting? Because you've talked to folks all around.

Mike Murphy: Maybe a little bit. In reality, of course, what happened was is Reno County lost, well, Hutch proper lost some numbers over that 10-year period. And so they had to pick it up. And in reality, there was only the rest of Kingman County that was added. And then all of Barber County was about another 5,000 people or so. So it's not a lot of people. It's a lot of land. But they're good people. I'll tell you what, that's salt of the earth when you get out of town. And a lot of people don't see Hutch as a big city. But when you live out in the country, 10 miles from the nearest town, Hutch is a big city. So your outlook on life is a little different.

Nick Gosnell: Now, how much of what the state does budget-wise, we always talk about it, and we talked about it at length before the break. But how much of it can really be changed right now? Because you said in your interview with me back in August, there are large chunks of the state budget that are, I don't want to say they're set, but they're more or less things that are those third rail topics you talked about before.

Mike Murphy: Yeah, well, we've got about 15% of the budget we can legitimately work with because the rest of it is education and Medicaid. So there's ways to cut some of those things. I think the schools and all like that could be trimmed a little bit because, and I know that sounds horrible, they'll scream at me for that. But the bottom line is that there's a lot of money being thrown at problems. And I think when we've looked at some of the post-audit reports, that there's money that's being spent that has no effect. And we need to be looking at that. There's also, whenever time you look at government programs like Medicaid, Medicare, there's always fraud and abuse. And so I think it's incumbent on us to look at those things and try to, because I mean, that's our taxpayers' money and we need to be good stewards.

Nick Gosnell: Now, I'm going to get burned at home when I get home for saying what I'm about to say, Mike, but there are 200 and some odd school districts in the state of Kansas and there are about 100 counties, 105. It seems like to me you might be able to do with fewer districts if you could figure out how to draw the maps so kids aren't on the bus all day. But that's just looking at it from the outside.

Mike Murphy: Well, you know, and I look at it and I'm thinking, I know this isn't realistic in today's world, but the old one-room schoolhouses served us well. And we, yeah, we were not able to have the bands and the sports and everything like that, but those kids were educated and that's what we really are doing.

Nick Gosnell: So let's talk about Medicaid for a second, because if it's already 23% of the budget and Medicaid expansion, which has been up there for years and years and hasn't gone through for, let's call it, nine or ten years since the last time in 2014 when it was vetoed by Governor Brownback, how much bigger part of the budget would it become if that actually happened? Has anybody given you any numbers on that?

Mike Murphy: It's hard to, you know, it's hard to say. It would certainly be more money. I don't know. When you start trying to get that information, you get all sorts of different answers. And so I don't really know. All I know is that when you add that, most states, I think, they're 160% above the projection. So whatever it is they say is going to be added, it's going to be more. So it's a real problem. And once again, I think I said at the forum the other night, Medicaid was designed to really help the intellectually and the physically disabled. That was really its general purpose. We've expanded it already to encompass a whole lot more, and those people have been left behind. And I think we should back up a little bit before we start looking at adding more. I think we should back up and help the ones it was really designed for.

Nick Gosnell: Well, and not every doctor or medical provider takes that either.

Nick Gosnell:&nbsp;So let's talk about, like, if there was, have you ever been at the concession stand at a high school football game, Mike?

Nick Gosnell: When you go in the middle of the first quarter, and the game's going on, and there are five people at the concession stand, pretty easy to go get your hot dog. When you go at halftime, especially if you go after the band quits playing, you're going to wait, you won't get back to your seat until the middle of third quarter.

Nick Gosnell: Is that where we would be if we actually expanded Medicaid?

Mike Murphy: That's a part of it. And also, sometimes these hospitals and such say, well, we really need this. But the bottom line is that Medicaid pays about 30 percent of what private insurance does. And if a lot of people go on that are eligible for, like, Obamacare or whatever like that, you actually are forced onto Medicaid if you are eligible for Medicaid. And so you're going to have people that have maybe been going to the doctor, and the doctor and hospital being reimbursed 100 percent, now they're going to get 30. I think trying to put the numbers together is really difficult to say, well, we're going to get that.&nbsp; And once again, we're playing with taxpayer dollars. I've got a little, have you seen Thomas Massey's little badge that he wears, the debt badge?

Nick Gosnell:&nbsp;No, I have not.

Mike Murphy:&nbsp;It's pretty cool. I've got one actually now. I should have brought it so you could see it. It's got the running total of the national debt, which is now, is actually I read last night in the last three weeks has gone up $400 billion. So we are on track of spending around a trillion dollars in deficit spending every 100 days. So to say we're going to get all this federal dollars and everything for something, it's a shell game.

Nick Gosnell: Again, we're talking to Mike Murphy. He's running for District 34 in the Kansas Senate. So where can folks find out more about your campaign?

Mike Murphy: IlikeMike4Kansas, the number four. <a href="http://Ilikemike4ks.com">Ilikemike4ks.com</a> and look for your vote. I like Mike on November 5th or before. Vote early, vote often.

Nick Gosnell: I think we'll try to do it once and leave it at that.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693414188298.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Nick Gosnell: With us this morning is Mike Murphy. He is running as a Republican for Kansas Senate District 34. And I'm going to do the best I can, Mike, to not ask you the exact same questions that I asked you prior to the primary, but that may be a challenge. So we'll see how it goes. I guess, let's just start, let's just dive right in. Let's just start with taxes and spending, because people talk about taxes all the time, but you don't hear talk about spending near as often. Now, I've heard it from you, and I want to give you an opportunity to do that. Mike Murphy: Oh, okay. Well, thanks for the opportunity, and appreciate you having me in. Yeah, it's kind of like the weather. People talk about it, but nobody does anything about it, right? This is the same thing. People, they want their stuff, they want their services, they want this, they want that. And then they complain when they get the tax bill. Well, the bottom line is, is taxes are too high and spending is too high. And we're just going to have to find some ways. It's going to be tough, because every time you, you know, you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on the support of Paul. When you start taking money from Paul, he's going to start squawking. And that's what we end up with. You know, there are those third rail subjects, you know, whether we're talking health care, child care, things like that, that lots of times, but we're taking hard-earned money from people to pay for a lot of these things. And when government does things, they waste a lot, because they've got no vested interest in that money. So I think we need to, excuse me, we need to figure out a way to get to a point to where we can start cutting some things. There's no way we can cut taxes unless we cut spending. Nick Gosnell: Well, and it seems a little counterintuitive, unless you've been in Topeka and kind of understand how things work. But having to have a person to oversee the people that do the actual work, which is what happens in government, because you've got to have not only the people that do the actual work, but then you've got to have the oversight people to make sure that the people doing the actual work are working, because that's the people that then talk to people that run for the legislature and those sorts of things. Well, that's an additional person, isn't it? Now, to call it waste might be overstating it a bit, but when you have a private business that has the workers do the work, and then they get the rewards, there tends to be less people than when you have a government entity do it, because then you've got to have those oversight people, and then you have to have the people that are doing all of the individual functions of different pieces of a program and so on. So like I said, not necessarily that it's waste, but it's definitely not as efficient as when it's done by the private sector, is it? Mike Murphy: Right. When you add layers, I like to look at it just like our homes, like our families. We can mow our own grass, or we can hire it done. It costs more to hire it done. Now, it's nice to go play while your lawn's being cut, and any number of other things. I'm a weird guy. I still change the oil in my car and stuff like that at home. Most people don't do that, but the bottom line is there's things that government could do, like you said, without some of those layers, and the other thing that I like to compare with a family is you can't just come in next month and say, I need more money. My expenses have gone up. I want to go on vacation. I want things like that. Mr. Boss, I need more money. Well, that's what government does. Government just says, okay, they just take it. They just say, well, here we go. We need more money. We just take it. We're going to have to change the way we think. I don't know any other way to put it.Nick Gosnell: Well, and part of the issue is that in Topeka, people are concerned with making sure that their district gets a piece of this pie often, as much as they are concerned with the fact that the pie just keeps getting more stuffed with stuff from the people to the government. They don't think that, or at least I would say a majority probably don't think the way that you've just articulated. Mike Murphy: No, I agree. I agree. And then the other thing too is you've got these things we call lobbyists. Some lobbyists are wonderful. I mean, they really are. They're very good. Some of them are not so much. And we get in a situation where then, of course, where they're wanting to add their piece of pie in. And there's been some adjustments to some of that. I know they're looking at where they're doing like the omnibus and stuff like that because historically there's a lot of stuff been thrown in there at the end that never really went through the process. And so we need to do a better job of watching those sorts of things. Nick Gosnell: It's a lot bigger district than it was four years ago because they redrew the lines. So now it's Reno, Kingman, and I think Barber counties. So all the way down to the state line for you. Has that changed at all what you see the district wanting? Because you've talked to folks all around.Mike Murphy: Maybe a little bit. In reality, of course, what happened was is Reno County lost, well, Hutch proper lost some numbers over that 10-year period. And so they had to pick it up. And in reality, there was only the rest of Kingman County that was added. And then all of Barber County was about another 5,000 people or so. So it's not a lot of people. It's a lot of land. But they're good people. I'll tell you what, that's salt of the earth when you get out of town. And a lot of people don't see Hutch as a big city. But when you live out in the country, 10 miles from the nearest town, Hutch is a big city. So your outlook on life is a little different. Nick Gosnell: Now, how much of what the state does budget-wise, we always talk about it, and we talked about it at length before the break. But how much of it can really be changed right now? Because you said in your interview with me back in August, there are large chunks of the state budget that are, I don't want to say they're set, but they're more or less things that are those third rail topics you talked about before.Mike Murphy: Yeah, well, we've got about 15% of the budget we can legitimately work with because the rest of it is education and Medicaid. So there's ways to cut some of those things. I think the schools and all like that could be trimmed a little bit because, and I know that sounds horrible, they'll scream at me for that. But the bottom line is that there's a lot of money being thrown at problems. And I think when we've looked at some of the post-audit reports, that there's money that's being spent that has no effect. And we need to be looking at that. There's also, whenever time you look at government programs like Medicaid, Medicare, there's always fraud and abuse. And so I think it's incumbent on us to look at those things and try to, because I mean, that's our taxpayers' money and we need to be good stewards. Nick Gosnell: Now, I'm going to get burned at home when I get home for saying what I'm about to say, Mike, but there are 200 and some odd school districts in the state of Kansas and there are about 100 counties, 105. It seems like to me you might be able to do with fewer districts if you could figure out how to draw the maps so kids aren't on the bus all day. But that's just looking at it from the outside.Mike Murphy: Well, you know, and I look at it and I'm thinking, I know this isn't realistic in today's world, but the old one-room schoolhouses served us well. And we, yeah, we were not able to have the bands and the sports and everything like that, but those kids were educated and that's what we really are doing. Nick Gosnell: So let's talk about Medicaid for a second, because if it's already 23% of the budget and Medicaid expansion, which has been up there for years and years and hasn't gone through for, let's call it, nine or ten years since the last time in 2014 when it was vetoed by Governor Brownback, how much bigger part of the budget would it become if that actually happened? Has anybody given you any numbers on that? Mike Murphy: It's hard to, you know, it's hard to say. It would certainly be more money. I don't know. When you start trying to get that information, you get all sorts of different answers. And so I don't really know. All I know is that when you add that, most states, I think, they're 160% above the projection. So whatever it is they say is going to be added, it's going to be more. So it's a real problem. And once again, I think I said at the forum the other night, Medicaid was designed to really help the intellectually and the physically disabled. That was really its general purpose. We've expanded it already to encompass a whole lot more, and those people have been left behind. And I think we should back up a little bit before we start looking at adding more. I think we should back up and help the ones it was really designed for. Nick Gosnell: Well, and not every doctor or medical provider takes that either. Mike Murphy: That's correct. Nick Gosnell:&nbsp;So let's talk about, like, if there was, have you ever been at the concession stand at a high school football game, Mike? Mike Murphy: Oh yeah. Nick Gosnell: When you go in the middle of the first quarter, and the game's going on, and there are five people at the concession stand, pretty easy to go get your hot dog. When you go at halftime, especially if you go after the band quits playing, you're going to wait, you won't get back to your seat until the middle of third quarter. Mike Murphy: Yeah, you're right. Nick Gosnell: Is that where we would be if we actually expanded Medicaid? Mike Murphy: That's a part of it. And also, sometimes these hospitals and such say, well, we really need this. But the bottom line is that Medicaid pays about 30 percent of what private insurance does. And if a lot of people go on that are eligible for, like, Obamacare or whatever like that, you actually are forced onto Medicaid if you are eligible for Medicaid. And so you're going to have people that have maybe been going to the doctor, and the doctor and hospital being reimbursed 100 percent, now they're going to get 30. I think trying to put the numbers together is really difficult to say, well, we're going to get that.&nbsp; And once again, we're playing with taxpayer dollars. I've got a little, have you seen Thomas Massey's little badge that he wears, the debt badge? Nick Gosnell:&nbsp;No, I have not. Mike Murphy:&nbsp;It's pretty cool. I've got one actually now. I should have brought it so you could see it. It's got the running total of the national debt, which is now, is actually I read last night in the last three weeks has gone up $400 billion. So we are on track of spending around a trillion dollars in deficit spending every 100 days. So to say we're going to get all this federal dollars and everything for something, it's a shell game. Nick Gosnell: Again, we're talking to Mike Murphy. He's running for District 34 in the Kansas Senate. So where can folks find out more about your campaign? Mike Murphy: IlikeMike4Kansas, the number four. <a href="http://Ilikemike4ks.com">Ilikemike4ks.com</a> and look for your vote. I like Mike on November 5th or before. Vote early, vote often. Nick Gosnell: I think we'll try to do it once and leave it at that.Mike Murphy: Do it once. Okay.The audio interview is below.<div><iframe title="Mike Murphy" 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=3ixme-171b27a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Transcript: Mike Murphy, Senate District 34

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 southwest corner of East 4th and Woodard.

In 1937, Joe and Beatrice Grimes opened a new restaurant at 513 E. 4th, with a different architectural flair — a Dutch windmill. It became a very popular drinking establishment, especially during the dates the Naval Air Station was open.

Between 1937 and 1976, there were 12 different owners. The first photo shows the Dutch Mill Tavern in the late 1940s in an advertisement featuring dancing, cold beer and air conditioning on highways 50 South and 96.

Between 1977 and 1980, it became Yesterday's private club and Lena's private club.

Later, the windmill was moved to 2100 E. 4th. The second photo shows the windmill now as Cilla's Windmill Salon.

In 1997, the old Dutch Mill property was remodeled. The third photo shows the current property occupant, Hutchinson Pawn and Jewelry, now addressed as 509 E. 4th, and owned by Johnson and Ellis Investments of Maple Hill, Kansas.&nbsp;

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/2024/10/1729697522096.png" alt="Dutch Mill Tavern - 513 E. 4th - c. 1950 (From RCM). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Dutch Mill Tavern - 513 E. 4th - c. 1950 (From RCM). 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 southwest corner of East 4th and Woodard.In 1937, Joe and Beatrice Grimes opened a new restaurant at 513 E. 4th, with a different architectural flair — a Dutch windmill. It became a very popular drinking establishment, especially during the dates the Naval Air Station was open.Between 1937 and 1976, there were 12 different owners. The first photo shows the Dutch Mill Tavern in the late 1940s in an advertisement featuring dancing, cold beer and air conditioning on highways 50 South and 96.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729697522096.png" alt="Dutch Mill Tavern - 513 E. 4th - c. 1950 (From RCM). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Dutch Mill Tavern - 513 E. 4th - c. 1950 (From RCM). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Between 1977 and 1980, it became Yesterday's private club and Lena's private club.Later, the windmill was moved to 2100 E. 4th. The second photo shows the windmill now as Cilla's Windmill Salon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729697589496.png" alt="Dutch Mill Tavern - Cilla's Windmill Salon - 2100 E. 4th - Sept. 19, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Dutch Mill Tavern - Cilla's Windmill Salon - 2100 E. 4th - Sept. 19, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1997, the old Dutch Mill property was remodeled. The third photo shows the current property occupant, Hutchinson Pawn and Jewelry, now addressed as 509 E. 4th, and owned by Johnson and Ellis Investments of Maple Hill, Kansas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729697641544.png" alt="Dutch Mill Tavern - Hutch Pawn - 509 E. 4th - Sept. 21, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Dutch Mill Tavern - Hutch Pawn - 509 E. 4th - Sept. 21, 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: Dutch Mill Tavern - Vol. 93

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved reallocation of federal funds to better accomplish the goals of getting EMS into updated facilities in Hutchinson and Arlington at their meeting on Wednesday.

"In 2022, the county commission at that time allocated different ARPA funds to different projects," said Reno County Administrator Randy Partington. "The current EMS building downtown is in the same building as the Health Department. When an opportunity to buy property on 5th Ave. happened, the county commission authorized ARPA funds to buy the building and move EMS to that building, with renovations that are needed for that building. As we got through the process, to follow state law with bidding and design, bid, build, or construction management at risk, whichever process we followed, we found it was going to take longer than we have with ARPA."

In other words, they can't use ARPA money on the renovations on 5th because they won't be done in time, but they can use it to help with the Arlington EMS process, because that will be allocated by the end of the year.

The full amount needed for the renovation of the 5th Avenue EMS station would then come from the CIP reserve fund.

Arlington EMS station has an estimated cost between $600,000 and $900,000. The commission has set a requested maximum amount of $610,000 with $260,000 of the total cost coming from ARPA funds before the changes Wednesday, now it's a lot closer to the full amount. Dave Johnston with Reno County EMS explained that they are still early in that Arlington process.

"We've done visits to Pretty Prairie," Johnston said. "Actually, we've entered into an agreement with Landmark Architecture for that. We've had preliminary meetings for drawings. They have scheduled plat surveys and geo surveys of the site we're intending on building it at. That's all moving forward. They are supposed to come back with us with estimates and costs for us to approve some things. By our next transparency meetings here in November, I should have some preliminary drawings and preliminary costs."

The county has not technically bought the land where the new station would be in Arlington until those preliminary surveys show that it is a suitable building site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574087274920.jpeg" alt="Reno County EMS 1.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Reno County EMS 1.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved reallocation of federal funds to better accomplish the goals of getting EMS into updated facilities in Hutchinson and Arlington at their meeting on Wednesday."In 2022, the county commission at that time allocated different ARPA funds to different projects," said Reno County Administrator Randy Partington. "The current EMS building downtown is in the same building as the Health Department. When an opportunity to buy property on 5th Ave. happened, the county commission authorized ARPA funds to buy the building and move EMS to that building, with renovations that are needed for that building. As we got through the process, to follow state law with bidding and design, bid, build, or construction management at risk, whichever process we followed, we found it was going to take longer than we have with ARPA."In other words, they can't use ARPA money on the renovations on 5th because they won't be done in time, but they can use it to help with the Arlington EMS process, because that will be allocated by the end of the year.The full amount needed for the renovation of the 5th Avenue EMS station would then come from the CIP reserve fund.Arlington EMS station has an estimated cost between $600,000 and $900,000. The commission has set a requested maximum amount of $610,000 with $260,000 of the total cost coming from ARPA funds before the changes Wednesday, now it's a lot closer to the full amount. Dave Johnston with Reno County EMS explained that they are still early in that Arlington process."We've done visits to Pretty Prairie," Johnston said. "Actually, we've entered into an agreement with Landmark Architecture for that. We've had preliminary meetings for drawings. They have scheduled plat surveys and geo surveys of the site we're intending on building it at. That's all moving forward. They are supposed to come back with us with estimates and costs for us to approve some things. By our next transparency meetings here in November, I should have some preliminary drawings and preliminary costs."The county has not technically bought the land where the new station would be in Arlington until those preliminary surveys show that it is a suitable building site.

County reallocates ARPA funds to do more EMS work

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Museum is going to try a big-ticket fundraiser event for the first time next month.

"It's a murder mystery and dinner event," said Reno County Historical Society Board President Josie Thompson. "We have, the theme is bootleggers, bandits and booze. So, come in all your 1920s attire and have a lot of fun. Tammy's Catering is doing the dinner. It's $75 a ticket or you can buy our tabletops. There's eight to a table for $550, but all the proceeds will go to the Reno County Museum to help support our Vietnam exhibit that is scheduled to open in the spring."

They are still looking for items for that exhibit, as well.

"We are still looking for lots of donations and either a loan or complete donation of any Vietnam items, whether it's uniforms, draft cards," Thompson said. "We'll take weaponry, but it has to be decommissioned."

It's important to note that the Reno County Museum collects artifacts from all over the county, not just from Hutchinson.

"We try to showcase as many of those communities as we can," Thompson said. "We take donations from all of those communities to help preserve their history as well as ours."&nbsp;

To find out more about the fundraiser, go to <a href="http://renocomuseum.org">renocomuseum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729707695504.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Museum is going to try a big-ticket fundraiser event for the first time next month."It's a murder mystery and dinner event," said Reno County Historical Society Board President Josie Thompson. "We have, the theme is bootleggers, bandits and booze. So, come in all your 1920s attire and have a lot of fun. Tammy's Catering is doing the dinner. It's $75 a ticket or you can buy our tabletops. There's eight to a table for $550, but all the proceeds will go to the Reno County Museum to help support our Vietnam exhibit that is scheduled to open in the spring."They are still looking for items for that exhibit, as well."We are still looking for lots of donations and either a loan or complete donation of any Vietnam items, whether it's uniforms, draft cards," Thompson said. "We'll take weaponry, but it has to be decommissioned."It's important to note that the Reno County Museum collects artifacts from all over the county, not just from Hutchinson."We try to showcase as many of those communities as we can," Thompson said. "We take donations from all of those communities to help preserve their history as well as ours."&nbsp;To find out more about the fundraiser, go to <a href="http://renocomuseum.org">renocomuseum.org</a>.

Fundraiser next month for Reno Co. Museum

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

10/24/2024 3:17 AM-Dylan	Matthew Reed-Failure to Appear

10/23/2024 9:57 PM-Adam	Casey Leis-Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence; DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;

10/23/2024 5:15 PM-Emily	Marie Cox-Failure to Appear

10/23/2024 2:54 PM-Matthew	Isaac Williams-Probation Violation&nbsp;

10/23/2024 9:21 AM-Thomas	Daniel Malloy-Direct Contempt

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;10/24/2024 3:17 AM-Dylan	Matthew Reed-Failure to Appear10/23/2024 9:57 PM-Adam	Casey Leis-Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence; DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;10/23/2024 5:15 PM-Emily	Marie Cox-Failure to Appear10/23/2024 2:54 PM-Matthew	Isaac Williams-Probation Violation&nbsp;10/23/2024 9:21 AM-Thomas	Daniel Malloy-Direct Contempt

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved on Wednesday fronting the money for gap funding for childcare to the United Way of Reno County instead of doing it as reimbursement.

"This doesn't change our allocated amount," said commissioner Daniel Friesen. "It's just a timing thing."

The reason the change was asked for was to comply with ARPA fund requirements.

"There's a company called IParametrics that the county has hired as a consultant from the very beginning to review our processes and make sure that we are in compliance with the ARPA program," said County Counselor Patrick Hoffman. "When IParametrics was just reviewing our programming, they identified this area and said, you know, we'd really like you guys to have a bit of extra documentation on record as to what you're doing here to make sure you comply. That's why staff have put it in front of you."

It's a significant amount of money for the United Way to front itself, so that's why they asked the county if they could change that.

"There's two for Buhler, one at $80,000, one at $306,000, Nickerson has one at $114,000, Pretty Prairie $72,000 and Haven $260,000," said Reno County Administrator Randy Partington.

The commission approved the change on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner John Whitesel voting against.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729695746224.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved on Wednesday fronting the money for gap funding for childcare to the United Way of Reno County instead of doing it as reimbursement."This doesn't change our allocated amount," said commissioner Daniel Friesen. "It's just a timing thing."The reason the change was asked for was to comply with ARPA fund requirements."There's a company called IParametrics that the county has hired as a consultant from the very beginning to review our processes and make sure that we are in compliance with the ARPA program," said County Counselor Patrick Hoffman. "When IParametrics was just reviewing our programming, they identified this area and said, you know, we'd really like you guys to have a bit of extra documentation on record as to what you're doing here to make sure you comply. That's why staff have put it in front of you."It's a significant amount of money for the United Way to front itself, so that's why they asked the county if they could change that."There's two for Buhler, one at $80,000, one at $306,000, Nickerson has one at $114,000, Pretty Prairie $72,000 and Haven $260,000," said Reno County Administrator Randy Partington.The commission approved the change on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner John Whitesel voting against.

Gap funding for childcare approved by county

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

10/22/2024 11:40 PM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Failure to Appear

10/22/2024 7:42 PM-Todd	Adrian Wylie-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance&nbsp;

10/22/2024 5:22 PM-Kyla	Ann Larralde-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;

10/22/2024 4:14 PM-Cody	Bill Hull-Probation Violation&nbsp;

10/22/2024 3:28 PM-Adrian	Alan Clark Jr.-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

10/22/2024 1:56 PM-Zane	Robert McHenry-Failure to Appear; Probation Violation

10/22/2024 11:51 AM-Forrest	James Stucky-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Restraint&nbsp;

10/22/2024 4:33 AM-Sherry	Ann Tarwater-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving

10/22/2024 4:18 AM-Jacob	David Gendreau-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm

<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;10/22/2024 11:40 PM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Failure to Appear10/22/2024 7:42 PM-Todd	Adrian Wylie-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance&nbsp;10/22/2024 5:22 PM-Kyla	Ann Larralde-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;10/22/2024 4:14 PM-Cody	Bill Hull-Probation Violation&nbsp;10/22/2024 3:28 PM-Adrian	Alan Clark Jr.-Failure to Appear&nbsp;10/22/2024 1:56 PM-Zane	Robert McHenry-Failure to Appear; Probation Violation10/22/2024 11:51 AM-Forrest	James Stucky-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Restraint&nbsp;10/22/2024 4:33 AM-Sherry	Ann Tarwater-DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving10/22/2024 4:18 AM-Jacob	David Gendreau-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The SW Bricktown Neighborhood and Hutch in Harmony along with the Hutchinson Clinic are hosting the first Hispanic Health and Resource Fair this weekend in the Salt City.

"The event will be at Memorial Hall, thanks to the support from the City of Hutchinson," said Esmerelda Tovar-Mora with Hutch in Harmony.&nbsp; "We will also have a mobile consulate as a resource coming to Hutchinson. A mobile consulate is a space where people may come to renew their passports, their consulate IDs and ask questions without needing to travel all the way to Kansas City for that information since the nearest consulate is there. The estimated attendance for mobile consulates are in the 350 to 400 plus range as everyone has to register two weeks in advance for every location, and this is the first time that it's happening in Hutchinson."

The ability to translate is so important to making sure people get the care that they need, so there will be multiple volunteers to make sure that the English to Spanish barrier is overcome.

"It's really difficult to be able to translate it from a formal to informal to conversational, right? Conversational Spanish is different than if you are reading medical terminology in Spanish. And so being able to not only understand what is being said to you, when it is translated from English to Spanish, or when you're a small business and you're translating it from Spanish to English, you want to make sure you get that middle person to be able to read it and say, hey, does this make sense?"

There will be many health services at the event.

"There will be stroke education with two bilingual helpers with handouts, SANE nurses, which is the sexual assault nurse examiners, dieticians with consultations and bilingual handouts over appropriate diets that our population commonly faces. We will also have the pharmacy with home medication lists and pill organizers. Hutchinson Regional Physicians Network will be having family practice there. Hutchinson Regional Physicians Network will also have obstetrics and gynecology there. The Regional Medical Center will have a lactation specialist, and imaging will also be providing carotid ultrasound screenings. There will be lipid testing. There will be depression and anxiety screenings through Horizons. The Reno County Health Department will be there with resources on their WIC program, smoking cessation, family programs, maternal child health, all the good things, including two bilingual nurses and one interpreter."

The event is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729612115993.jpeg" alt="Hispanic Fair" />
 <figcaption>Hispanic Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The SW Bricktown Neighborhood and Hutch in Harmony along with the Hutchinson Clinic are hosting the first Hispanic Health and Resource Fair this weekend in the Salt City."The event will be at Memorial Hall, thanks to the support from the City of Hutchinson," said Esmerelda Tovar-Mora with Hutch in Harmony.&nbsp; "We will also have a mobile consulate as a resource coming to Hutchinson. A mobile consulate is a space where people may come to renew their passports, their consulate IDs and ask questions without needing to travel all the way to Kansas City for that information since the nearest consulate is there. The estimated attendance for mobile consulates are in the 350 to 400 plus range as everyone has to register two weeks in advance for every location, and this is the first time that it's happening in Hutchinson."The ability to translate is so important to making sure people get the care that they need, so there will be multiple volunteers to make sure that the English to Spanish barrier is overcome."It's really difficult to be able to translate it from a formal to informal to conversational, right? Conversational Spanish is different than if you are reading medical terminology in Spanish. And so being able to not only understand what is being said to you, when it is translated from English to Spanish, or when you're a small business and you're translating it from Spanish to English, you want to make sure you get that middle person to be able to read it and say, hey, does this make sense?"There will be many health services at the event."There will be stroke education with two bilingual helpers with handouts, SANE nurses, which is the sexual assault nurse examiners, dieticians with consultations and bilingual handouts over appropriate diets that our population commonly faces. We will also have the pharmacy with home medication lists and pill organizers. Hutchinson Regional Physicians Network will be having family practice there. Hutchinson Regional Physicians Network will also have obstetrics and gynecology there. The Regional Medical Center will have a lactation specialist, and imaging will also be providing carotid ultrasound screenings. There will be lipid testing. There will be depression and anxiety screenings through Horizons. The Reno County Health Department will be there with resources on their WIC program, smoking cessation, family programs, maternal child health, all the good things, including two bilingual nurses and one interpreter."The event is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Hispanic Health and Resource Fair this weekend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Evergy on Monday announced it will invest in two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle natural gas plants that will be built in Kansas. The plants are expected to begin operating in 2029 and 2030. One of the plants will be in Reno County at the corner of Morgan Ave. and McNew Road near South Hutchinson.

"During construction, each will bring about 500 jobs to the community," said David Campbell, Evergy Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer."When in operation, we expect about 20 to 40 good paying jobs, permanent jobs. Over its lifetime, the plant will generate about $500 million in taxes to help support schools, roads and public services here in Kansas."

The intent is for this plant to be able to ramp up or ramp down, depending on the base generation need.

"Natural gas is an abundant, economical fuel in our area," Campbell said. "These plants will also be efficient in their use of Kansas' other natural resources. Water is a good example, and I know it's important to all of us. These new plants will be air cooled, so each requires a fraction of the water that is associated with older power plants. In every aspect, these plants are built to meet our needs today, but also our needs for decades to come."

The placement of the plant in Reno County is advantageous for several reasons.

"Hutchinson is a great place to site a new power plant," Campbell said. "To keep a natural gas plant cost-effective in construction, you need to find available land, about 150 acres, with access to a gas pipeline, with access to the power grid. It's also important to find a community that welcomes the investment. We found that in our wonderful partners here in Hutchinson."

The natural gas plants will represent a major investment in the state’s energy infrastructure that will serve customers for 40 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729533611500.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel speaks to the crowd assembled at the Evergy announcement on Monday at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on October 21, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel speaks to the crowd assembled at the Evergy announcement on Monday at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on October 21, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Evergy on Monday announced it will invest in two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle natural gas plants that will be built in Kansas. The plants are expected to begin operating in 2029 and 2030. One of the plants will be in Reno County at the corner of Morgan Ave. and McNew Road near South Hutchinson."During construction, each will bring about 500 jobs to the community," said David Campbell, Evergy Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer."When in operation, we expect about 20 to 40 good paying jobs, permanent jobs. Over its lifetime, the plant will generate about $500 million in taxes to help support schools, roads and public services here in Kansas."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729533986696.png" alt="The plant site for the new Evergy plant is near South Hutchinson in Reno County. Graphic courtesy Evergy." />
 <figcaption>The plant site for the new Evergy plant is near South Hutchinson in Reno County. Graphic courtesy Evergy.</figcaption>
 </figure>The intent is for this plant to be able to ramp up or ramp down, depending on the base generation need."Natural gas is an abundant, economical fuel in our area," Campbell said. "These plants will also be efficient in their use of Kansas' other natural resources. Water is a good example, and I know it's important to all of us. These new plants will be air cooled, so each requires a fraction of the water that is associated with older power plants. In every aspect, these plants are built to meet our needs today, but also our needs for decades to come."<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>The placement of the plant in Reno County is advantageous for several reasons."Hutchinson is a great place to site a new power plant," Campbell said. "To keep a natural gas plant cost-effective in construction, you need to find available land, about 150 acres, with access to a gas pipeline, with access to the power grid. It's also important to find a community that welcomes the investment. We found that in our wonderful partners here in Hutchinson."The natural gas plants will represent a major investment in the state’s energy infrastructure that will serve customers for 40 years.Video of the press event is below.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y_sGnE26DzQ?si=_qHVqdwMkTDq5EQE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Evergy to build 705 MW natural gas plant in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Creighton University economist Ernie Goss sees more cuts coming from the Federal Reserve before the end of 2024.

"Well, I think there's going to be another 50 basis point cuts in total," Goss said. "That'll bring the prime interest rate down to seven and a half percent, that'll bring the funds rate down to four and a half percent. I think they're gonna have to quit that. I think there's too much in inflationary pressures out there right now and we're gonna see it suddenly hit again sometime in 2025, probably the latter part."

Just because the Fed cuts one rate doesn't mean they all come down.

"When the Fed reduced interest rates on this in September, September the 18th, what that did was you saw short-term rates come down but long-term rates actually went up," Goss said. "So mortgage rates, which are tied to long-term rates, went up, so the interest rates on farmland purchases also went up and we're seeing that now."

This is part of why housing prices remain elevated, even in tougher overall economic conditions. Goss quoted Nixon-era economist Herb Stein.

"He said if something can't go on forever, it will stop," Goss said. "This cannot go on forever, but right now it's being supported to a large degree by the builders. The affordability index in terms of housing right now is its lowest level ever. Nationwide we're talking about for spending 40 to 45 percent of your monthly income is going to purchase by a new home buyer, so that's that's way way too high."

An ideal rate for mortgages is no more than 25% of your take home pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721252530350.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Creighton University economist Ernie Goss sees more cuts coming from the Federal Reserve before the end of 2024."Well, I think there's going to be another 50 basis point cuts in total," Goss said. "That'll bring the prime interest rate down to seven and a half percent, that'll bring the funds rate down to four and a half percent. I think they're gonna have to quit that. I think there's too much in inflationary pressures out there right now and we're gonna see it suddenly hit again sometime in 2025, probably the latter part."Just because the Fed cuts one rate doesn't mean they all come down."When the Fed reduced interest rates on this in September, September the 18th, what that did was you saw short-term rates come down but long-term rates actually went up," Goss said. "So mortgage rates, which are tied to long-term rates, went up, so the interest rates on farmland purchases also went up and we're seeing that now."This is part of why housing prices remain elevated, even in tougher overall economic conditions. Goss quoted Nixon-era economist Herb Stein."He said if something can't go on forever, it will stop," Goss said. "This cannot go on forever, but right now it's being supported to a large degree by the builders. The affordability index in terms of housing right now is its lowest level ever. Nationwide we're talking about for spending 40 to 45 percent of your monthly income is going to purchase by a new home buyer, so that's that's way way too high."An ideal rate for mortgages is no more than 25% of your take home pay.

Goss: More Fed cuts coming

10/22/2024 12:42 AM-Zachary	Ray Crawford-Battery on LEO; misd; Unknown circumstance; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;

10/21/2024 3:51 PM-Robert	Lee Maloun Jr.-Viol protection order; Abuse order

10/21/2024 8:08 AM-Johnathon	Theodore Carson-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;10/22/2024 12:42 AM-Zachary	Ray Crawford-Battery on LEO; misd; Unknown circumstance; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;10/21/2024 3:51 PM-Robert	Lee Maloun Jr.-Viol protection order; Abuse order10/21/2024 8:08 AM-Johnathon	Theodore Carson-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Girls state golf tournaments will be held today and tomorrow at four different sites across the state. Below you will find qualifiers to the state tournament from the Hutch Post area.&nbsp;

Class 6A: Carey Park Class 5A: Salina Municipal Golf Course Class 4A: Hesston Golf Course Class 3-1A: Emporia Municipal Golf Course

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728956838713.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls state golf tournaments will be held today and tomorrow at four different sites across the state. Below you will find qualifiers to the state tournament from the Hutch Post area.&nbsp;Class 6A: Carey Park Class 5A: Salina Municipal Golf Course Class 4A: Hesston Golf Course Class 3-1A: Emporia Municipal Golf Course<div>CLASS 5A
HUTCHINSON Ava Burlie (12) Lily Rodriguez (12) Lydia Patterson (12) Brynn Hall (12) NEWTON Naomi Koontz (10)
 
CLASS 4A
BUHLER Anika Paulsrud (9) Macy Miller (10) Addison Specht (9) Juliette Shank (12) Harlie Terrell (11) Paityn Weber (9) McPHERSON Brodie Kuhn (11) Andi Buschbom (11) Reese Elliott (12) Pera Bauer (10) Hattie Gibson (12) Addison French (10)
 
CLASS 3-1A
HESSTON Elizabeth Hosford (10) Wendy Roth (10) Regan Eilert (12) Brynn Thiesen (9) Maci Kramer (11) Chloe Vogt (11) 
KINGMAN Teagan Dick (10) PRETTY PRAIRIE Jewelynn Reese (10)</div>

⛳ State tournaments begin today

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mark and Phoebe Davenport are looking to sell the Hoke Building project to someone. They'd love it if someone who is closer than they are could take it over.

"As the years have rolled by, it's taken longer than we thought," Mark Davenport said. "The costs have increased, as well. We're not best placed to finish the project, ultimately. We're based in Kansas City. We think most likely, it's probably a developer or other owner in Hutch or in the surrounding area that is best placed to get it across the finish line."

They were planning a boutique hotel, but they could see many possibilities for someone new.

"We've staked a lot on the market for a hotel," Davenport said. "Obviously, that's how we've developed it. I think there still is a market for it, but it could also go affordable housing, so there's a range of options for how it could play out."

Since a hotel was the plan for the Hoke, they didn't have access to the same funding stack that the Landmark has put together. They also didn't end up in the new STAR Bond district that is going to include the Landmark.

"We weren't considered for that, which was kind of surprising, given the nature of the boutique hotel and how it's kind of an attraction and kind of a big deal, I think, for a city like Hutch to have a boutique hotel," Davenport said. "We weren't notified that was really happening. When I found out about it and talked to the powers that be, the opportunity had already passed."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729302924216.png" alt="Hoke Building-Image Courtesy Levare Properties" />
 <figcaption>Hoke Building-Image Courtesy Levare Properties</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mark and Phoebe Davenport are looking to sell the Hoke Building project to someone. They'd love it if someone who is closer than they are could take it over."As the years have rolled by, it's taken longer than we thought," Mark Davenport said. "The costs have increased, as well. We're not best placed to finish the project, ultimately. We're based in Kansas City. We think most likely, it's probably a developer or other owner in Hutch or in the surrounding area that is best placed to get it across the finish line."They were planning a boutique hotel, but they could see many possibilities for someone new."We've staked a lot on the market for a hotel," Davenport said. "Obviously, that's how we've developed it. I think there still is a market for it, but it could also go affordable housing, so there's a range of options for how it could play out."Since a hotel was the plan for the Hoke, they didn't have access to the same funding stack that the Landmark has put together. They also didn't end up in the new STAR Bond district that is going to include the Landmark."We weren't considered for that, which was kind of surprising, given the nature of the boutique hotel and how it's kind of an attraction and kind of a big deal, I think, for a city like Hutch to have a boutique hotel," Davenport said. "We weren't notified that was really happening. When I found out about it and talked to the powers that be, the opportunity had already passed."Davenport said 95% of the exterior has been done. Inside, they've taken down the floor, poured new concrete and taken care of the electrical and plumbing. They've done most of an elevator installation and started work on the stair tower and other structural work. They also started some framing related to using it as a boutique hotel, but that could be undone, if the new owner wanted it for a different purpose.