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;

9/29/2024 10:52 PM-Shawn	Christopher Taylor-Failure to Appear

9/29/2024 6:44 PM-Calvin	Reece Pontious-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

9/29/2024 6:42 PM-Desire	Victoria Williams-DUI; Misdemeanor

<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;9/29/2024 10:52 PM-Shawn	Christopher Taylor-Failure to Appear9/29/2024 6:44 PM-Calvin	Reece Pontious-Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)9/29/2024 6:42 PM-Desire	Victoria Williams-DUI; Misdemeanor

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Concert attendance for the Kansas State Fair was solid, according to Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz.

"I mean, we had just shy of 4,200 for the Wynonna and Kimberly Perry," said State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz. "The Goo Goo Dolls was about 5,500. You get to Casting Crowns and Katie Nicole for our Christian Night. We had about 42, 4,300. Then you get to Riley Green, which was about 81, almost 8,200 people in the grandstand. That's probably the biggest concert we've seen in a long time, and then the Oak Ridge Boys brought in about 2,500 people."

The Fair is going to continue with the same promoter they have used for some time.

"We're going to continue working with Romeo Entertainment Group out of Nashville," Schulz said. "They've been with us for many, many years. We put it up for an RFP. Just what they said that they could bring to the table was something that we wanted to continue with, and we saw that this last year."

Also, moving the stage farther from the main grandstand allowed for additional capacity.

"We were able to basically add up another thousand spaces for people to come and enjoy the concerts," Schulz said. "For the Riley Green concert, we actually were sitting right around that 990 spots down there. It was very comfortable still, but it gave that opportunity of being up and close with the artist. Then the stage up from that, our VIP deck, we had 20 tables of six that people could buy that included beverages and food, and then there was a standing room in there as well. Then you went up to the seated grandstand, and as that went for the Riley Green concert, that was fairly full up there as well."

With the new party pit area, a true sellout of the grandstand now would likely be able to break the 10,000 mark.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727523179550.jpeg" alt="Over 8100 people attended the Riley Green concert at the 2024 Kansas State Fair. Image Courtesy Kansas State Fair." />
 <figcaption>Over 8100 people attended the Riley Green concert at the 2024 Kansas State Fair. Image Courtesy Kansas State Fair.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Concert attendance for the Kansas State Fair was solid, according to Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz."I mean, we had just shy of 4,200 for the Wynonna and Kimberly Perry," said State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz. "The Goo Goo Dolls was about 5,500. You get to Casting Crowns and Katie Nicole for our Christian Night. We had about 42, 4,300. Then you get to Riley Green, which was about 81, almost 8,200 people in the grandstand. That's probably the biggest concert we've seen in a long time, and then the Oak Ridge Boys brought in about 2,500 people."The Fair is going to continue with the same promoter they have used for some time."We're going to continue working with Romeo Entertainment Group out of Nashville," Schulz said. "They've been with us for many, many years. We put it up for an RFP. Just what they said that they could bring to the table was something that we wanted to continue with, and we saw that this last year."Also, moving the stage farther from the main grandstand allowed for additional capacity."We were able to basically add up another thousand spaces for people to come and enjoy the concerts," Schulz said. "For the Riley Green concert, we actually were sitting right around that 990 spots down there. It was very comfortable still, but it gave that opportunity of being up and close with the artist. Then the stage up from that, our VIP deck, we had 20 tables of six that people could buy that included beverages and food, and then there was a standing room in there as well. Then you went up to the seated grandstand, and as that went for the Riley Green concert, that was fairly full up there as well."With the new party pit area, a true sellout of the grandstand now would likely be able to break the 10,000 mark.

Concert attendance solid for State Fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Phil Kerpen with American Commitment notes that even though some measures are improving, the economy is still not as strong as it was a few years ago.

"The main reason that people are still experiencing the economy so negatively, of course, is that incomes have still not caught up to prices," Kerpen said. "We just had the 2023 income data come out, and there were a bunch of stories trying to sort of celebrate and say how wonderful it is that we had positive real income growth for that year. If you look at the real income data, we still haven't reached 2019. We're still below where we were before the lockdowns, about $600 below for the median household income."

People are used to rising incomes as they gain experience in their jobs. 

"They're used to being able to buy a little bit more each year than they were the year before," Kerpen said. "People don't feel that they're getting ahead economically. They feel that they're still behind. Other data bears this out. We've seen a big rise in consumer debt, credit card debt in particular, and we're seeing delinquencies rise now. We've got a situation where, you know, people get towards the end of the month and they either need to go without things they used to be able to afford, or they need to put them on a credit card and carry a balance."

Unemployment has been going up, though slowly.

"Traditionally, that's been one of the metrics that the Federal Reserve looks at indicating that a recession is coming, I think that's why they suddenly moved so aggressively to cut interest rates. It's not because they actually conquered inflation and it's all clear, and now they can ease up. It's because they think we're headed for a recession and they're trying desperately to avoid it. But those efforts usually fail, unfortunately."

Kerpen also said he's worried about the combination of recession and inflation, which is called stagflation and happened most notably back in the 1970s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581346070421.png" alt="Phil Kerpen-American Commitment" />
 <figcaption>Phil Kerpen-American Commitment</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Phil Kerpen with American Commitment notes that even though some measures are improving, the economy is still not as strong as it was a few years ago."The main reason that people are still experiencing the economy so negatively, of course, is that incomes have still not caught up to prices," Kerpen said. "We just had the 2023 income data come out, and there were a bunch of stories trying to sort of celebrate and say how wonderful it is that we had positive real income growth for that year. If you look at the real income data, we still haven't reached 2019. We're still below where we were before the lockdowns, about $600 below for the median household income."People are used to rising incomes as they gain experience in their jobs. "They're used to being able to buy a little bit more each year than they were the year before," Kerpen said. "People don't feel that they're getting ahead economically. They feel that they're still behind. Other data bears this out. We've seen a big rise in consumer debt, credit card debt in particular, and we're seeing delinquencies rise now. We've got a situation where, you know, people get towards the end of the month and they either need to go without things they used to be able to afford, or they need to put them on a credit card and carry a balance."Unemployment has been going up, though slowly."Traditionally, that's been one of the metrics that the Federal Reserve looks at indicating that a recession is coming, I think that's why they suddenly moved so aggressively to cut interest rates. It's not because they actually conquered inflation and it's all clear, and now they can ease up. It's because they think we're headed for a recession and they're trying desperately to avoid it. But those efforts usually fail, unfortunately."Kerpen also said he's worried about the combination of recession and inflation, which is called stagflation and happened most notably back in the 1970s.

Kerpen: American economy not back to normal

9/29/2024 1:36 AM-Richard	Robert Knapp-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

9/28/2024 11:00 PM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Failure to Appear

9/28/2024 8:09 PM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Theft; By Deception; Less than $1,500&nbsp;

9/28/2024 7:17 PM-Courtney	James Stuart-Probation Violation

9/28/2024 6:27 PM-Derek	Thomas Mellott-Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, dv, sex; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

9/28/2024 3:29 PM-Grant	Ethan Harmony-Agg burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex, dv; Robbery;Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Assault; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Intimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting

9/28/2024 1:42 PM-Hayley	Loraine Wetschensky-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;

9/28/2024 8:09 AM-Joshua	Jacob Nachtigal-Probation Violation

9/28/2024 7:55 AM-Kaylin	Dale Darnell-Burglary;Locked non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, dv, or sex; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999&nbsp;

9/28/2024 6:53 AM-David	Ruben Benitez-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction

<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;9/29/2024 1:36 AM-Richard	Robert Knapp-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv9/28/2024 11:00 PM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Failure to Appear9/28/2024 8:09 PM-Crystal	Lynn Board-Theft; By Deception; Less than $1,500&nbsp;9/28/2024 7:17 PM-Courtney	James Stuart-Probation Violation9/28/2024 6:27 PM-Derek	Thomas Mellott-Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, dv, sex; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant9/28/2024 3:29 PM-Grant	Ethan Harmony-Agg burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex, dv; Robbery;Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Assault; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Intimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting9/28/2024 1:42 PM-Hayley	Loraine Wetschensky-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction); Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000&nbsp;9/28/2024 8:09 AM-Joshua	Jacob Nachtigal-Probation Violation9/28/2024 7:55 AM-Kaylin	Dale Darnell-Burglary;Locked non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, dv, or sex; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999&nbsp;9/28/2024 6:53 AM-David	Ruben Benitez-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/boxscores/20240928_dk69.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team put the scoreboard to work in a 99-0 romp over Ellsworth Community College on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

The 99 points are the most-ever scored in a Blue Dragon single-game and tie for the most-ever points scored in a NJCAA Division I football game.

Hutchinson (4-0) scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 58-yard scamper by quarterback Samari Collier. The Collier touchdown was the first of eight rushing touchdowns in the win.&nbsp;

Waymond Jordan Jr. finished the game with nine carries for 171 yards and four scores, Julius Bolden eight carries for 80 yards and a score, and Titus Petteway four carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

Ben Prosper hauled in two passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while Dwayne Moorehead had two catches for 15 yards, Tre Brown with one catch for 15 yards and a score, and Kordell Gouldsby one catch for 19 yards.

The Blue Dragons scored 24 points in the first quarter, 35 in the second, 14 in the third and 26 in the final period.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons ran 57 plays for 591 yards, 40 of the 57 plays were rushing attempts, which the Blue Dragons gashed the Panthers defense for 469 yards.

The Hutchinson defense also joined in on the scoring, recording two interception returns for a touchdown, one by David Jester and the other from MJ Graham. HutchCC held Ellsworth to 100 yards on 83 plays.

The Blue Dragons defense matched its season-total of seven quarterback sacks, while recording 17 tackles for loss in the win.&nbsp;

HutchCC will host Dodge City (3-2) on Saturday at Gowans Stadium with kickoff scheduled for noon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727558743422.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/boxscores/20240928_dk69.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College football team put the scoreboard to work in a 99-0 romp over Ellsworth Community College on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.The 99 points are the most-ever scored in a Blue Dragon single-game and tie for the most-ever points scored in a NJCAA Division I football game.Hutchinson (4-0) scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 58-yard scamper by quarterback Samari Collier. The Collier touchdown was the first of eight rushing touchdowns in the win.&nbsp;Waymond Jordan Jr. finished the game with nine carries for 171 yards and four scores, Julius Bolden eight carries for 80 yards and a score, and Titus Petteway four carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns.Ben Prosper hauled in two passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while Dwayne Moorehead had two catches for 15 yards, Tre Brown with one catch for 15 yards and a score, and Kordell Gouldsby one catch for 19 yards.The Blue Dragons scored 24 points in the first quarter, 35 in the second, 14 in the third and 26 in the final period.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons ran 57 plays for 591 yards, 40 of the 57 plays were rushing attempts, which the Blue Dragons gashed the Panthers defense for 469 yards.The Hutchinson defense also joined in on the scoring, recording two interception returns for a touchdown, one by David Jester and the other from MJ Graham. HutchCC held Ellsworth to 100 yards on 83 plays.The Blue Dragons defense matched its season-total of seven quarterback sacks, while recording 17 tackles for loss in the win.&nbsp;HutchCC will host Dodge City (3-2) on Saturday at Gowans Stadium with kickoff scheduled for noon.

🏈 No. 1 Hutchinson scores school-record 99 points in thumping of Ellsworth

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, Sept. 28-29, around the Hutchinson area. Click the play button to listen.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<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, Sept. 28-29, around the Hutchinson area. Click the play button to listen.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="🎧 LISTEN: 'Happening Around Hutch' this weekend (Sept. 28-29)" 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=4u3b8-16e84a3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a target="_blank" href="https://hutchpost.com/category/podcasts">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to more Hutch Post podcasts on demand!&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 LISTEN: 'Happening Around Hutch' this weekend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — AAA is now going to include costs of energy for electric vehicles in its regular reports.

"National Drive Electric Week is September 27th through October 6th," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We thought this was a fitting time to recognize that electric vehicle ownership is becoming more mainstream, enough to the point for AAA to add electricity to its weekly consumer fuel gauge report."&nbsp;

Kansas is in a good position in the first report, released earlier this week.

"Kansas actually has the lowest kilowatt hour cost in the country at 22 cents," Steward said. "That's certainly a good place to be. We're low in terms of gas prices and the top 10 lowest gas prices, and we're number one in terms of the lowest electric prices right now if you're charging your vehicle."

The report will also include those who charge at home and those who use commercial fast chargers.

"We like to include that information, providing data for all levels of public charging, level one through the level three fast charging," Steward said. "We can get a clear understanding and an average look at what those prices are when you go to charge your EV."

You can find prices for both gas and electricity through links at&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">https://gasprices.aaa.com/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631200998773.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — AAA is now going to include costs of energy for electric vehicles in its regular reports."National Drive Electric Week is September 27th through October 6th," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We thought this was a fitting time to recognize that electric vehicle ownership is becoming more mainstream, enough to the point for AAA to add electricity to its weekly consumer fuel gauge report."&nbsp;Kansas is in a good position in the first report, released earlier this week."Kansas actually has the lowest kilowatt hour cost in the country at 22 cents," Steward said. "That's certainly a good place to be. We're low in terms of gas prices and the top 10 lowest gas prices, and we're number one in terms of the lowest electric prices right now if you're charging your vehicle."The report will also include those who charge at home and those who use commercial fast chargers."We like to include that information, providing data for all levels of public charging, level one through the level three fast charging," Steward said. "We can get a clear understanding and an average look at what those prices are when you go to charge your EV."You can find prices for both gas and electricity through links at&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">https://gasprices.aaa.com/</a>.

AAA will add electric cost to fuel reports

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

9/28/2024 3:46 AM-David	Lynn Davis-DUI; Alcohol or drugs; Felony

9/28/2024 3:02 AM-Tieon	Darcell Jones-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

9/27/2024 9:19 PM-Halie	Ann Schellhas-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate

9/27/2024 6:57 PM-Seth	Aaron Moss-Probation Violation&nbsp;

9/27/2024 6:40 PM-David	Duane Beer-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

9/27/2024 6:22 PM-Maurice	Christopher Rivera-DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+&nbsp;

9/27/2024 5:15 PM-Johnathan	Patrick Kelley-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Forgery; Making, altering, endorsing&nbsp;

9/27/2024 4:09 PM-Sethanial	Kane Giles- DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving

9/27/2024 3:13 PM-Matthew Mckinnon	Sr.-Failure to Appear

9/27/2024 1:10 PM-Joseph Caudillo-Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); &lt; 3.5g&nbsp;

9/27/2024 12:32 PM-Caitlynn	Emily Roepke-Probation Violation&nbsp;

9/27/2024 10:38 AM-David	Morgan Bardwell-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

9/27/2024 10:03 AM-Shannon	Marie Symonds-Theft; Possess Stolen Property; Less than $1,500

<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;9/28/2024 3:46 AM-David	Lynn Davis-DUI; Alcohol or drugs; Felony9/28/2024 3:02 AM-Tieon	Darcell Jones-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant9/27/2024 9:19 PM-Halie	Ann Schellhas-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate9/27/2024 6:57 PM-Seth	Aaron Moss-Probation Violation&nbsp;9/27/2024 6:40 PM-David	Duane Beer-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;9/27/2024 6:22 PM-Maurice	Christopher Rivera-DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+&nbsp;9/27/2024 5:15 PM-Johnathan	Patrick Kelley-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Forgery; Making, altering, endorsing&nbsp;9/27/2024 4:09 PM-Sethanial	Kane Giles- DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving9/27/2024 3:13 PM-Matthew Mckinnon	Sr.-Failure to Appear9/27/2024 1:10 PM-Joseph Caudillo-Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); &lt; 3.5g&nbsp;9/27/2024 12:32 PM-Caitlynn	Emily Roepke-Probation Violation&nbsp;9/27/2024 10:38 AM-David	Morgan Bardwell-Failure to Appear&nbsp;9/27/2024 10:03 AM-Shannon	Marie Symonds-Theft; Possess Stolen Property; Less than $1,500

Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night)

Hutchinson Central Christian 46, Fairfield 6

KC Washington 60, Kansas City Central, Mo. 0

Lawrence Free State 42, Olathe Northwest 14

Mission Valley 46, Topeka Cair Paravel 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 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night) Andale 47, Wichita Collegiate 6Andover 35, Arkansas City 7Andover Central 24, Valley Center 0Atchison 49, KC Schlagle 8Atchison County 60, Oskaloosa 0Attica/Argonia 48, Norwich 28Axtell 64, Blue Valley Randolph 8BV Northwest 49, Washburn Rural 23BV West 34, BV North 28Basehor-Linwood 21, De Soto 7Beloit 27, Phillipsburg 6Blue Valley 20, St. James Academy 10Blue Valley 34, BV North 28Bucklin 60, Deerfield 14Buhler 55, Circle 14Burlingame 68, Centre 0Central Heights 14, Bluestem 6Central Plains 52, Solomon 6Centralia 58, Doniphan West 14Chase County 40, Lyndon 36Chase def. Burrton, forfeitCheney 50, Clearwater 22Chetopa 60, Southern Coffey County 0Clay Center 42, Chapman 26Clifton-Clyde 56, Lakeside 6Coffeyville 42, Independence 0Colby 21, Hugoton 17Columbus 49, Neodesha 16Council Grove 34, Riley County 13Crest 54, St Paul 8Derby 59, Maize 7Dighton 60, Wallace County 14Dodge City 33, Liberal 14Ell-Saline 46, Canton-Galva 0Ellis 53, La Crosse 8Ellsworth 48, Lyons 7Eudora 24, Ottawa 21Frontenac 15, Girard 8Galena 36, Fredonia 22Garden Plain 56, Belle Plaine 0Gardner-Edgerton 35, Lawrence 21Goddard 41, Newton 7Goddard-Eisenhower 51, Salina Central 28Golden Plains 68, Triplains-Brewster 6Great Bend 61, Wichita North 7Hanover 28, Frankfort 22Haven 37, Douglass 0Hays 41, Garden City 8Hays-TMP-Marian 50, Stanton County 7Hesston 53, Nickerson 6Hiawatha 21, Jefferson West 0Highland Park 48, KC Harmon 0Hillsboro 27, Halstead 0Hodgeman County 48, St John 0Hoisington 53, Southwestern Hts. 6Holcomb 35, Goodland 21Holton 33, Perry-Lecompton 14Howard West Elk 54, Oswego 44Hoxie 53, Stockton 0Humboldt 56, Eureka 12Hutchinson Central Christian 46, Fairfield 6Hutchinson Trinity 30, Caldwell 28, OTHutchinson Trinity 30, South Sumner 28Ingalls 58, Rolla 0Inman 30, Remington 26Iola 25, Anderson County 18Jackson Heights 57, McLouth 0KC Washington 60, Kansas City Central, Mo. 0Kinsley 42, Elkhart 6Lakin 38, Cimarron 20Lansing 63, Topeka West 0Lawrence Free State 42, Olathe Northwest 14Leavenworth 34, Shawnee Heights 27Lebo 56, Hartford 6Lincoln 50, Washington County 0Linn 39, Thunder Ridge 16Little River 58, Goessel 0Logan 20, Wheatland-Grinnell 6Louisburg 57, Bonner Springs 8Maize South 51, Wichita Campus 13Manhattan 50, Northland Christian, Mo. 8Manhattan 52, Junction City 0Marysville 24, Concordia 0McPherson 29, Winfield 23Mill Valley 49, SM South 0Minneola 56, Ashland 6Mission Valley 46, Topeka Cair Paravel 22Moscow 53, South Barber 8Moundridge 76, Herington 6Mulvane 19, Augusta 0Nemaha Central 13, Chanute 7Ness City 44, Quinter 42Northern Heights 48, Flinthills 14Norton 35, Minneapolis 14Oakley 35, Syracuse 0Olathe East 23, SM North 7Olpe 14, Wabaunsee 7Onaga 38, Valley Falls 6Osage City 74, West Franklin 0Osborne 54, St John's Beloit 0Oxford 84, Wichita Independent 12Parsons 38, Baxter Springs 7Peabody-Burns 58, Pawnee Heights 20Pittsburg 23, Fort Scott 14Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 66, Pleasanton 8Plainville 14, Smith Center 8Prairie View 50, Burlington 34Pratt 49, Chaparral 10Pratt Skyline 46, Udall 0Rawlins County 48, Hill City 28Reno County 84, Marmaton Valley 78Republic County 18, Bennington 14Riverside 21, Maur Hill - Mount Academy 14Riverton 43, Cherryvale 6Rock Creek 42, Abilene 6Rockhurst, Mo. 20, Bishop Miege 3Rose Hill 32, El Dorado 12Rossville 13, Maranatha 0Rural Vista 52, Wakefield 6Russell 48, Larned 28SM East 39, Olathe North 34SM Northwest 56, SM West 6Sabetha 7, Royal Valley 6Santa Fe Trail 48, SMA 8Scott City 57, Ulysses 8Sedgwick 35, Marion 8Silver Lake 26, SMA 20Silver Lake 26, St Marys 20South Central 54, Kiowa County 8South Gray 58, Spearville 38Southeast of Saline 40, Kingman 6Spring Hill 20, KC Piper 13St. Thomas Aquinas 59, BV Southwest 10Sterling 41, Ellinwood 35Sublette 44, Meade 6Sylvan-Lucas 60, Rock Hills 12Tonganoxie 42, Paola 28Topeka 47, Emporia 14Topeka Hayden 28, Wamego 3Topeka Seaman 49, KC Turner 0Troy 44, Horton 16Valley Heights 32, Salina Sacred Heart 16Victoria 56, Pretty Prairie 0Waverly 50, Pike Valley 30Wellington 43, Labette County 6Wellsville 49, Baldwin 0Wichita County 58, Trego 8Wichita East 48, Wichita West 0Wichita Northwest 48, Kapaun Mount Carmel 24Wichita South 32, Wichita Bishop Carroll 7Wichita Trinity 55, Smoky Valley 44You 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;

🏈 EAGLE Media scoreboard from Sept. 27

Week 4 of the high school football season is upon us in the Sunflower State. See below for the schedule involving area teams.

Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night) Central Christian at Fairfield Trinity Catholic at South Sumner Buhler vs. Circle Haven at Douglass Inman at Remington Little River vs. Goessel Lyons vs. Ellsworth Nickerson vs. Hesston McPherson vs. Winfield Pretty Prairie vs. Victoria Sterling vs. Ellinwood Pratt vs. Chaparral Pratt-Skyline at Udall Newton at Goddard

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;

<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 4 of the high school football season is upon us in the Sunflower State. See below for the schedule involving area teams.Week 4 Hutch High 47, Salina South 0 (Thursday night) Central Christian at Fairfield Trinity Catholic at South Sumner Buhler vs. Circle Haven at Douglass Inman at Remington Little River vs. Goessel Lyons vs. Ellsworth Nickerson vs. Hesston McPherson vs. Winfield Pretty Prairie vs. Victoria Sterling vs. Ellinwood Pratt vs. Chaparral Pratt-Skyline at Udall Newton at Goddard 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;

🏈 Week 4 area high school schedule

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mason Thrush has learned a lot over a short period of time spent at Hutchinson Community College. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound starting center for the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragon football team spent last year utilizing his redshirt season.

"First learning the speed of college football, that was a big part of it," Thrush said. "Then kind of physically maturing in the weight room, conditioning and all of that definitely plays a factor in how much I've changed in a year."

Thrush played left tackle at Maize High School, but has adjusted to everyday life as the center in Hutchinson.

"First of all, I'm a little bit undersized to play college left tackle," Thrush said with a laugh. "Overall, I think my mind has helped me out a lot. When I was at Maize, I was always helping out and calling slides and stuff like that, so once I got here I just moved to the middle of the line and communicated back and forth."

There is a lot that goes on in the time between plays for Thrush.

"I've been lucky enough that in high school we did hand signals and stuff like that at Maize," Thrush said. "Basically in my mind I look, I get the play call, but then I've got to make my slide calls, call double teams and check all the linebackers to make sure I don't see any blitzes or stuff like that."

The transition from left tackle to center has definitely been an adjustment for Thrush.

"So at left tackle you have a lot more space to work with," Thrush said. "When you move to center, it's real close quarters and as soon as you snap the ball you've got to be ready, because they're in your face going."

Tony Koehling is the offensive coordinator, as well as the offensive line coach for the Blue Dragons.

"He's one of the most winning coaches in JUCO, so he's very knowledgeable," Thrush said. "He makes it real simple for us to get it and he is a real key figure to our success."

One thing fans may notice when watching the center to quarterback exchange is the fact that Thrush is left-handed.

"It's something I've dealt with my whole life," Thrush said. "I've always been left-handed, so it's different and people don't really see it that often, but when they notice it, they notice it."

Thrush was injured and required attention on the field twice in the win over Iowa Central on Sept. 14, but refused to miss any playing time.

"You've got to be tough, especially like mentally," Thrush said. "There is so much going on and you've got to remember all the plays and stuff like that, so getting banged up is part of the job, so especially for me, mentally, I always think I got to keep going. Especially in that last game when you're down 14 with less than six minutes left, you have no choice, you have to get up and keep going."

While the quarterback may be the focal point on every play, the ball doesn't get to the quarterback without the center.

"Basically he kind of controls the backfield, receivers and all of that," Thrush said. "I've got to handle the o-line and make sure they're doing what they need to be doing and if there is any confusion with any of that, the center is kind of the guy that has to figure it out and let everyone know what's going on."

The speed and athleticism of athletes at the junior college level is something Thrush has noticed thus far.

"Technique is almost everything when it comes to an offensive lineman," Thrush said. "Especially against the defensive linemen you're going up against at the college level, they're super athletes, they're going to be faster than you, they're going to be stronger than you and some of them will even weigh more than you. The thing is as long as you have good technique and you are using your mind, there is no reason they should beat you."

Like most position groups do, the offensive line has developed a special brotherhood.

"Especially the starters this year, we all redshirted together last year and kind of developed and grew together," Thrush said. "We're all like a family at this point, even though we've only known each other for like a year and a half now, we pretty much spend all day together and hang out together outside of football."

Thrush says he is closest to Carson Bradley, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt freshman from Quincy, Fla.

"You all know him as Carson Bradley, but I call him 'Dirt' because he's got the flowing mullet," Thrush said. "Me and Dirt are going to be best friends for awhile."&nbsp;

Thrush wears jersey number 66, something he has done since middle school.

"When my dad was in high school, he played at Wichita Northwest," Thrush said. "He always wore 66 growing up, playing center and defensive end, so I asked him when I got into middle school what number he wore and he told me he was 66, so I told him that's what I was going to wear."

He gives a lot of credit to his Maize High School coach, Gary Guzman.

"He is extremely knowledgeable and knows how to win football games," Thrush said. "We went to state my junior and senior year, so he knows what he's talking about and can be hard sometimes, but I've always had and always will have respect for him."

There is one thing Thrush says people should know about him.

"I'm a huge nerd, I'm not going to lie to you," Thrush said. "I like comic books, I like Star Wars, I like reading, all that kind of stuff. I take care of my grades and all of that, so mainly it's I'm a nerd."

Thrush is the featured player on "Under the Helmet" this week. You can hear the full interview with Thrush at halftime of Saturday's game against Ellsworth. Kickoff is at noon from Gowans Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on the flagship station for Blue Dragon athletics, <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>, as well as on the <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727439202153.png" alt="Mason Thrush (66) gets ready to snap the ball in a game at Iowa Western on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Photo Courtesy @thrush_mason on X)" />
 <figcaption>Mason Thrush (66) gets ready to snap the ball in a game at Iowa Western on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Photo Courtesy @thrush_mason on X)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Mason Thrush has learned a lot over a short period of time spent at Hutchinson Community College. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound starting center for the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragon football team spent last year utilizing his redshirt season."First learning the speed of college football, that was a big part of it," Thrush said. "Then kind of physically maturing in the weight room, conditioning and all of that definitely plays a factor in how much I've changed in a year."Thrush played left tackle at Maize High School, but has adjusted to everyday life as the center in Hutchinson."First of all, I'm a little bit undersized to play college left tackle," Thrush said with a laugh. "Overall, I think my mind has helped me out a lot. When I was at Maize, I was always helping out and calling slides and stuff like that, so once I got here I just moved to the middle of the line and communicated back and forth."There is a lot that goes on in the time between plays for Thrush."I've been lucky enough that in high school we did hand signals and stuff like that at Maize," Thrush said. "Basically in my mind I look, I get the play call, but then I've got to make my slide calls, call double teams and check all the linebackers to make sure I don't see any blitzes or stuff like that."The transition from left tackle to center has definitely been an adjustment for Thrush."So at left tackle you have a lot more space to work with," Thrush said. "When you move to center, it's real close quarters and as soon as you snap the ball you've got to be ready, because they're in your face going."Tony Koehling is the offensive coordinator, as well as the offensive line coach for the Blue Dragons."He's one of the most winning coaches in JUCO, so he's very knowledgeable," Thrush said. "He makes it real simple for us to get it and he is a real key figure to our success."One thing fans may notice when watching the center to quarterback exchange is the fact that Thrush is left-handed."It's something I've dealt with my whole life," Thrush said. "I've always been left-handed, so it's different and people don't really see it that often, but when they notice it, they notice it."Thrush was injured and required attention on the field twice in the win over Iowa Central on Sept. 14, but refused to miss any playing time."You've got to be tough, especially like mentally," Thrush said. "There is so much going on and you've got to remember all the plays and stuff like that, so getting banged up is part of the job, so especially for me, mentally, I always think I got to keep going. Especially in that last game when you're down 14 with less than six minutes left, you have no choice, you have to get up and keep going."While the quarterback may be the focal point on every play, the ball doesn't get to the quarterback without the center."Basically he kind of controls the backfield, receivers and all of that," Thrush said. "I've got to handle the o-line and make sure they're doing what they need to be doing and if there is any confusion with any of that, the center is kind of the guy that has to figure it out and let everyone know what's going on."The speed and athleticism of athletes at the junior college level is something Thrush has noticed thus far."Technique is almost everything when it comes to an offensive lineman," Thrush said. "Especially against the defensive linemen you're going up against at the college level, they're super athletes, they're going to be faster than you, they're going to be stronger than you and some of them will even weigh more than you. The thing is as long as you have good technique and you are using your mind, there is no reason they should beat you."Like most position groups do, the offensive line has developed a special brotherhood."Especially the starters this year, we all redshirted together last year and kind of developed and grew together," Thrush said. "We're all like a family at this point, even though we've only known each other for like a year and a half now, we pretty much spend all day together and hang out together outside of football."Thrush says he is closest to Carson Bradley, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt freshman from Quincy, Fla."You all know him as Carson Bradley, but I call him 'Dirt' because he's got the flowing mullet," Thrush said. "Me and Dirt are going to be best friends for awhile."&nbsp;Thrush wears jersey number 66, something he has done since middle school."When my dad was in high school, he played at Wichita Northwest," Thrush said. "He always wore 66 growing up, playing center and defensive end, so I asked him when I got into middle school what number he wore and he told me he was 66, so I told him that's what I was going to wear."He gives a lot of credit to his Maize High School coach, Gary Guzman."He is extremely knowledgeable and knows how to win football games," Thrush said. "We went to state my junior and senior year, so he knows what he's talking about and can be hard sometimes, but I've always had and always will have respect for him."There is one thing Thrush says people should know about him."I'm a huge nerd, I'm not going to lie to you," Thrush said. "I like comic books, I like Star Wars, I like reading, all that kind of stuff. I take care of my grades and all of that, so mainly it's I'm a nerd."Thrush is the featured player on "Under the Helmet" this week. You can hear the full interview with Thrush at halftime of Saturday's game against Ellsworth. Kickoff is at noon from Gowans Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on the flagship station for Blue Dragon athletics, <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>, as well as on the <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a>.<div><iframe title="HutchCC &quot;Under the Helmet&quot; - 9/21/24 - Mason Thrush" 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=th85i-16e66ee-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🏈 Maize native Thrush adjusting to starting center role at HutchCC

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cause for Paws put out on Facebook that the Animal Shelter needed food to give out to those in the community that ask for it for their pets. The animals in the shelter are covered by an ongoing contract, but they have very limited storage space and they just recieved $500 worth from Midway Motors, so they are full right now.

"We often have people in this community that come up to the shelter asking for food, because they can't afford to feed their pet," Schommer said. "It's called intake diversion, when shelters provide other resources instead of taking in the pet. If we can keep pets in their own homes, we need to be finding ways to support them to stay in their home. Sometimes, people just need dog food for a few weeks to get by, instead of having to surrender their dog and give it up to a shelter."

Schommer said cash donations for that purpose would be welcome, or a small group of people who could make a regular small donation, once the Midway donation is exhausted. Call Schommer at the shelter for more information at (620) 694-1924.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713282938300.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Animal Shelter" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Animal Shelter</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cause for Paws put out on Facebook that the Animal Shelter needed food to give out to those in the community that ask for it for their pets. The animals in the shelter are covered by an ongoing contract, but they have very limited storage space and they just recieved $500 worth from Midway Motors, so they are full right now."We often have people in this community that come up to the shelter asking for food, because they can't afford to feed their pet," Schommer said. "It's called intake diversion, when shelters provide other resources instead of taking in the pet. If we can keep pets in their own homes, we need to be finding ways to support them to stay in their home. Sometimes, people just need dog food for a few weeks to get by, instead of having to surrender their dog and give it up to a shelter."Schommer said cash donations for that purpose would be welcome, or a small group of people who could make a regular small donation, once the Midway donation is exhausted. Call Schommer at the shelter for more information at (620) 694-1924.

Animal Shelter taking food donations

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Phil Nightingale with Salt City Racing gave an update to the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday.

"It's been a very successful year," Nightingale said. "I've met with the city council a couple times and talked to them about what's going on there at the fairgrounds. To kind of give you an update, that racetrack was basically raced once a year. To try to race on that track once a year is not good. It's hard to get a track prepared and ready to go. That facility, it's been around for many, many years. I'm not here to talk about the history of that track, but the facility is really cool and really good for a spectator to come watch races."

Despite the rainout on Sept. 20, the attendance figures in the grandstand have averaged over 1600, with over 300 per night on average in the pits, and one more night of racing coming up Oct. 5.

"Our biggest race we had this year was the USAC race," Nightingale said. "We brought those cars in here and they did a hundred lap race. It was the 14th time in the whole history of the track that a 100 lap race was completed. There was a lot of speculation whether we could get a hundred lap race in, if the track would hold it, or whatever. I brought a guy in from Iowa to help me prep the track the first of the year. I'm telling you, I think the track could have done 150 laps, as well as the track held up. We had an exciting race. It was very fun. I will tell you that, there was not a hotel room available in Hutchinson. There was not a hotel room available in McPherson. How I know that is, a gentleman from IMCA, who is our sanctioning body that sanctions most of our races, tried to get a hotel room in both of those towns and he had to stay in Salina."

Nightingale is waiting on the Fair Board's meeting on Oct. 15 to see if they will approve a five-year deal. If they do, he has big plans.

"Katy, bar the door for what we have coming," Nightingale said. "We have sanctioning bodies already calling us. We're already talking to some other sanctioning bodies. As big as that USAC race was to come in to race, hopefully, we're going to get three more of those, so it would be four of those big races for next year. I'm here just basically to be aware of what's happening at the racetrack. I don't know what support Reno County can do."

Nightingale noted that the City of Hutchinson has given him the water for the track all season long.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727351730515.jpeg" alt="Phil Nightingale at the Reno County Commission. Image provided by Reno County on Youtube." />
 <figcaption>Phil Nightingale at the Reno County Commission. Image provided by Reno County on Youtube.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Phil Nightingale with Salt City Racing gave an update to the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday."It's been a very successful year," Nightingale said. "I've met with the city council a couple times and talked to them about what's going on there at the fairgrounds. To kind of give you an update, that racetrack was basically raced once a year. To try to race on that track once a year is not good. It's hard to get a track prepared and ready to go. That facility, it's been around for many, many years. I'm not here to talk about the history of that track, but the facility is really cool and really good for a spectator to come watch races."Despite the rainout on Sept. 20, the attendance figures in the grandstand have averaged over 1600, with over 300 per night on average in the pits, and one more night of racing coming up Oct. 5."Our biggest race we had this year was the USAC race," Nightingale said. "We brought those cars in here and they did a hundred lap race. It was the 14th time in the whole history of the track that a 100 lap race was completed. There was a lot of speculation whether we could get a hundred lap race in, if the track would hold it, or whatever. I brought a guy in from Iowa to help me prep the track the first of the year. I'm telling you, I think the track could have done 150 laps, as well as the track held up. We had an exciting race. It was very fun. I will tell you that, there was not a hotel room available in Hutchinson. There was not a hotel room available in McPherson. How I know that is, a gentleman from IMCA, who is our sanctioning body that sanctions most of our races, tried to get a hotel room in both of those towns and he had to stay in Salina."Nightingale is waiting on the Fair Board's meeting on Oct. 15 to see if they will approve a five-year deal. If they do, he has big plans."Katy, bar the door for what we have coming," Nightingale said. "We have sanctioning bodies already calling us. We're already talking to some other sanctioning bodies. As big as that USAC race was to come in to race, hopefully, we're going to get three more of those, so it would be four of those big races for next year. I'm here just basically to be aware of what's happening at the racetrack. I don't know what support Reno County can do."Nightingale noted that the City of Hutchinson has given him the water for the track all season long.

Nightingale gives racetrack update

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Lauren Storm with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce works on retention and expansion of existing businesses in the community. One of those businesses that is working hard to expand is Superior Boiler.

"Superior Boiler is a great example of a partnering business, and especially in the manufacturing field in our community," Storm said. "One way that they have gotten creative and that we've been able to partner with them is to work with the city and the county to create a Reno County relocation incentive program. It's a program that incentivizes workers to move into Reno County from outside of the county. At this point, we do have a couple of their employees that have taken advantage of these matching funds that the county will use from their economic development reserves and then accrue matching funds from the company. We've even had partnering businesses jump on board with that in those recruitment efforts to provide gift certificates and vouchers to welcome those people into the community."

Another business looking to hire is Collins Bus.

"Ever since their acquisition by Forest River Inc. last year, they have hired 60 new employees since February," Storm said. "They're also a company that hires well above the prevailing average wage, and also act very collaboratively in the community and realize that one of the highest commodities in the workforce field for manufacturing is welders, but not all welders have the same skillset or discipline and not all companies require the same thing. Both Superior and Collins have worked collaboratively in order to even recommend, if there's a welder that comes in with a skillset that they might recommend to one of our other great manufacturers, then they can send that skillset that way to help to kind of rise the tide for everyone."

It's important to continue to improve the quality of life for these new people as they come to town, too.

"Companies aren't just vetting the numbers, the size, the cost, the production, the workforce, but also the place," Storm said. "What are these employees going to do and how are they going to feel living here? And we care very deeply about that in our community. And the way that we are going to find success is by accruing everyone that also cares about developing that to make this the best place to live in the state."

If you have further questions about retention and expansion, call Storm at the Chamber at (620) 662-3391.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727364001741.jpeg" alt="Lauren Storm-Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Storm-Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Lauren Storm with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce works on retention and expansion of existing businesses in the community. One of those businesses that is working hard to expand is Superior Boiler."Superior Boiler is a great example of a partnering business, and especially in the manufacturing field in our community," Storm said. "One way that they have gotten creative and that we've been able to partner with them is to work with the city and the county to create a Reno County relocation incentive program. It's a program that incentivizes workers to move into Reno County from outside of the county. At this point, we do have a couple of their employees that have taken advantage of these matching funds that the county will use from their economic development reserves and then accrue matching funds from the company. We've even had partnering businesses jump on board with that in those recruitment efforts to provide gift certificates and vouchers to welcome those people into the community."Another business looking to hire is Collins Bus."Ever since their acquisition by Forest River Inc. last year, they have hired 60 new employees since February," Storm said. "They're also a company that hires well above the prevailing average wage, and also act very collaboratively in the community and realize that one of the highest commodities in the workforce field for manufacturing is welders, but not all welders have the same skillset or discipline and not all companies require the same thing. Both Superior and Collins have worked collaboratively in order to even recommend, if there's a welder that comes in with a skillset that they might recommend to one of our other great manufacturers, then they can send that skillset that way to help to kind of rise the tide for everyone."It's important to continue to improve the quality of life for these new people as they come to town, too."Companies aren't just vetting the numbers, the size, the cost, the production, the workforce, but also the place," Storm said. "What are these employees going to do and how are they going to feel living here? And we care very deeply about that in our community. And the way that we are going to find success is by accruing everyone that also cares about developing that to make this the best place to live in the state."If you have further questions about retention and expansion, call Storm at the Chamber at (620) 662-3391.

Retention and expansion key for Chamber

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;Rotary&nbsp;Club of Hutchinson will hold its next meeting Monday, Sept. 30 at noon at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. The public is invited to attend.

The speaker will be Dr. Nataliya Biskup, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Hutchinson Clinic. She will share her story about her mission trips to Ukraine to&nbsp;operate on wounded soldiers and kids with cleft lip.

Dr. Nataliya Biskup is a board-certified plastic surgeon. She has completed a comprehensive, integrated plastic surgery program in Southern California. She then went on to complete a fellowship in Cleft, Craniofacial, and pediatric plastic surgery at the prestigious Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She specializes in Cleft, Craniofacial, and pediatric plastic surgery, including complex craniomaxillofacial reconstruction. She is proud to serve as the Director of the Kansas Cleft and Craniofacial Center. 

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Biskup is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Surgery and participates in the education and training of surgical residents at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita (UKSM-W). She participates in and facilitates research studies for students and residents interested in plastic surgery.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713098420809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rotary Club of Hutchinson&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;Rotary&nbsp;Club of Hutchinson will hold its next meeting Monday, Sept. 30 at noon at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. The public is invited to attend.The speaker will be Dr. Nataliya Biskup, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Hutchinson Clinic. She will share her story about her mission trips to Ukraine to&nbsp;operate on wounded soldiers and kids with cleft lip.Dr. Nataliya Biskup is a board-certified plastic surgeon. She has completed a comprehensive, integrated plastic surgery program in Southern California. She then went on to complete a fellowship in Cleft, Craniofacial, and pediatric plastic surgery at the prestigious Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She specializes in Cleft, Craniofacial, and pediatric plastic surgery, including complex craniomaxillofacial reconstruction. She is proud to serve as the Director of the Kansas Cleft and Craniofacial Center. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Biskup is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Surgery and participates in the education and training of surgical residents at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita (UKSM-W). She participates in and facilitates research studies for students and residents interested in plastic surgery.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Biskup to speak to Rotary Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Harlan Depew with Reno County's maintenance department talked to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday about the controller for the HVAC at the Courthouse, LEC and Health Department. He said it was installed in 2008.

"Part of that project was installing controls for the new boilers and chillers and pumps and equipment, rooftop units, split units at the courthouse, law enforcement center, and at the health department,"&nbsp; Depew said. "That system is now, what would that be, 15 years old?&nbsp; We've kind of limped along with it for the last few years as it went obsolete. Eventually, one of the main controllers has failed in that system, and parts are no longer available. It's time, we're going to have to do something about that to get that system updated to current technology."

Depew checked in to getting the county all on a system from Siemens, but that didn't work out.

"The cost to convert the older system to the DeZego from Siemens is, I just can't justify that much more cost," Depew said.&nbsp; "Our recommendation is to update the system that we have through Sandifer Engineering, and the cost of that was $55,012.58."

Commissioner Ron Hirst also suggested that changing the settings on the system might help in the long run.&nbsp;

"I think it's time that the county takes a serious look at what these temperatures are in the rooms," Hirst said. "That will save enough money in a short period of time to cover this cost."

Commissioner John Whitesel also suggested just putting a sign up letting staff know what the temperatures should be set at, as most people will adjust.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706198224128.jpeg" alt="Reno County Courthouse-Photo by Sandra Milburn" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Courthouse-Photo by Sandra Milburn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Harlan Depew with Reno County's maintenance department talked to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday about the controller for the HVAC at the Courthouse, LEC and Health Department. He said it was installed in 2008."Part of that project was installing controls for the new boilers and chillers and pumps and equipment, rooftop units, split units at the courthouse, law enforcement center, and at the health department,"&nbsp; Depew said. "That system is now, what would that be, 15 years old?&nbsp; We've kind of limped along with it for the last few years as it went obsolete. Eventually, one of the main controllers has failed in that system, and parts are no longer available. It's time, we're going to have to do something about that to get that system updated to current technology."Depew checked in to getting the county all on a system from Siemens, but that didn't work out."The cost to convert the older system to the DeZego from Siemens is, I just can't justify that much more cost," Depew said.&nbsp; "Our recommendation is to update the system that we have through Sandifer Engineering, and the cost of that was $55,012.58."Commissioner Ron Hirst also suggested that changing the settings on the system might help in the long run.&nbsp;"I think it's time that the county takes a serious look at what these temperatures are in the rooms," Hirst said. "That will save enough money in a short period of time to cover this cost."Commissioner John Whitesel also suggested just putting a sign up letting staff know what the temperatures should be set at, as most people will adjust.

Commission approves new HVAC controls

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas says consumers are in a better position at the pump now than they were in 2023.

"The Kansas average gas price has stayed pretty stable and still low at $2.90 a gallon, on average," Steward said. "That's down one cent in the past week and down 17 cents from where we were a month ago. The Kansas average is right now about 32 cents below the national average. That puts us at 10th lowest average gas price in the nation. Especially when we look at where we were in Kansas at $3.66 a gallon a year ago, certainly can't complain."

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

"Gas demand and oil costs are low right now," Steward said. "The West Texas Intermediate Crude price right now is just a little below $68 per barrel, which is fairly low. Demand has been fairly lackluster recently. Combine those two factors and that's what's keeping our gas prices low at the pumps."

It looks like we'll stay below $3 in Kansas for some time to come.

"There's not really any indicators currently that we're going to see any kind of big jumps in gas prices, or any jumps, for that matter for the foreseeable future," Steward said. "Certainly, things can always change geopolitically in the Middle East, or with hurricanes."

Generally, if hurricanes are in Florida or the southeast, they don't impact prices here much, but if they are in Louisiana and Texas, they could change prices in the short term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631897543449.jpeg" alt="CHS Refinery-McPherson-Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>CHS Refinery-McPherson-Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas says consumers are in a better position at the pump now than they were in 2023."The Kansas average gas price has stayed pretty stable and still low at $2.90 a gallon, on average," Steward said. "That's down one cent in the past week and down 17 cents from where we were a month ago. The Kansas average is right now about 32 cents below the national average. That puts us at 10th lowest average gas price in the nation. Especially when we look at where we were in Kansas at $3.66 a gallon a year ago, certainly can't complain."Area county average prices are on both sides of the state average.Reno $2.68 (lowest in the state)McPherson $2.76Harvey $2.82Sedgwick $2.95Kingman $3.04Pratt $2.99Stafford $3.03Rice $2.91"Gas demand and oil costs are low right now," Steward said. "The West Texas Intermediate Crude price right now is just a little below $68 per barrel, which is fairly low. Demand has been fairly lackluster recently. Combine those two factors and that's what's keeping our gas prices low at the pumps."It looks like we'll stay below $3 in Kansas for some time to come."There's not really any indicators currently that we're going to see any kind of big jumps in gas prices, or any jumps, for that matter for the foreseeable future," Steward said. "Certainly, things can always change geopolitically in the Middle East, or with hurricanes."Generally, if hurricanes are in Florida or the southeast, they don't impact prices here much, but if they are in Louisiana and Texas, they could change prices in the short term.

Pump prices continue at lower levels than last year

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;

9/26/2024 9:12 PM-Reghan	Anastacia ONeal-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

9/26/2024 8:41 PM-Daniel	Leroy Simmons-Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon&nbsp;

9/26/2024 8:04 PM-Sophia	Alyssa Lamas-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

9/26/2024 6:41 PM-Kinzie	Lanae Melton-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

9/26/2024 4:54 PM-Michael	Raymond Sifuentes-Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm&nbsp;

9/26/2024 11:13 AM-Jordan	Daniel Palmateer-Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance&nbsp;

9/26/2024 10:35 AM-Owen	Dean Shores-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

<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; &nbsp;9/26/2024 9:12 PM-Reghan	Anastacia ONeal-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)9/26/2024 8:41 PM-Daniel	Leroy Simmons-Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon&nbsp;9/26/2024 8:04 PM-Sophia	Alyssa Lamas-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;9/26/2024 6:41 PM-Kinzie	Lanae Melton-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)9/26/2024 4:54 PM-Michael	Raymond Sifuentes-Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm&nbsp;9/26/2024 11:13 AM-Jordan	Daniel Palmateer-Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance&nbsp;9/26/2024 10:35 AM-Owen	Dean Shores-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Earlier this week, Sports in Kansas released a list of the winningest active high school head football coaches in the state.

The top two on the list each have ties to the area, as longtime Hutch High School coach and current St. Thomas Aquinas coach, Randy Dreiling is No. 1 with 279 wins, followed by current Buhler High School coach Steve Warner at No. 2 with 277.

"Right now it doesn't mean anything to me," Warner said. "I'm more focused on the game on Friday night and getting another win for our program. I feel like when I retire, maybe I will look back and reflect on it, but right now we've got to win more football games here, down the road it will be an accomplishment, but right now I just want to win football games."

Warner guided the Crusaders to the class 4A state title in 2013, while Dreiling won six straight class 5A titles at Hutch from 2004-09, and then again in 2011.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727369855021.jpeg" alt="Buhler head football coach Steve Warner poses following the 2013 class 4A state championship football game. (Hutch Post Photo/Rob Dreher)" />
 <figcaption>Buhler head football coach Steve Warner poses following the 2013 class 4A state championship football game. (Hutch Post Photo/Rob Dreher)</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier this week, Sports in Kansas released a list of the winningest active high school head football coaches in the state.The top two on the list each have ties to the area, as longtime Hutch High School coach and current St. Thomas Aquinas coach, Randy Dreiling is No. 1 with 279 wins, followed by current Buhler High School coach Steve Warner at No. 2 with 277.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Active Kansas High School Football Coaching Wins. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sportsinkansas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sportsinkansas</a> <a href="https://t.co/94VjUokZAd">pic.twitter.com/94VjUokZAd</a>&mdash; Sports in Kansas (@sportsinkansas) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportsinkansas/status/1838756516750365161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Right now it doesn't mean anything to me," Warner said. "I'm more focused on the game on Friday night and getting another win for our program. I feel like when I retire, maybe I will look back and reflect on it, but right now we've got to win more football games here, down the road it will be an accomplishment, but right now I just want to win football games."Warner guided the Crusaders to the class 4A state title in 2013, while Dreiling won six straight class 5A titles at Hutch from 2004-09, and then again in 2011.

🏈 Top 2 winningest active high school coaches have Reno County ties

<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/pdf/classifications24.pdf">2024-25 KSHSAA SCHOOL CLASSIFICATIONS</a>

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released its general classifications for the 2024-25 school year on Thursday morning.&nbsp;

These classifications impact all sports and activities, with the exception of football, which is on a two-year cycle.

No schools in the Hutch Post area are changing classifications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598357043542.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/pdf/classifications24.pdf">2024-25 KSHSAA SCHOOL CLASSIFICATIONS</a>The Kansas State High School Activities Association released its general classifications for the 2024-25 school year on Thursday morning.&nbsp;These classifications impact all sports and activities, with the exception of football, which is on a two-year cycle.No schools in the Hutch Post area are changing classifications.

KSHSAA releases classifications for 2024-25 school year

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven High School football team is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2001.&nbsp;The Wildcats travel to Douglass (1-2) on Friday to try and extend the unbeaten start to 4-0, which would be the best start since 1995.

"We challenged them before the season to step up and let's go make a name for ourselves, and go make a name for this group," co-head coach Thomas Cooprider said. "They really liked that and really want to be good, so they're really liking it right now."

Haven has opened the season with wins over Hillsboro, Nickerson and Smoky Valley. The Wildcats have outscored those three opponents, 149-37. Haven is averaging 439.5 yards per game, while allowing 182.5. The Wildcats have done most of its damage on the ground, rushing for 261.3 yards per game.&nbsp;

Nash Wray has passed for 469 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for a team-high 338 yards to go along with three touchdowns on the ground. Wray also has a 76-yard kickoff return for a score.&nbsp;

Vance Loop has 39 carries for 310 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging over 100 yards per game.&nbsp;

Aiden Hoopes leads the receivers with 11 receptions for 193 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp;

"We're pretty explosive, but that is as much as on the players as it is any of the plays I call," co-head coach Drew Thalmann said. "Van Loop is a great running back for us, anytime he touches it he can go to the house. Nash Wray at quarterback is dangerous in the passing game, as well as tucking it and running. Chandler Ingold and Hoopes on the other side are both really good receivers, so we've got some guys that when they have the ball in their hands are pretty dangerous."

The defense has been stout all season with six sacks and 23 tackles for loss. The Wildcats have 11 takeaways, eight fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Grant Patry has a team-high 30 tackles from his linebacker spot, while Blake Richey and Dakota Arndt each have 22 stops. Arndt has a team-high four tackles for loss, while Richey has a team-high two sacks.

"This group out of the 11 starters in week one, 10 of them were starters or played well-over 50 percent of the snaps last year at the varsity level," Cooprider said. "So bringing a very experienced crew back is super helpful. We are extremely athletic on defense and fast."

Cooprider and Thalmann took over the Haven program in 2019 after the Wildcats finished 2-7 in back-to-back seasons prior. The duo finished 4-5 in 2019, before going 8-3 in 2020, the most wins since 1985.

"I think that that crew maybe snuck up on us a little bit," Thalmann said. "They were really good on the o-line, I think this crew is better skill wise, but it'd be kind of fun to line the two teams up and see who would come out on top."

Cooprider and Thalmann know several of the players on the team now&nbsp; were in middle school or younger during the eight-win season in 2020 and were looking up on that team.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727283154120.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kristy Ehart Photography" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kristy Ehart Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — The Haven High School football team is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2001.&nbsp;The Wildcats travel to Douglass (1-2) on Friday to try and extend the unbeaten start to 4-0, which would be the best start since 1995."We challenged them before the season to step up and let's go make a name for ourselves, and go make a name for this group," co-head coach Thomas Cooprider said. "They really liked that and really want to be good, so they're really liking it right now."Haven has opened the season with wins over Hillsboro, Nickerson and Smoky Valley. The Wildcats have outscored those three opponents, 149-37. Haven is averaging 439.5 yards per game, while allowing 182.5. The Wildcats have done most of its damage on the ground, rushing for 261.3 yards per game.&nbsp;Nash Wray has passed for 469 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for a team-high 338 yards to go along with three touchdowns on the ground. Wray also has a 76-yard kickoff return for a score.&nbsp;Vance Loop has 39 carries for 310 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging over 100 yards per game.&nbsp;Aiden Hoopes leads the receivers with 11 receptions for 193 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp;"We're pretty explosive, but that is as much as on the players as it is any of the plays I call," co-head coach Drew Thalmann said. "Van Loop is a great running back for us, anytime he touches it he can go to the house. Nash Wray at quarterback is dangerous in the passing game, as well as tucking it and running. Chandler Ingold and Hoopes on the other side are both really good receivers, so we've got some guys that when they have the ball in their hands are pretty dangerous."The defense has been stout all season with six sacks and 23 tackles for loss. The Wildcats have 11 takeaways, eight fumble recoveries and three interceptions.Grant Patry has a team-high 30 tackles from his linebacker spot, while Blake Richey and Dakota Arndt each have 22 stops. Arndt has a team-high four tackles for loss, while Richey has a team-high two sacks."This group out of the 11 starters in week one, 10 of them were starters or played well-over 50 percent of the snaps last year at the varsity level," Cooprider said. "So bringing a very experienced crew back is super helpful. We are extremely athletic on defense and fast."Cooprider and Thalmann took over the Haven program in 2019 after the Wildcats finished 2-7 in back-to-back seasons prior. The duo finished 4-5 in 2019, before going 8-3 in 2020, the most wins since 1985."I think that that crew maybe snuck up on us a little bit," Thalmann said. "They were really good on the o-line, I think this crew is better skill wise, but it'd be kind of fun to line the two teams up and see who would come out on top."Cooprider and Thalmann know several of the players on the team now&nbsp; were in middle school or younger during the eight-win season in 2020 and were looking up on that team.&nbsp;"It's one thing that we tell those guys and these guys get that when we ask them if they remember when they were little guys and looked up and wanted to be those guys playing on Friday nights," Thalmann said. "Now there are kids saying 'I want to be Van Loop, or I want to be Nash Wray' or whoever that is playing football on Friday night behind the bleachers, so those guys get that now and that's good to realize people are watching."The Wildcats travel to Douglass on Friday night and both Cooprider and Thalmann know they can't take anything for granted."They're pretty good sized, nothing terribly flashy, but they're trying to line up and run it right down at you," Cooprider said.&nbsp;The record may not reflect on the Bulldogs' team."Even at 1-2, they've played some good teams," Thalmann said. "They're a better team than they were last year, so it can be kind of a deceiving 1-2 team."The Wildcats return to Haven for a home game on Oct. 4 against Garden Plain."We've got a group that plays as hard as any group we've ever had," Cooprider said. "They've bought in to everything we've ever told them, they've bought into the weight room, they've bought into us, they've bought into each other and they go out and play that way. They are flying around, having fun, and playing football the way it should be played."