HUTCHINSON — The up and down of gas prices continues, but for now, it's on the downslope.&nbsp;

"Volatile is the perfect word to describe all of this year," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We've seen so many fluctuations in oil prices on the global market and then, obviously, that translates to prices we see at the pumps. Right now, we're again seeing some good news at the pumps. Gas demand has been running about 400,000 barrels lower than this same time last year."

"Oil prices have varied greatly this year, but of late, have been pushed lower by ongoing market concerns regarding economic recession," Steward said. "We also throw in the Biden administration's plan to continue tapping the Strategic Petroleum reserve into December. That's also helped temper oil prices somewhat. This will help take the pressure off of pump prices, benefiting drivers and their wallets for the foreseeable future."

It's also the time of year for the less expensive to produce winter blend gasoline to be in all the pumps across the country, so that should continue to put downward pressure on prices in the short term.

"This time of year is typically a lower demand period for driving in general, especially as we head more into winter months and winter weather," Steward said. "People just don't drive as much as they do during the spring and summer."

Kansas is currently has the 13th lowest average gas price in the nation.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — The up and down of gas prices continues, but for now, it's on the downslope.&nbsp;"Volatile is the perfect word to describe all of this year," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We've seen so many fluctuations in oil prices on the global market and then, obviously, that translates to prices we see at the pumps. Right now, we're again seeing some good news at the pumps. Gas demand has been running about 400,000 barrels lower than this same time last year.""Oil prices have varied greatly this year, but of late, have been pushed lower by ongoing market concerns regarding economic recession," Steward said. "We also throw in the Biden administration's plan to continue tapping the Strategic Petroleum reserve into December. That's also helped temper oil prices somewhat. This will help take the pressure off of pump prices, benefiting drivers and their wallets for the foreseeable future."It's also the time of year for the less expensive to produce winter blend gasoline to be in all the pumps across the country, so that should continue to put downward pressure on prices in the short term."This time of year is typically a lower demand period for driving in general, especially as we head more into winter months and winter weather," Steward said. "People just don't drive as much as they do during the spring and summer."Kansas is currently has the 13th lowest average gas price in the nation.

AAA Kansas: Demand causing lower gas prices for now

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Republican candidate for Kansas attorney general, Kris Kobach believes that the student loan forgiveness program promulgated by the Biden Administration is unconstitutional.

"Only the legislative branch can appropriate funds, can tax and spend money," Kobach said Thursday. "Joe Biden, by executive decree, has simply declared that these student loan debts will be forgiven. It's not a small amount of money. It amounts to an expenditure of $500 billion, with a b, that's half a trillion dollars, that Biden has simply decided he can, by decree, like an emperor, can spend. The Constitution does not permit that."

Kobach's concern about the program actually goes beyond legal issues alone.

"It's absolutely correct that it must be challenged," Kobach said. "Not only is it unconstitutional, it's also just a bad idea. Everyone listening over the age of 18 at one time or another had to make a decision, am I going to go to college? If so, how am I going to pay for it? Am I going to go to the more expensive college or the less expensive college? Am I going to work my way through? Am I going to use the GI Bill to pay for college? What the Biden order does is, it says, all of you people who made the responsible decision, or maybe didn't even go to college, you're going to pay the debts of people who just took on debt and still have it today. It's just not fair."

Kobach sees pushing back against different types of executive overreach as one of the important functions of the attorney general.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665797828566.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Republican candidate for Kansas attorney general, Kris Kobach believes that the student loan forgiveness program promulgated by the Biden Administration is unconstitutional."Only the legislative branch can appropriate funds, can tax and spend money," Kobach said Thursday. "Joe Biden, by executive decree, has simply declared that these student loan debts will be forgiven. It's not a small amount of money. It amounts to an expenditure of $500 billion, with a b, that's half a trillion dollars, that Biden has simply decided he can, by decree, like an emperor, can spend. The Constitution does not permit that."Kobach's concern about the program actually goes beyond legal issues alone."It's absolutely correct that it must be challenged," Kobach said. "Not only is it unconstitutional, it's also just a bad idea. Everyone listening over the age of 18 at one time or another had to make a decision, am I going to go to college? If so, how am I going to pay for it? Am I going to go to the more expensive college or the less expensive college? Am I going to work my way through? Am I going to use the GI Bill to pay for college? What the Biden order does is, it says, all of you people who made the responsible decision, or maybe didn't even go to college, you're going to pay the debts of people who just took on debt and still have it today. It's just not fair."Kobach sees pushing back against different types of executive overreach as one of the important functions of the attorney general.&nbsp;

AG candidate Kobach: Student loan forgiveness unconstitutional

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Senator Dennis Pyle is running as an Independent for governor, even though he has run and won his Senate seat as a Republican. He believes that an independent run from the right gives him the best chance to win.

"I would just point to the history of the elections," Pyle said.

 "2002, Tim Shallenburger vs. Kathleen Sebelius. How did she win? The left wing of the Republican Party always votes for the most left candidate. He lost. Sebelius won. 

2006, Jim Barnett, much like Derek Schmidt, very much a moderate-liberal Republican. He ran. Who deserted him? The left wing of the Republican Party was loyal to Kathleen Sebelius.

 Jump forward in time to Kris Kobach. Kobach runs against Laura Kelly four years ago. Who deserted Kobach? The left wing of the Republican Party. 

Who has already endorsed Laura Kelly? Bill Graves, former employer of Derek Schmidt. Former employer Nancy Kassebaum, former U.S. Senator, has already endorsed Laura Kelly. 

Sheila Frahm, former Lt. Governor, former U.S. Senator, endorsed Laura Kelly. Hayden...I can go on, Alicia Salisbury, former Republican National Committeewoman. Sandy Praeger, Insurance Commissioner. These are all Republicans, but they are left wing Republicans and they are supporting the most left wing candidate, that's Laura Kelly. Derek can't even hold his base."

Pyle believes he would have won the Republican primary if he had run there, but that he likely wouldn't have won the general in a two-way race.

"History tells me that if I had ran in the primary and won, why should I expect different results than what we've seen in the past?" Pyle said. 

"The left wing of the Republican Party is already hemorrhaging on Derek and leaving him. They've already, a lot of them, endorsed. You would have even more of them. If I were on the ticket in this primary, I think the results would be similar to the Kobach and Kelly race. They are just not going to vote for a conservative like Dennis Pyle. You'll win the primary. You'll spend the money to do it and we could have done it, I believe that."

Pyle believes that if the conservatives all go his way, he wins a three-way race.

"Principle over party, that's part of what we're doing here," Pyle said. "We're running on principle. I'm the only candidate that's come out and said, I'm for strong borders nationally. I'm also for strong borders in Kansas. I do not want us to become California. We are not going to be the abortion capital of the Midwest, if I'm governor. I'm going to close the doors to non-resident Kansans coming here to get abortions, right away. We're going to stop that."

It's worth noting that Gov. Laura Kelly won in 2018 with just 48% of the vote to Kobach's 43%. Independent Greg Orman got 6.5% of the vote in that cycle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659724377970.png" alt="State Sen. Dennis Pyle on Aug. 1, 2022, turned in nearly 9,000 signatures from Kansas voters who support his independent campaign for governor. photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Dennis Pyle on Aug. 1, 2022, turned in nearly 9,000 signatures from Kansas voters who support his independent campaign for governor. photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Senator Dennis Pyle is running as an Independent for governor, even though he has run and won his Senate seat as a Republican. He believes that an independent run from the right gives him the best chance to win."I would just point to the history of the elections," Pyle said. "2002, Tim Shallenburger vs. Kathleen Sebelius. How did she win? The left wing of the Republican Party always votes for the most left candidate. He lost. Sebelius won. 2006, Jim Barnett, much like Derek Schmidt, very much a moderate-liberal Republican. He ran. Who deserted him? The left wing of the Republican Party was loyal to Kathleen Sebelius. Jump forward in time to Kris Kobach. Kobach runs against Laura Kelly four years ago. Who deserted Kobach? The left wing of the Republican Party. Who has already endorsed Laura Kelly? Bill Graves, former employer of Derek Schmidt. Former employer Nancy Kassebaum, former U.S. Senator, has already endorsed Laura Kelly. Sheila Frahm, former Lt. Governor, former U.S. Senator, endorsed Laura Kelly. Hayden...I can go on, Alicia Salisbury, former Republican National Committeewoman. Sandy Praeger, Insurance Commissioner. These are all Republicans, but they are left wing Republicans and they are supporting the most left wing candidate, that's Laura Kelly. Derek can't even hold his base."Pyle believes he would have won the Republican primary if he had run there, but that he likely wouldn't have won the general in a two-way race."History tells me that if I had ran in the primary and won, why should I expect different results than what we've seen in the past?" Pyle said. "The left wing of the Republican Party is already hemorrhaging on Derek and leaving him. They've already, a lot of them, endorsed. You would have even more of them. If I were on the ticket in this primary, I think the results would be similar to the Kobach and Kelly race. They are just not going to vote for a conservative like Dennis Pyle. You'll win the primary. You'll spend the money to do it and we could have done it, I believe that."Pyle believes that if the conservatives all go his way, he wins a three-way race."Principle over party, that's part of what we're doing here," Pyle said. "We're running on principle. I'm the only candidate that's come out and said, I'm for strong borders nationally. I'm also for strong borders in Kansas. I do not want us to become California. We are not going to be the abortion capital of the Midwest, if I'm governor. I'm going to close the doors to non-resident Kansans coming here to get abortions, right away. We're going to stop that."It's worth noting that Gov. Laura Kelly won in 2018 with just 48% of the vote to Kobach's 43%. Independent Greg Orman got 6.5% of the vote in that cycle.

Pyle sees path to win as conservative, independent in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Even if you missed the filing deadline for taxes this year, as long as you are due a refund, there is no penalty, and you can even still file for free, if you fit the income guidelines.

"All of the penalties that the IRS talks about are all on an unpaid balance," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "If you filed your tax return and didn't pay what you owed, then penalties and interest are going to be compounding on that. But, if you're due a refund, there's no penalty for you not filing your tax return, but there is a three year statute of limitations in order to file the return and get your money back."

There is a lot of free tax credit money that hasn't been distributed to those who qualify for it, because they have not filed their taxes at all.

"That is critically important to people who may not have filed for the past couple of years," Devine said. "We're talking about 2019 and 2020. There were a lot of credits that were increased because of COVID. The only way to get those is to file the tax return. We're talking about the Child Tax Credit, which could be $3600, the Recovery Rebate Credit, which would be $1400 per adult and child, the Earned Income Tax Credit, if you have three children, almost $7000. If you didn't file, because you're not required to, this is the time to go ahead and get that done."

The IRS is actually sending out reminder letters to those who might qualify.

"We are sending out letters to about 9 million households," Devine said. "These are people that are normally not required to file a return, because they don't make enough money to have to file, but they may be eligible to claim those credits and thousands of dollars in refunds. If you do it yourself, you can go and get the tax form on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>. Or, for 2019 and 2020, you can go to a registered tax professional and they can file it electronically."

For more information go to <a href="http://irs.gov">irs.gov</a> or call (800) 829-1040.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600360924825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Even if you missed the filing deadline for taxes this year, as long as you are due a refund, there is no penalty, and you can even still file for free, if you fit the income guidelines."All of the penalties that the IRS talks about are all on an unpaid balance," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "If you filed your tax return and didn't pay what you owed, then penalties and interest are going to be compounding on that. But, if you're due a refund, there's no penalty for you not filing your tax return, but there is a three year statute of limitations in order to file the return and get your money back."There is a lot of free tax credit money that hasn't been distributed to those who qualify for it, because they have not filed their taxes at all."That is critically important to people who may not have filed for the past couple of years," Devine said. "We're talking about 2019 and 2020. There were a lot of credits that were increased because of COVID. The only way to get those is to file the tax return. We're talking about the Child Tax Credit, which could be $3600, the Recovery Rebate Credit, which would be $1400 per adult and child, the Earned Income Tax Credit, if you have three children, almost $7000. If you didn't file, because you're not required to, this is the time to go ahead and get that done."The IRS is actually sending out reminder letters to those who might qualify. "We are sending out letters to about 9 million households," Devine said. "These are people that are normally not required to file a return, because they don't make enough money to have to file, but they may be eligible to claim those credits and thousands of dollars in refunds. If you do it yourself, you can go and get the tax form on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">IRS.gov</a>. Or, for 2019 and 2020, you can go to a registered tax professional and they can file it electronically."For more information go to <a href="http://irs.gov">irs.gov</a> or call (800) 829-1040.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

IRS: Several million people with credits unclaimed for COVID years

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said that when it comes to what the Federal Reserve says it is going to do next month, believe them.

"They're going to raise rates," Goss said. "That's an economic headwind. We're going to see unemployment rates rise, instead of coming down. We're going to see employment growth coming down, instead of increasing. We're going to see the economy slow down. It's a stagflation for sure. That's higher inflation at a time that the economy is either not growing or in a recession."

Goss remains skeptical that the economic brakes being applied can result in a soft landing for the U.S.

"Here's the scary part, the Federal Reserve, normally, they get it wrong most times," Goss said. "They go too far almost every time. When we get into an inflationary territory, they attempt to bring us in for a soft landing by raising rates. They generally go too far and it's not a soft landing. It's a bumpy landing."

Nonetheless, Goss is not sure that the news will be all bad after the bumps.

"I think it's not going to be quite as grim as most economists," Goss said. "Almost 100% of economists are saying recession next year. I think we could avoid a recession, but it's going to be slow to no growth."

Goss issues two surveys monthly of the Midwest region, including Kansas.

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said that when it comes to what the Federal Reserve says it is going to do next month, believe them."They're going to raise rates," Goss said. "That's an economic headwind. We're going to see unemployment rates rise, instead of coming down. We're going to see employment growth coming down, instead of increasing. We're going to see the economy slow down. It's a stagflation for sure. That's higher inflation at a time that the economy is either not growing or in a recession."Goss remains skeptical that the economic brakes being applied can result in a soft landing for the U.S."Here's the scary part, the Federal Reserve, normally, they get it wrong most times," Goss said. "They go too far almost every time. When we get into an inflationary territory, they attempt to bring us in for a soft landing by raising rates. They generally go too far and it's not a soft landing. It's a bumpy landing."Nonetheless, Goss is not sure that the news will be all bad after the bumps."I think it's not going to be quite as grim as most economists," Goss said. "Almost 100% of economists are saying recession next year. I think we could avoid a recession, but it's going to be slow to no growth."Goss issues two surveys monthly of the Midwest region, including Kansas.

Creighton Economist: Slowdown coming, likely bumpy landing

WICHITA— Former Vice President Mike Pence is in Wichita Friday to campaign for Republican candidate for governor, Derek Schmidt.

"I'm coming to Kansas for one reason, and one reason only," Pence said. "Kansas needs Derek Schmidt to be its next governor. Derek is a proven, common sense conservative leader. He's been one of the most preeminent and effective conservative attorney generals around the country."

Pence isn't ready to say what his political future might be, but he is still looking to serve the country wherever he can.

"I love this country," Pence said. "My grandfather emigrated to this country in 1923. My family has lived the American Dream. My dad was a combat veteran in Korea and I was just raised to believe that you give back. I never imagined I'd have the privilege to serve my hometown in Congress, serve alongside great people like Jerry Moran and Mike Pompeo. Never imagined I'd be able to be Governor, let alone Vice President of the United States. For me, it's all been about just trying to make sure that we do whatever we can do to support men and women running for election and re-election. It's such a challenging time in the life of the country."

Pence noted that the economy is what everyone all over the country and here in Kansas is talking about.

"It really comes down, right now, to the failed policies of the Biden administration, which Laura Kelly has supported every step of the way," Pence said. "Policies that have created inflation at a 40-year high, gasoline prices, through the roof, a crime wave in our major cities and of course, a crisis at our southern border, the likes of which we've never seen."

Pence will join Schmidt at Wichita's B&amp;C Barbeque doors open at 2:15 Friday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666358024202.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostWICHITA— Former Vice President Mike Pence is in Wichita Friday to campaign for Republican candidate for governor, Derek Schmidt."I'm coming to Kansas for one reason, and one reason only," Pence said. "Kansas needs Derek Schmidt to be its next governor. Derek is a proven, common sense conservative leader. He's been one of the most preeminent and effective conservative attorney generals around the country."Pence isn't ready to say what his political future might be, but he is still looking to serve the country wherever he can."I love this country," Pence said. "My grandfather emigrated to this country in 1923. My family has lived the American Dream. My dad was a combat veteran in Korea and I was just raised to believe that you give back. I never imagined I'd have the privilege to serve my hometown in Congress, serve alongside great people like Jerry Moran and Mike Pompeo. Never imagined I'd be able to be Governor, let alone Vice President of the United States. For me, it's all been about just trying to make sure that we do whatever we can do to support men and women running for election and re-election. It's such a challenging time in the life of the country."Pence noted that the economy is what everyone all over the country and here in Kansas is talking about."It really comes down, right now, to the failed policies of the Biden administration, which Laura Kelly has supported every step of the way," Pence said. "Policies that have created inflation at a 40-year high, gasoline prices, through the roof, a crime wave in our major cities and of course, a crisis at our southern border, the likes of which we've never seen."Pence will join Schmidt at Wichita's B&amp;C Barbeque doors open at 2:15 Friday afternoon.

Kansas campaign rally for Schmidt features former vice president

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Republican candidate for governor, Derek Schmidt said there are no surprises in what he's learning matters to Kansans on the campaign trail.

"The number one thing on the minds of the vast majority of Kansans is the affordability of daily life," Schmidt said. "You've got this out of control inflation, driven by big government spending out of Washington. You've got the rising costs of everything from gasoline, to now they are predicting, home heating costs going into the winter. I hear from more people than ever before this concern that just the daily cost of living is less affordable."

One of those daily costs of living is groceries. Schmidt deferred to the legislature when it comes to setting tax policy, but said he would be okay with speeding up the reduction in the food sales tax if that's what they want to do when they get back in January.

"The legislature decided on a phase out," Schmidt said. "I think that's good, that we're moving in the right direction, finally. If they want to do it faster, that's certainly fine with me, as well. I think that relief would be welcome."

Schmidt would also like to make sure government spending gets a little better in check overall come January.

"You have to start slowing that rate of growth," Schmidt said. "That's just an overall discussion. It's not a matter of cutting or reducing at this point. We're trying to avoid that down the road by making sure that this accelerating rate of expenditure is a flatter curve. In other words, you can't keep spending 35% more over four years, especially when your state's not growing, your population, your economy aren't growing, they're relatively flat, without eventually those chickens coming home to roost. We have to start slowing down that growth rate."

Schmidt also wants the legislature to look at removing taxes on retirement income and on updating the homestead exemption to create more opportunities for seniors to stay in the homes they own outright.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665522638190.png" alt="Derek Schmidt on the campaign trail-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Derek Schmidt on the campaign trail-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Republican candidate for governor, Derek Schmidt said there are no surprises in what he's learning matters to Kansans on the campaign trail."The number one thing on the minds of the vast majority of Kansans is the affordability of daily life," Schmidt said. "You've got this out of control inflation, driven by big government spending out of Washington. You've got the rising costs of everything from gasoline, to now they are predicting, home heating costs going into the winter. I hear from more people than ever before this concern that just the daily cost of living is less affordable."One of those daily costs of living is groceries. Schmidt deferred to the legislature when it comes to setting tax policy, but said he would be okay with speeding up the reduction in the food sales tax if that's what they want to do when they get back in January."The legislature decided on a phase out," Schmidt said. "I think that's good, that we're moving in the right direction, finally. If they want to do it faster, that's certainly fine with me, as well. I think that relief would be welcome."Schmidt would also like to make sure government spending gets a little better in check overall come January."You have to start slowing that rate of growth," Schmidt said. "That's just an overall discussion. It's not a matter of cutting or reducing at this point. We're trying to avoid that down the road by making sure that this accelerating rate of expenditure is a flatter curve. In other words, you can't keep spending 35% more over four years, especially when your state's not growing, your population, your economy aren't growing, they're relatively flat, without eventually those chickens coming home to roost. We have to start slowing down that growth rate."Schmidt also wants the legislature to look at removing taxes on retirement income and on updating the homestead exemption to create more opportunities for seniors to stay in the homes they own outright.

Schmidt: Affordability of daily life is Kansans top issue

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, announced earlier this month that they will make their largest cut in output since 2020 to support the overall oil market. Though that move hasn't impacted the pump yet, it may mitigate traditional seasonal decreases.

"That really hasn't provided much of an impact in terms of gas prices to date," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "What seems to be balancing that out is the continued concerns with the global economy, in terms of, will a recession impact global demand for crude oil? That's kept crude oil prices fairly reasonable."

Fall and winter tend to be times when some relief is felt at the pump.

"As we head into fall and winter months here domestically, it is typically a lower demand season for gasoline," Steward said. "Just fewer people out driving."

More than half of the price at the pump can be attributed to crude oil prices.

"We still have ongoing lockdowns due to COVID in China, which can impact global demand," Steward said. "There's always, this time of year, hurricanes that could impact supply. There's the Russian situation with oil, based on their war with Ukraine. There are a lot of factors still out there that can impact the crude oil market and the price that we see at the pumps."

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+, announced earlier this month that they will make their largest cut in output since 2020 to support the overall oil market. Though that move hasn't impacted the pump yet, it may mitigate traditional seasonal decreases."That really hasn't provided much of an impact in terms of gas prices to date," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "What seems to be balancing that out is the continued concerns with the global economy, in terms of, will a recession impact global demand for crude oil? That's kept crude oil prices fairly reasonable."Fall and winter tend to be times when some relief is felt at the pump."As we head into fall and winter months here domestically, it is typically a lower demand season for gasoline," Steward said. "Just fewer people out driving."More than half of the price at the pump can be attributed to crude oil prices."We still have ongoing lockdowns due to COVID in China, which can impact global demand," Steward said. "There's always, this time of year, hurricanes that could impact supply. There's the Russian situation with oil, based on their war with Ukraine. There are a lot of factors still out there that can impact the crude oil market and the price that we see at the pumps."

AAA: Gas prices will remain volatile with oil market uncertainty

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss saw the latest inflation numbers as further evidence that the Federal Reserve will continue to try to apply the brakes to the American economy.

"The inflation rate is declining, but not as fast as we expected," Goss said. "With the Federal Reserve raising rates fairly dramatically and likely to continue that on November 2, I expected inflation rates to come down even faster."

The increase in short term interest rates will be relatively large again this next time, most likely.

"The governors that do the rate increase, those governors tell us that they are going to be raising rates more dramatically than I think is appropriate," Goss said. "November 2, we're likely to see a 75 basis point, that's three-quarters of one percentage point rate increase then and probably another one in December. It may not be a 75 basis point increase in December, but, nonetheless, we're talking about the prime interest rate will go up by three quarters of a percent on November 3 and probably again in December."

This does not necessarily mean long term rates will go up, though they have been rising, too.

"The Fed sets short term rates, not long term rates," Goss said. "They do influence them, there's no doubt. They probably are headed higher, even if the Fed pulls back or stops raising. What's happening on the long term interest rates, the Federal Reserve is actually selling off and allowing some of their bonds to mature. Long term interest rates are rising for a different set of policies by the Federal Reserve and also the market investors."&nbsp;

Freddie Mac reported last week the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching its highest level since&nbsp;April of 2002. Goss sees a longer-term policy change potentially on the horizon for the Fed.

"The Fed is going to change their target, I believe," Goss said. "Their target is two percent on the inflation front. They are likely to raise that a bit, from two to two and a half, maybe as high as three percent on the inflation front. In my judgment, that would be a good thing. We need to accept a bit more inflation."

Some economists believe a slowly increasing price level keeps businesses profitable and prevents consumers from waiting for lower prices before making purchases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss, PhD" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss, PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNEL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss saw the latest inflation numbers as further evidence that the Federal Reserve will continue to try to apply the brakes to the American economy."The inflation rate is declining, but not as fast as we expected," Goss said. "With the Federal Reserve raising rates fairly dramatically and likely to continue that on November 2, I expected inflation rates to come down even faster."The increase in short term interest rates will be relatively large again this next time, most likely."The governors that do the rate increase, those governors tell us that they are going to be raising rates more dramatically than I think is appropriate," Goss said. "November 2, we're likely to see a 75 basis point, that's three-quarters of one percentage point rate increase then and probably another one in December. It may not be a 75 basis point increase in December, but, nonetheless, we're talking about the prime interest rate will go up by three quarters of a percent on November 3 and probably again in December."This does not necessarily mean long term rates will go up, though they have been rising, too."The Fed sets short term rates, not long term rates," Goss said. "They do influence them, there's no doubt. They probably are headed higher, even if the Fed pulls back or stops raising. What's happening on the long term interest rates, the Federal Reserve is actually selling off and allowing some of their bonds to mature. Long term interest rates are rising for a different set of policies by the Federal Reserve and also the market investors."&nbsp;Freddie Mac reported last week the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching its highest level since&nbsp;April of 2002. Goss sees a longer-term policy change potentially on the horizon for the Fed."The Fed is going to change their target, I believe," Goss said. "Their target is two percent on the inflation front. They are likely to raise that a bit, from two to two and a half, maybe as high as three percent on the inflation front. In my judgment, that would be a good thing. We need to accept a bit more inflation."Some economists believe a slowly increasing price level keeps businesses profitable and prevents consumers from waiting for lower prices before making purchases.

Goss: Fed will continue to apply the brakes, may change target

HAYS, Kan. - The 23rd&nbsp;ranked Fort Hays State women's soccer team defeated Missouri Southern 5-0 at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Friday. The Tigers scored once in the first half before a second half scoring explosion netting four goals in 22 minutes. It was the 10th shutout for the Tigers this season.&nbsp;FHSU improved to 9-0-6, 4-0-4 MIAA, while Missouri Southern fell to 1-12-1, 1-6-1 MIAA. The Tigers set the tone immediately as a corner kick was bounced around in front of the net before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6688">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;struck the ball past the keeper in the second minute. The Tigers led 1-0 entering the break, but Mares was quick to find the net for a second time in the second half. In the 48th&nbsp;minute, the Tigers placed the ball in front of the net on another corner kick and the junior forward pushed her way into the pile to chip the ball past the keeper for her second goal of the match and sixth of the season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6686">Sullivan Kelly</a>&nbsp;continued the scoring for the Tigers as she netted a pair of goals in a five-minute span. The first came in the 53rd&nbsp;minute on a throw in by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6682">Emily Hutchings</a>, which glanced an MSSU defender and landed perfectly for Kelly who drove the ball into the net. The second came on a perfectly struck ball from about 25 yards out that sailed perfectly over the keeper's reach and into the top left corner of the goal to give FHSU a 4-0 lead in the 58th&nbsp;minute. The final Tiger score came on another corner kick in the 71st&nbsp;minute as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6678">Gracen Chaney</a>&nbsp;bent the ball perfectly over the Lions' defense and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6687">Reilly Madden</a>&nbsp;headed it into the net for her second goal of the season.&nbsp; With the five goals, the Tigers tied their fifth-highest scoring output in a match in program history and also their highest score in a conference match, the last instance ending 5-1 against Nebraska-Kearney back in 2012. This match also eclipsed the largest margin of victory in a conference match for the Tigers. FHSU finished with 17 shots and put 11 on target compared to six shots by MSSU with one on goal.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;nabbed a save between the posts, while Lilly Doneghue grabbed five saves for Missouri Southern. The Tigers will be back in action on Sunday as they host No. 5 ranked Central Missouri in a Top 25 matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665802101413.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Kelly Sullivan vs. Missouri Southern State. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Kelly Sullivan vs. Missouri Southern State. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The 23rd&nbsp;ranked Fort Hays State women's soccer team defeated Missouri Southern 5-0 at FHSU Soccer Stadium on Friday. The Tigers scored once in the first half before a second half scoring explosion netting four goals in 22 minutes. It was the 10th shutout for the Tigers this season.&nbsp;FHSU improved to 9-0-6, 4-0-4 MIAA, while Missouri Southern fell to 1-12-1, 1-6-1 MIAA. The Tigers set the tone immediately as a corner kick was bounced around in front of the net before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6688">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;struck the ball past the keeper in the second minute. The Tigers led 1-0 entering the break, but Mares was quick to find the net for a second time in the second half. In the 48th&nbsp;minute, the Tigers placed the ball in front of the net on another corner kick and the junior forward pushed her way into the pile to chip the ball past the keeper for her second goal of the match and sixth of the season. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6686">Sullivan Kelly</a>&nbsp;continued the scoring for the Tigers as she netted a pair of goals in a five-minute span. The first came in the 53rd&nbsp;minute on a throw in by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6682">Emily Hutchings</a>, which glanced an MSSU defender and landed perfectly for Kelly who drove the ball into the net. The second came on a perfectly struck ball from about 25 yards out that sailed perfectly over the keeper's reach and into the top left corner of the goal to give FHSU a 4-0 lead in the 58th&nbsp;minute. The final Tiger score came on another corner kick in the 71st&nbsp;minute as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6678">Gracen Chaney</a>&nbsp;bent the ball perfectly over the Lions' defense and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6687">Reilly Madden</a>&nbsp;headed it into the net for her second goal of the season.&nbsp; With the five goals, the Tigers tied their fifth-highest scoring output in a match in program history and also their highest score in a conference match, the last instance ending 5-1 against Nebraska-Kearney back in 2012. This match also eclipsed the largest margin of victory in a conference match for the Tigers. FHSU finished with 17 shots and put 11 on target compared to six shots by MSSU with one on goal.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;nabbed a save between the posts, while Lilly Doneghue grabbed five saves for Missouri Southern. The Tigers will be back in action on Sunday as they host No. 5 ranked Central Missouri in a Top 25 matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger women remain unbeaten in rout over Missouri Southern

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you got an extension on the deadline to file your 2021 tax return, the IRS wants to remind you, your time is almost up.

"For those folks who got a six month extension, the deadline to file normally would be October 15," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "Since that's on a weekend, it goes to the next business day, which this year is Monday, October 17. That is the day that you need to file your tax return and avoid any chance of being tagged with a failure to file penalty."

The failure to file penalty&nbsp;is 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late.

"It needs to be in the system by midnight on Monday, so that you don't have to worry about any penalties," Devine said. "You can do it yourself. There's a lot of ways to do that. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;is still available. Just go to IRS.gov. Right at the top, the first box you see is File Your Taxes for Free. If you made less than $73,000, you can pick a company that you want to do your taxes, put all the information in, and it will go."&nbsp;

For taxpayers whose AGI is greater than $73,000, there’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms" target="_blank">Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;option. It provides electronic federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"If you owed money, that was due back in April," Devine said. "Penalties have been building up on that amount of money. The worst thing you can do is nothing. File your tax return. If you need help, contact the IRS."

Most questions can be answered at <a href="http://www.irs.gov">IRS.gov</a>, or you can call weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 (800) 829-1040.

<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/27/27b7896f-01c5-4609-93c7-742e5cb22e96/830-am-final-january-6th-committee-letter14446.pdf?utm_medium=email_hf&amp;utm_source=ncl__&amp;utm_campaign=20221014___sa&amp;utm_content=__6167&amp;_nlid=test123&amp;_nhids=TEST">CLICK here to read</a>&nbsp;the full letter Trump sent to the Jan. 6 committee

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600360924825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you got an extension on the deadline to file your 2021 tax return, the IRS wants to remind you, your time is almost up."For those folks who got a six month extension, the deadline to file normally would be October 15," said Michael Devine with the IRS. "Since that's on a weekend, it goes to the next business day, which this year is Monday, October 17. That is the day that you need to file your tax return and avoid any chance of being tagged with a failure to file penalty."The failure to file penalty&nbsp;is 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late."It needs to be in the system by midnight on Monday, so that you don't have to worry about any penalties," Devine said. "You can do it yourself. There's a lot of ways to do that. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;is still available. Just go to IRS.gov. Right at the top, the first box you see is File Your Taxes for Free. If you made less than $73,000, you can pick a company that you want to do your taxes, put all the information in, and it will go."&nbsp; For taxpayers whose AGI is greater than $73,000, there’s the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms" target="_blank">Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;option. It provides electronic federal tax forms that can be filled out and filed online for free.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you owed money, that was due back in April," Devine said. "Penalties have been building up on that amount of money. The worst thing you can do is nothing. File your tax return. If you need help, contact the IRS."Most questions can be answered at <a href="http://www.irs.gov">IRS.gov</a>, or you can call weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 (800) 829-1040.<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/27/27b7896f-01c5-4609-93c7-742e5cb22e96/830-am-final-january-6th-committee-letter14446.pdf?utm_medium=email_hf&amp;utm_source=ncl__&amp;utm_campaign=20221014___sa&amp;utm_content=__6167&amp;_nlid=test123&amp;_nhids=TEST">CLICK here to read</a>&nbsp;the full letter Trump sent to the Jan. 6 committee

Deadline to file taxes for those with extensions is Monday

IOWA CITY — <a href="https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-basketball/iowa-commit-ava-jones-not-expected-to-play-basketball-again-after-serious-injuries-from-july-crash/">The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports</a>
 that University of Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder 
told&nbsp;the university’s Presidential Committee on Athletics on Thursday 
that she received a call the day before about the condition of Nickerson
 High star and Iowa commit Ava Jones.

Bluder told the committee 
that new MRI scans showed that Ava had torn all four major ligaments in 
both of her knees — ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL.&nbsp;

Such injuries are likely to prevent Jones from playing again, according to Bluder.

Jones
 and her family were hit by a car July 5 while in Louisville, Kentucky 
for an AAU basketball tournament. Her father Trey, died from his 
injuries and her mother and brother were also hit.

The man police 
say admitted to taking hydrocodone before hitting the Jones family has 
pled not guilty in the case.&nbsp;Thirty-three-year-old Michael Hurley&nbsp;was 
already on probation for drug possession and drug use in Indiana at the 
time of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660247623254.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch PostIOWA CITY — <a href="https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-basketball/iowa-commit-ava-jones-not-expected-to-play-basketball-again-after-serious-injuries-from-july-crash/">The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports</a>
 that University of Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder 
told&nbsp;the university’s Presidential Committee on Athletics on Thursday 
that she received a call the day before about the condition of Nickerson
 High star and Iowa commit Ava Jones.Bluder told the committee 
that new MRI scans showed that Ava had torn all four major ligaments in 
both of her knees — ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL.&nbsp;Such injuries are likely to prevent Jones from playing again, according to Bluder.Jones
 and her family were hit by a car July 5 while in Louisville, Kentucky 
for an AAU basketball tournament. Her father Trey, died from his 
injuries and her mother and brother were also hit.The man police 
say admitted to taking hydrocodone before hitting the Jones family has 
pled not guilty in the case.&nbsp;Thirty-three-year-old Michael Hurley&nbsp;was 
already on probation for drug possession and drug use in Indiana at the 
time of the crash.

🏀 Iowa coach says Ava Jones will likely not play basketball again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;A constitutional question is on the ballot in November that, if approved, would give the Kansas Legislature the power to overturn administrative regulations.

"Right now, in Kansas, there is a missing puzzle piece to making sure that Kansas is as efficient as possible when it comes to regulation," said Elizabeth Patton with AFP-Kansas. "We all know that when there are too many regulations, or there's unneccessary red tape, it can raise costs. It can make things harder for farmers, for business owners, for individuals. That's not always on purpose, but there's a missing piece in the legislative process that would allow state legislators, on their committee, to say, pause, maybe this isn't what we want to do, where the state agencies have created a law, just by making a rule."

There is a committee that would already do this, if it had the power to do so, called the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. Hutchinson Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner has been assigned to that committee in previous legislative sessions.

"Right now, it doesn't matter," Patton said. "I'm not even sure why that committee exists. What they would be able to do is say, pause, this might not be matching up with legislative intent. This might be overreach, this might be too costly, etc., and they get to do their jobs."

This is something pro-business groups have been working on for years, but the COVID pandemic brought forward just how much power the administrative state in Kansas now has.

"This was a bipartisan piece of legislation in the house," Patton said. "It passed two-thirds in both chambers, because it makes a lot of sense."

Both parties have reason to want regulations to have legislative oversight, so that there is an opportunity for opposition, even when the opposing party wins the governorship.

Below is the explanatory statement, as it will be on the Nov. 8 ballot and the question, as it will appear on the ballot.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide the legislature with oversight of state executive branch agencies and officials by providing the legislature authority to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations.

A vote for this proposition would allow the legislature to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations that are adopted by state executive branch agencies and officials that have the force and effect of law.

A vote against this proposition would allow state executive branch agencies and officials to continue adopting rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law without any opportunity for the legislature to directly revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.”

§ 17. Legislative oversight of administrative rules and regulations.

Whenever the legislature by law has authorized any officer or agency within the executive branch of government to adopt rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law, the legislature may provide by law for the revocation or suspension of any such rule and regulation, or any portion thereof, upon a vote of a majority of the members then elected or appointed and qualified in each house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664292772417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;A constitutional question is on the ballot in November that, if approved, would give the Kansas Legislature the power to overturn administrative regulations."Right now, in Kansas, there is a missing puzzle piece to making sure that Kansas is as efficient as possible when it comes to regulation," said Elizabeth Patton with AFP-Kansas. "We all know that when there are too many regulations, or there's unneccessary red tape, it can raise costs. It can make things harder for farmers, for business owners, for individuals. That's not always on purpose, but there's a missing piece in the legislative process that would allow state legislators, on their committee, to say, pause, maybe this isn't what we want to do, where the state agencies have created a law, just by making a rule."There is a committee that would already do this, if it had the power to do so, called the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. Hutchinson Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner has been assigned to that committee in previous legislative sessions."Right now, it doesn't matter," Patton said. "I'm not even sure why that committee exists. What they would be able to do is say, pause, this might not be matching up with legislative intent. This might be overreach, this might be too costly, etc., and they get to do their jobs."This is something pro-business groups have been working on for years, but the COVID pandemic brought forward just how much power the administrative state in Kansas now has."This was a bipartisan piece of legislation in the house," Patton said. "It passed two-thirds in both chambers, because it makes a lot of sense."Both parties have reason to want regulations to have legislative oversight, so that there is an opportunity for opposition, even when the opposing party wins the governorship.Below is the explanatory statement, as it will be on the Nov. 8 ballot and the question, as it will appear on the ballot.Explanatory statement:The purpose of this amendment is to provide the legislature with oversight of state executive branch agencies and officials by providing the legislature authority to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations.A vote for this proposition would allow the legislature to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations that are adopted by state executive branch agencies and officials that have the force and effect of law.A vote against this proposition would allow state executive branch agencies and officials to continue adopting rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law without any opportunity for the legislature to directly revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.”Ballot Question: Shall the following be adopted?§ 17. Legislative oversight of administrative rules and regulations.Whenever the legislature by law has authorized any officer or agency within the executive branch of government to adopt rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law, the legislature may provide by law for the revocation or suspension of any such rule and regulation, or any portion thereof, upon a vote of a majority of the members then elected or appointed and qualified in each house.

Amendment for regulatory oversight by Kan. legislature on Nov. ballot

By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pieter Miller with the Hutchinson Airport told Hutch Post Tuesday they are going to apply again for federal dollars to get the air traffic control tower replaced.

"There was money specifically set aside to update federal contract control towers," Miller said. "Towers that were built by the federal government back in the 1950s and the 1960s that are staffed by private companies, which is exactly what Hutchinson has."

The current tower was built in 1951. This would be the second application for that money. Their first try was to do the project in phases, but they noted that the ones approved in the first round were full projects, so they are going to try that approach when they apply again. That application is due by the end of October. The internal workings in the tower are updated by the contractor and the FAA, but the actual bricks and mortar are city property.

"Most of the buttons and switches and radios in the tower now have been updated over the last 10 years," Miller said. "What is old is the actual facility itself. The stairways, the access, the break rooms, the restrooms, all the accoutrements that the controllers use to get their job done."

The tower has been staffed by a private contractor since 1992.

"They are in operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year," Miller said. "A couple of the controllers live in Wichita. Most of them are local controllers here, or retired FAA controllers. The company they work for is called Midwest ATC."

Midwest ATC is currently operating nearly 100 air traffic control towers globally. In addition to Hutchinson, they operate towers in Garden City, Salina, Manhattan, both airports in Topeka and the Johnson County Aircenter and New Century Airport in the Kansas City area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664289046719.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pieter Miller with the Hutchinson Airport told Hutch Post Tuesday they are going to apply again for federal dollars to get the air traffic control tower replaced."There was money specifically set aside to update federal contract control towers," Miller said. "Towers that were built by the federal government back in the 1950s and the 1960s that are staffed by private companies, which is exactly what Hutchinson has."The current tower was built in 1951. This would be the second application for that money. Their first try was to do the project in phases, but they noted that the ones approved in the first round were full projects, so they are going to try that approach when they apply again. That application is due by the end of October. The internal workings in the tower are updated by the contractor and the FAA, but the actual bricks and mortar are city property."Most of the buttons and switches and radios in the tower now have been updated over the last 10 years," Miller said. "What is old is the actual facility itself. The stairways, the access, the break rooms, the restrooms, all the accoutrements that the controllers use to get their job done."The tower has been staffed by a private contractor since 1992."They are in operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year," Miller said. "A couple of the controllers live in Wichita. Most of them are local controllers here, or retired FAA controllers. The company they work for is called Midwest ATC."Midwest ATC is currently operating nearly 100 air traffic control towers globally. In addition to Hutchinson, they operate towers in Garden City, Salina, Manhattan, both airports in Topeka and the Johnson County Aircenter and New Century Airport in the Kansas City area.

Hutchinson Airport to seek control tower replacement

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team posted its fifth 1-0 win of the season on Friday, knocking off Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers moved to 6-0-3 overall and 1-0-1 in the MIAA, with all of their wins by shutout this season. The Bearcats slipped to 4-3-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State produced the only goal of the match in the 51st&nbsp;minute when a corner kick by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7113">Montserrat Diaz</a>&nbsp;found&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6943">Britney Arneson</a>&nbsp;in the box. Arneson directed the ball with her head to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6686">Sullivan Kelly</a>&nbsp;just in front of the goal, who knocked it in for her first goal of the season. The Tigers limited the Bearcats to nine shots in the match, while taking seven.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;saved all three Bearcat shots on goal to pick up her sixth win of the season between the pipes. Tiger defenders&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6687">Reilly Madden</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7112">Katie Puchino</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6692">Emily Reitz</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6946">Megan Wiman</a>&nbsp;all went the distance in the match for the Tigers, as well as midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6682">Emily Hutchings</a>&nbsp;to help Robben in the shutout effort. Bearcat keeper Lily Ellis had just one save in the match. The Tigers finish their weekend trip to Missouri on Sunday when they face Missouri Western in St. Joseph at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663978968394.jpeg" alt="FHSU defender Reilly Madden vs. NW Missouri State Friday in Maryville. Courtesy NWMSU/Alexis Starks." />
 <figcaption>FHSU defender Reilly Madden vs. NW Missouri State Friday in Maryville. Courtesy NWMSU/Alexis Starks.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMARYVILLE, Mo. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team posted its fifth 1-0 win of the season on Friday, knocking off Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers moved to 6-0-3 overall and 1-0-1 in the MIAA, with all of their wins by shutout this season. The Bearcats slipped to 4-3-2 overall and 0-2 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State produced the only goal of the match in the 51st&nbsp;minute when a corner kick by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7113">Montserrat Diaz</a>&nbsp;found&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6943">Britney Arneson</a>&nbsp;in the box. Arneson directed the ball with her head to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6686">Sullivan Kelly</a>&nbsp;just in front of the goal, who knocked it in for her first goal of the season. The Tigers limited the Bearcats to nine shots in the match, while taking seven.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;saved all three Bearcat shots on goal to pick up her sixth win of the season between the pipes. Tiger defenders&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6687">Reilly Madden</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7112">Katie Puchino</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6692">Emily Reitz</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6946">Megan Wiman</a>&nbsp;all went the distance in the match for the Tigers, as well as midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6682">Emily Hutchings</a>&nbsp;to help Robben in the shutout effort. Bearcat keeper Lily Ellis had just one save in the match. The Tigers finish their weekend trip to Missouri on Sunday when they face Missouri Western in St. Joseph at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger women pick up shutout win in Maryville

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the final monetary tally isn't in yet for Kansas largest get together, but it appears that allowing the carrying of alcohol throughout the fairgrounds was mostly a positive.

"I worked with the highway patrol on a daily basis and there really wasn't anything," Schulz said. "I also went up to a lot of the people that were walking around that had a beer or a glass of wine in their hand and I said, I just need to ask, what are your thoughts? They said, it is the best thing you could have done. We want to be able to walk around and check out the grounds. We don't want to be stuck in a beer garden. That's not why we came to the fair, so we're excited about being able to do that."

It also appears that alcohol sales remained strong.

"First blush, we are seeing that there was an uptick in sales," Schulz said. "There, too, it could be just sheer attendance. The concerts were another big part of it and I think people were just happier to have that opportunity to walk around."

The Kansas State Fair announced that 315,273 people went through the gates over the 10 days earlier this month.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the final monetary tally isn't in yet for Kansas largest get together, but it appears that allowing the carrying of alcohol throughout the fairgrounds was mostly a positive."I worked with the highway patrol on a daily basis and there really wasn't anything," Schulz said. "I also went up to a lot of the people that were walking around that had a beer or a glass of wine in their hand and I said, I just need to ask, what are your thoughts? They said, it is the best thing you could have done. We want to be able to walk around and check out the grounds. We don't want to be stuck in a beer garden. That's not why we came to the fair, so we're excited about being able to do that."It also appears that alcohol sales remained strong."First blush, we are seeing that there was an uptick in sales," Schulz said. "There, too, it could be just sheer attendance. The concerts were another big part of it and I think people were just happier to have that opportunity to walk around."The Kansas State Fair announced that 315,273 people went through the gates over the 10 days earlier this month.

State Fair GM: Walk around with alcohol appears to have worked out

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State played to a 2-2 draw with Emporia State on Sunday at FHSU Soccer Stadium in the MIAA opener. All four goals were scored in the first half. The Hornets now account for two of the Tigers' three ties this season. FHSU moved to 5-0-3 on the year and ESU to 2-4-2, while both moved to 0-0-1 in the conference. The Hornets took the lead early as a corner kick from Joanie Westcoat connected with the head of Hannah Woolery in the ninth minute.

FHSU knotted things up in the 14th&nbsp;minute, also scoring a goal on a header off a corner kick.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6686">Sullivan Kelly</a>&nbsp;delivered a well placed ball to the back post that bounced off the head of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6688">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;in the upper corner of the net for her third goal of the season.

The Tigers kept it rolling later in the period when a shot from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6682">Emily Hutchings</a>&nbsp;was saved and landed in front of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7113">Montserrat Diaz</a>&nbsp;who punched it through in the 23rd&nbsp;minute to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.

The equalizer for the Hornets came as Asta Kristindottir threw the ball in to Rhea Bailey who set up Woolery for her second goal of the day. At halftime, the Tigers led the shot battle 7-6. The match switched gears in the second half as both defenses locked down. The Hornets managed eight shots and the Tigers took two in the second half. ESU held the final shot advantage 14-9.&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;posted a career-high eight saves between the posts for the Tigers, while Mackenzi Goen saved three shots for the Hornets. The Tigers will be on the road next week when they travel to Northwest Missouri State on Friday and Missouri Western on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663582303964.jpeg" alt="FHSU's&nbsp; Hannah Mares scores on a header in the first half of Sunday's match with Emporia State at the FHSU Soccer Stadium. FHSU Athletics/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's&nbsp; Hannah Mares scores on a header in the first half of Sunday's match with Emporia State at the FHSU Soccer Stadium. FHSU Athletics/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State played to a 2-2 draw with Emporia State on Sunday at FHSU Soccer Stadium in the MIAA opener. All four goals were scored in the first half. The Hornets now account for two of the Tigers' three ties this season. FHSU moved to 5-0-3 on the year and ESU to 2-4-2, while both moved to 0-0-1 in the conference. The Hornets took the lead early as a corner kick from Joanie Westcoat connected with the head of Hannah Woolery in the ninth minute. FHSU knotted things up in the 14th&nbsp;minute, also scoring a goal on a header off a corner kick.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6686">Sullivan Kelly</a>&nbsp;delivered a well placed ball to the back post that bounced off the head of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6688">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;in the upper corner of the net for her third goal of the season.The Tigers kept it rolling later in the period when a shot from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6682">Emily Hutchings</a>&nbsp;was saved and landed in front of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7113">Montserrat Diaz</a>&nbsp;who punched it through in the 23rd&nbsp;minute to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead. The equalizer for the Hornets came as Asta Kristindottir threw the ball in to Rhea Bailey who set up Woolery for her second goal of the day. At halftime, the Tigers led the shot battle 7-6. The match switched gears in the second half as both defenses locked down. The Hornets managed eight shots and the Tigers took two in the second half. ESU held the final shot advantage 14-9.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;posted a career-high eight saves between the posts for the Tigers, while Mackenzi Goen saved three shots for the Hornets. The Tigers will be on the road next week when they travel to Northwest Missouri State on Friday and Missouri Western on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU women play to draw with Emporia State in MIAA opener

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Board heard a presentation from Tom Thebault with North American Midway Entertainment Saturday morning.&nbsp;

"We were like $9000 off from last year's Friday, but certainly up from 2019," Thebault said. "We hit the million dollar mark and we've got two days to go."

Thebault always supplements his traveling crew with local people, but said he probably didn't hire enough. He also said the traveling crew is really top notch this year.

"They do a great job representing us on the rides," Thebault said. "They also do a great job getting us moved. Some years, that doesn't happen so well."

There are two income thresholds where the company gives money back to the board for improvements in that area of the fairgrounds. They are at $1 million and $1.5 million in sales. The carnival set a record in 2021 at $1.7 million.&nbsp;

"I like what you are doing with the new blacktop surface," Thebault said. "It looks great, you know?"

He'd like to see work continue on that, if possible. The board also said earlier this week that they'd like to work on getting additional shade available on the midway in future years.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Board heard a presentation from Tom Thebault with North American Midway Entertainment Saturday morning.&nbsp;"We were like $9000 off from last year's Friday, but certainly up from 2019," Thebault said. "We hit the million dollar mark and we've got two days to go."Thebault always supplements his traveling crew with local people, but said he probably didn't hire enough. He also said the traveling crew is really top notch this year."They do a great job representing us on the rides," Thebault said. "They also do a great job getting us moved. Some years, that doesn't happen so well."There are two income thresholds where the company gives money back to the board for improvements in that area of the fairgrounds. They are at $1 million and $1.5 million in sales. The carnival set a record in 2021 at $1.7 million.&nbsp;"I like what you are doing with the new blacktop surface," Thebault said. "It looks great, you know?"He'd like to see work continue on that, if possible. The board also said earlier this week that they'd like to work on getting additional shade available on the midway in future years.

Kansas State Fair carnival passes million dollar mark for 2022

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For years the White House on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was a refuge or meeting place for fair officials.&nbsp;

In 2013, the now dedicated Lair White House underwent a major renovation and became the fair's museum. Each year the small building showcases the past of the Great Kansas Get Together. This year it's a look back at all of the entertainment that has been a part of the fair's 109 year history. Joan Brown said this year's display goes back as far as it can.

“They’re going to see a picture or some kind of memorabilia from even the 1913 state fair.” Brown said. “We’ve tried to show the people who have been here the most times, we’ve tried to show a variety.”

This year's display shows all sorts of performers.

“We have the christian gospel singers, we have the old time country, the current stars, we show a little bit of everything,” Said Brown. “ We have T-shirts, CD’s, videos.”

Now this year's display is a little different, in that it is a repeat of last year's display.

“We’ve done a different display every year except this one has carried over from last year,” Brown said. “Just because it was so popular and with COVID a lot of people didn’t want to go into the buildings.”

The display includes photos of nearly every artist that has performed and some non artists such as daredevil Evil Knievel. The display also features many autographed photos including Red Skelton and guitars from country artists that have performed at the fair. The Lair White House is open each day during the fair and there is no additional admission to visit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257750363.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For years the White House on the Kansas State Fairgrounds was a refuge or meeting place for fair officials.&nbsp;In 2013, the now dedicated Lair White House underwent a major renovation and became the fair's museum. Each year the small building showcases the past of the Great Kansas Get Together. This year it's a look back at all of the entertainment that has been a part of the fair's 109 year history. Joan Brown said this year's display goes back as far as it can.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257784474.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“They’re going to see a picture or some kind of memorabilia from even the 1913 state fair.” Brown said. “We’ve tried to show the people who have been here the most times, we’ve tried to show a variety.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257940378.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This year's display shows all sorts of performers.“We have the christian gospel singers, we have the old time country, the current stars, we show a little bit of everything,” Said Brown. “ We have T-shirts, CD’s, videos.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257805170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Now this year's display is a little different, in that it is a repeat of last year's display.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257830954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We’ve done a different display every year except this one has carried over from last year,” Brown said. “Just because it was so popular and with COVID a lot of people didn’t want to go into the buildings.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663257853163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The display includes photos of nearly every artist that has performed and some non artists such as daredevil Evil Knievel. The display also features many autographed photos including Red Skelton and guitars from country artists that have performed at the fair. The Lair White House is open each day during the fair and there is no additional admission to visit.

Lair White House offers look back on Kansas State Fair entertainment


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
University of Kansas Political Science professor Patrick Miller said there isn't really good polling data on the governor's race in the state, despite how close national pundits perceive it to be.

"We have three or four polls of the gubernatorial race, all of which I would absolutely characterize as cheap and low quality," Miller said. "All of them show a toss up, a very close race among undecided voters. They don't tell us much else that's interesting."

Republican Derek Schmidt, despite his high profile in Kansas, doesn't create the kind of national interest the previous nominee did.

"We haven't had much polling of our race this year," Miller said. "I think in 2018, we were an attractive race for a lot of out of state pollsters to poll, because of Kris Kobach being the Republican nominee and all the attention that he brought to that. We haven't had much attraction of those really established and good pollsters to our race this year, unfortunately."

With a race this close and the inherent play in the joints in even the best polling, it's easy to see how the race could go either way.

"Polling is not an absolute," Miller said. "Polling is always a prediction with a degree of error," Miller said. "Let's say that a candidate has, let's make this simple, 50% of the vote. The wrong way to interpret that poll is to say the candidate has 50% of the vote, end of story. That would just be incorrect. Polling always comes with that margin of error. Let's say it's four percent. If the poll says that a candidate has 50% of the vote, with a four percent margin of error, then the correct way to interpret that is that, statistically speaking, there's a 95% chance that the candidate's true level of support is between 46% and 54%."

It really comes down to who shows up at the polls. Variables like weather and national trends that go up and down completely out of the control of both campaigns could make enough difference to decide a race that is within the margin of error.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
University of Kansas Political Science professor Patrick Miller said there isn't really good polling data on the governor's race in the state, despite how close national pundits perceive it to be."We have three or four polls of the gubernatorial race, all of which I would absolutely characterize as cheap and low quality," Miller said. "All of them show a toss up, a very close race among undecided voters. They don't tell us much else that's interesting."Republican Derek Schmidt, despite his high profile in Kansas, doesn't create the kind of national interest the previous nominee did."We haven't had much polling of our race this year," Miller said. "I think in 2018, we were an attractive race for a lot of out of state pollsters to poll, because of Kris Kobach being the Republican nominee and all the attention that he brought to that. We haven't had much attraction of those really established and good pollsters to our race this year, unfortunately."With a race this close and the inherent play in the joints in even the best polling, it's easy to see how the race could go either way."Polling is not an absolute," Miller said. "Polling is always a prediction with a degree of error," Miller said. "Let's say that a candidate has, let's make this simple, 50% of the vote. The wrong way to interpret that poll is to say the candidate has 50% of the vote, end of story. That would just be incorrect. Polling always comes with that margin of error. Let's say it's four percent. If the poll says that a candidate has 50% of the vote, with a four percent margin of error, then the correct way to interpret that is that, statistically speaking, there's a 95% chance that the candidate's true level of support is between 46% and 54%."It really comes down to who shows up at the polls. Variables like weather and national trends that go up and down completely out of the control of both campaigns could make enough difference to decide a race that is within the margin of error.

KU professor: Not much polling data yet on close governor's race

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The crowd was raucous as usual for the debate at the Kansas State Fair on Saturday, but the candidates did little in the way of policy pronouncing. The closest thing to news to come out of the Saturday event was Gov. Laura Kelly's assertion that she would create a cabinet-level position for early childhood education and child care.

"I have every intention, as we go forward into my second term to elevate the issue of child care and early childhood education by creating a cabinet-level position to focus on those issues," Kelly said.

Schmidt, for his part, praised the legislature for passing child care tax credits and called Kelly's goal red tape.

"She went straight to where she often does, look how much money they've spent," Schmidt said. "They expanded grants. She's going to create a new Cabinet-level secretary, more bureaucracy. The impediment that I hear from child care providers is that there is too much red tape already."

Other than that one brief policy piece, there was a lot of dancing around the issues and waging proxy fights, Schmidt with President Biden and Kelly, though less so, with Sam Brownback.

The two did agree that the Kansas voters spoke in August on the issue of abortion and Gov. Kelly said she would support the retention of the six Kansas Supreme Court justices on the ballot in November.

Schmidt said he would not retain all of the judges, though he was not specific on which ones he believes should go, but he said that decision should also be left to the voters.

The two candidates agreed that special education in the state is not funded to the statutory level, but they both also said that Congress is supposed to be sending more money to Kansas than they are and that the unfunded mandate from that level is the main problem in that regard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662846700435.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The crowd was raucous as usual for the debate at the Kansas State Fair on Saturday, but the candidates did little in the way of policy pronouncing. The closest thing to news to come out of the Saturday event was Gov. Laura Kelly's assertion that she would create a cabinet-level position for early childhood education and child care."I have every intention, as we go forward into my second term to elevate the issue of child care and early childhood education by creating a cabinet-level position to focus on those issues," Kelly said.Schmidt, for his part, praised the legislature for passing child care tax credits and called Kelly's goal red tape."She went straight to where she often does, look how much money they've spent," Schmidt said. "They expanded grants. She's going to create a new Cabinet-level secretary, more bureaucracy. The impediment that I hear from child care providers is that there is too much red tape already."Other than that one brief policy piece, there was a lot of dancing around the issues and waging proxy fights, Schmidt with President Biden and Kelly, though less so, with Sam Brownback.The two did agree that the Kansas voters spoke in August on the issue of abortion and Gov. Kelly said she would support the retention of the six Kansas Supreme Court justices on the ballot in November.Schmidt said he would not retain all of the judges, though he was not specific on which ones he believes should go, but he said that decision should also be left to the voters.The two candidates agreed that special education in the state is not funded to the statutory level, but they both also said that Congress is supposed to be sending more money to Kansas than they are and that the unfunded mandate from that level is the main problem in that regard.

Kansas governor candidates debate at the State Fair

HUTCHINSON — The fair is always about tradition and competition. One of the unusual and traditional competitions is the contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin.&nbsp;

This year, the fair set a new record. Matt Jacobs of Stillwell, Kansas, broke the all-time record for the largest pumpkin, which came in at 1,280 pounds.

Other contests for the fair’s 10-day run include the youth pedal pull championships on Sunday, the best scarecrow contest, a biscuit bake off, best barbecue sauce contest, and a fresh salsa contest.

Those contests go along with the competitive exhibits that include food, photography, quilts, knitting and many other displays. The competitive displays are back in several buildings this year. The handiwork of Kansas residents is found at the Domestic Arts building, the Lake Talbott East and West buildings, the Pride of Kansas building and the Oz Gallery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753990108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By HUTCH POST HUTCHINSON — The fair is always about tradition and competition. One of the unusual and traditional competitions is the contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin.&nbsp;This year, the fair set a new record. Matt Jacobs of Stillwell, Kansas, broke the all-time record for the largest pumpkin, which came in at 1,280 pounds.Other contests for the fair’s 10-day run include the youth pedal pull championships on Sunday, the best scarecrow contest, a biscuit bake off, best barbecue sauce contest, and a fresh salsa contest.Those contests go along with the competitive exhibits that include food, photography, quilts, knitting and many other displays. The competitive displays are back in several buildings this year. The handiwork of Kansas residents is found at the Domestic Arts building, the Lake Talbott East and West buildings, the Pride of Kansas building and the Oz Gallery.

New and unusual record set at Kansas State Fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The fair is always about tradition and competition. One of the unusual and traditional competitions is the contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662753990108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The fair is always about tradition and competition. One of the unusual and traditional competitions is the contest to see who can grow the largest pumpkin.&nbsp;This year, the fair set a new record. Matt Jacobs of Stillwell, Kansas, broke the all-time record for the largest pumpkin, which came in at 1,280 pounds.Other contests for the fair’s 10-day run include the youth pedal pull championships on Sunday, the best scarecrow contest, a biscuit bake off, best barbecue sauce contest, and a fresh salsa contest.Those contests go along with the competitive exhibits that include food, photography, quilts, knitting and many other displays. The competitive displays are back in several buildings this year. The handiwork of Kansas residents is found at the Domestic Arts building, the Lake Talbott East and West buildings, the Pride of Kansas building and the Oz Gallery.<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.

New and unusual record set at fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz is ready for the first 'normal' year since he got to Hutchinson 13 months ago.

"There's a lot of fun that goes on, but we also have a lot of events that we assist with," Schulz said. "Our board is very active out here. They're going to be out here all 10 days. They've got areas that they oversee and events that they will be at. It's kind of, the conductor is coming out now. Everybody in the orchestra is in their seats and now it's just getting everything going."

There are no required COVID precautions, but you can take them if you want to.

"We are still having the opportunity for people, if they want masks, we'll have them in the buildings, if that's where they feel comfortable, if that's what they want to do," Schulz said. "We are not mandating it. People still believe in the social distancing. We're expecting in that 325,000 to 350,000 over the ten days. That's our normals. It would be phenomenal to have our first big fair out of COVID with even bigger numbers."

For more information on all the activities, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269696039.jpeg" alt="Bryan K. Schulz, Kansas State Fair General Manager" />
 <figcaption>Bryan K. Schulz, Kansas State Fair General Manager</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz is ready for the first 'normal' year since he got to Hutchinson 13 months ago."There's a lot of fun that goes on, but we also have a lot of events that we assist with," Schulz said. "Our board is very active out here. They're going to be out here all 10 days. They've got areas that they oversee and events that they will be at. It's kind of, the conductor is coming out now. Everybody in the orchestra is in their seats and now it's just getting everything going."There are no required COVID precautions, but you can take them if you want to."We are still having the opportunity for people, if they want masks, we'll have them in the buildings, if that's where they feel comfortable, if that's what they want to do," Schulz said. "We are not mandating it. People still believe in the social distancing. We're expecting in that 325,000 to 350,000 over the ten days. That's our normals. It would be phenomenal to have our first big fair out of COVID with even bigger numbers."For more information on all the activities, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/">kansasstatefair.com</a>.