RENO COUNTY — Since the tariffs went into effect with the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and China, farmers across the country are starting to feel the pinch with their budgets.

Cameron Pierce is a farmer here in Reno County. He remembers when President Donald Trump said he would work for fair trade. Pierce says Trump is keeping that promise. But, Pierce says he didn’t think commodity prices would drop as much as they have since the tariffs went into place:

 

Pierce wants to see what happens with the tariffs. He says it is really out of farmer’s hands at this point:

 

President Donald Trump’s administration is now working to make trade more balanced.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Even though the Reno County Commission meeting has been moved to Friday, it appears the agenda will be very light with mostly routine business concerning community corrections.

That includes a year-end report for community corrections, as well as some budget adjustments for the 2018 fiscal year for the adult program.

Commissioners will also consider budget adjustments for the Youth Service Intake and Assessment and the juvenile Fiscal Year 2018 year-end budget adjustments.

Because these amounts are higher than $5,000, they do require a signature of Commission Chairman Ron Hirst.

Commissioners will also hear a revised budget for community corrections for the 2019 fiscal year.

The carryover reimbursement budget for both the adult and juvenile programs will also be discussed.

The meeting Friday starts at 8 a.m. in the Reno County Courthouse.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission meeting scheduled for next Tuesday will actually occur this Friday at 8 a.m. The start time is earlier than normal, meetings usually begin at 9 a.m.

County Administrator Gary Meagher says commissioners were aware they would not have a full commission next week. However, they originally planned to proceed with a majority of commissioners.

Due to unforeseen events, the meeting has been rescheduled for this Friday. There will be no county commission meeting next Tuesday, Meagher said.

Commissioners have not yet indicated what will be discussed during Friday’s meeting.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The dairy industry might be making some progress in convincing the federal government imitation products should not be labeled in dairy terms. This new direction was announced by the Trump administration.

Todd Domer with the Kansas Livestock Association explains what this means:

 

He also says the dairy group sent a letter last year complaining about these manufacturers trying to pass their products off as real dairy products:

 

He adds that there are fake meat products hitting the market as well. The group is now fighting the labeling of those products:

 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, the Hutchinson Fire Department was dispatched to the 200 block of Harvey Street for a structure fire.

First arriving units found moderate smoke venting from the front door and attic. Crews extinguished the fire quickly.

The home was occupied by one person at the time of the call and was awakened by a dog. That person made it out unharmed after re-entering the home twice to retrieve items.

That person was assessed by EMS for smoke inhalation and released at the scene.

The fire is being ruled electrical. Fire officials say multiple improper extension cords were found in the home.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission met Tuesday and discussed a petition submitted by area residents in the 7300 block of Zolman Road. Commissioners questioned whether a county nuisance code is needed, or even desirable, to correct such conditions throughout the county.

Commissioner Dan Deming wants some type of code possibly concerning only residential properties. However, the other two commissioners seemed more reluctant. Commissioner Bob Bush said he hasn’t heard from anyone else in the county saying this is an issue anywhere else. He wants anyone in the county that may have a similar issue to contact the commission.

Deming accused the other two commissioners of making this too complicated:

 

Commissioner Bush talked about the type of properties the county should look at before making a decision on any policy. He accused Deming of making it too simple:

 

Another issue is enforcement. There was some talk of starting a county court, where a person could be brought before a judge.

Residents in that neighborhood east of the city apparently are concerned over this property and what it could do to property values. One resident asked the commission, “Would you want to have a property like this where you live?”

They’re also concerned about the look of the neighborhood since this home is in bad condition. Trash, debris, and abandoned cars litter the property. Tall weeds nearly hide the home.

No decision was made on the issue. Commissioners Bob Bush and Ron Hirst want to wait a couple of weeks to see if there is any response from others in the county.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It appears Reno County will not replace the 108th Avenue bridge between Worthington and Woodberry roads on the Reno/McPherson county line. McPherson County officials decided they weren’t interested in contributing to the cost.

It’s estimated it would cost the two counties $455,000. Reno County would have paid 58 percent of that cost.

The bridge was recently closed after a tractor hauling grain caused it to collapse.

As it stands now, officials may close that road to through traffic. In 2006, the county did a traffic count and only 10 vehicles per day actually used that road.

No final decision was made. The commission wants to hear from residents who live in that area. The topic should come back for final action in two weeks.

The commission also denied a request from the Reno County Clerk to move the Nov. 6 commission meeting to another date because the general election happens that day. Instead, commissioners decided they would have a light agenda on that date.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As online enrollment begins in the area, parents are reminded that Kansas law requires students to be vaccinated for a variety of childhood diseases before attending school each year. Many of these are timed before preschool and kindergarten, while another group of vaccinations have to be taken before seventh grade.

Enrollment is not complete in USD 308 until proof of vaccinations is provided. Students will not be able to attend classes without vaccination proof. Families may provide proof of a medical or religious exemption in lieu of the vaccinations, but state regulation requires the exemptions to be filed annually.

Vaccinations are available from a family physician, Prairie Star Health Center, the Reno County Health Department or local pharmacies.

The immunization record can be taken to the Curriculum Office at 1520 N. Plum.

RENO COUNTY — A 20-year-old man is free on bond after being arrested and accused of trying to bribe a Reno County sheriff’s deputy early Sunday.

The deputy was called to the 19000 block of West 4th on the report of a traffic accident. When he arrived, he saw a vehicle up against a stop sign. Isaiah Bramwell told the deputy that his girlfriend had been driving and wasn’t familiar with the area. The vehicle left the road and got stuck.

Bramwell then asked the deputy if he had a tow rope and if he could pull him out. The deputy told Bramwell that it was against policy for him to do that. Bramwell then offered the deputy $20 if he would turn his camera off and tow him out.

He was then arrested for bribery.