Category: Uncategorized

GUESTS: Mary Ellen Leicht, Executive Director NJCAA, Dean Myrick, NJCAA Mens Region 22 Director both guests of Kathy Hanks, Duane Meinen a guest of Harley Macklin, Joanna Boss a guest of Terry Bisbee, Kirby Guernsey a guest of Dane Powers and honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Jeff Brewer and Stan Macgirvin were our morning Sergeants. Kathy Hanks was fined for arriving after her guests. Stan Macgirvin paid for pulling a Duke. Those of us who have been making t-shirts a few years know what that is. Duke Wiggins paid for starting that tradition. Duke also paid to announce Go Shocks!! Paul Brown was fined for a disparaging remark about Sergeant Jeff looking Rung Out. Jeff Brewer paid to announce that his wife Pat had her 3 year cancer free checkup. Congratulations Pat!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Randall Haltom confirmed that our 35th anniversary club social will be held April 30th on the east side of the encampment building on the fairgrounds to include all past and present members. Names of all former members are requested immediately for notification by mail.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Mary Ellen Leicht, Executive Director NJCAA. This year will mark her 7th year as director of the NJCAA and she has been with the organization since 1989. She was the first female to serve as executive director and she became the first female chief executive of any national intercollegiate athletics association in the United States. The NJCAA currently has 24+ sports with 40+ National Championships and they are looking to add even more sports in the future. Mary Ellen said this years competition is great, the quality and parity of the teams was excellent and Hutch was in it making for great basketball this week in Hutchinson. The NJCAA was pleased that the Hutch Wins campaign won out and the NJCAA Basketball Tournament would be returning to a newly renovated and ADA compliant Hutchinson Sports Arena for the next 25 years. This will now require the American Legion to do a complete re-write of the playbook on how it operates the tournament going forward. The NJCAA is working on promotion ideas for the 2017 tournament. Mary Ellen introduced Dean Myrick the NJCAA Mens Region 22 Director. Dean is originally from North Carolina and has been in Alabama as Commissioner of the Alabama CC Conference for 4 years. The commissioners select the at large teams and seat the teams. Mary Ellen said that the only negative to the arena renovation was the loss of the South parking area. Her hope is that the arena has better wi-fi after the renovation.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Brad Thompson drew the Ace of Clubs and won $5. There is more than $88.00 in the total pot; I missed getting the new amount.

Newsletter Drawing: Thad Bartley left early. $15.00 next week.

Newsletter question: What anniversary will our club celebrate this year?

Programs: March 25 – ?

Editor: Steve Conard

GUESTS: Bob Bush, City Beverage, guest of the club. Susan Sankey, Kansas State Fair General Manager, guest of Kathy Hanks.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Scott and Asst. Jeff were back to their revenue producing ways. President Parr was fined for daring to serve as the Supreme Leader; and paid in Tonys. Kathy paid for missing the board meeting. Duke, Tom, Randall and Brad paid for being late to the board meeting. Terry B. was fined for not wanting everyone fined. Colby bought a fine to recruit new board members for Reins of Hope.

BOARD REPORT: President Andrew reported that the board confirmed that all fundraising projects will be brought to the board first, then approved by the club. Future casinos will require a $2000.00 fee to AMBUCS. Also, purchase of an AMTRYKE was approved; as well as three scholarships.

MEMBERSHIP, SOCIAL committee meets next Friday, March 18, 2016, 6:15 A.M.-Hutchinson Town Club.

AMBUC REUNION-April 30, 2016. If you know of former AMBUCS who should be invited, please provide the contact information to Randall Haltom and his committee. Hutchinson AMBUCS has been in existence for over 30 years; and there are many who should be included.

NJCAA National Mens Basketball Tournament T-shirt Booth, March 14-19, 2016: Please arrive early for your work shifts at the arena. If you do not have a shift, contact Darren Wicks to volunteer.

PROGRAM: Susan Sankey, a Texas A & M graduate, is the new General Manager of the Kansas State Fair (our new boss). This years dates are September 9-18, 2016 so clear your calendar to enjoy the event (and, of course, work at the AMBUCS Sweet Shop).

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Rod Calhoun-$5.00. Total Pot: $88.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Guy Gann left early. $10.00 next week.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What date is the AMBUC reunion?

MARCH 18 PROGRAM: Could be NJCAA related. Come see for yourself!

Ambucs Weekly Meeting of Friday March 4, 2016

GUESTS: Dorinda Simmons introduced her guest Billy Redd.

TODAYS PROGRAM: Program Director Kathy Hanks introduced Coach John Ontjes, Hutchinson Community College womens basketball Coach. John discussed the seasons high lights and some challenges during the season. Coach John led his team to the forth year run of Region VI championships. However the season came to an end as Seward County pulled away late for a 72-65 semifinal victory at Hartman Arena. The Coach discussed recruiting players and in some cases recruiting from around the world. The Coach took some questions from club members about the renovation plans for the Sports Arena.

OTHER CLUB BUSINESS:

~ The Community Service committee discussed and approved an Am Tryke for a six year boy. In the general meeting the members approved to order the Tryke for him.

~ Sergeants Jeff and Dan, who said he never carried the toilet, patrolled unsuspecting members for doing silly stuff. For example, Dorinda was tardy, and bringing a guest who might be a member was not worthy of any mercy. There was a discussion about pigs at the Hutchinson News, but your editor just cant imagine that. There were others who put money in the toilet, and not remembering who they were and what they did goes unrecorded.

~ Randall Haltom announced that a social is being planned to recruit former members and new members for the Club. The date is Saturday April 30th, 5:30 pm, on the Fair Grounds. More announcements will be made as this event progresses.

!!! Addendum per Randall Haltom: Friday we will meet this coming Friday, March 11th, to discuss the planning of the AMBUC Reunion. This Friday is the Board Meeting so we will meet the following Friday, March 18th, at 6:15.

~ Coming Soon, The NJCAA Mens Basketball tournament at the Sports Arena. Sign-up sheets will be passed around with a schedule of shifts.

CLOSING CEREMONIES

Lucky Ace drawing, Colby won $5 with the Queen of Diamonds. The pot increases to $76.

Newsletter drawing Troy Thode won some money. For $5 Newsletter question for March 11th , who is John Ontjes?

Tom Hymer, Editor

GUESTS: Mary Clements, Director of Strataca, guest of Kathy Hanks.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Jeffrey had to go it alone this time (where were his friends?). President Parr was fined for starting the meeting late. Jay, Dan and Dane were fined for eating before the Sgt. Paul H. was fined being late and for not having AMBUCS mentioned in the newspaper article featuring his daughter. Duke was fined for a premature announcement. Terry and Guy were fined for no badges. Randall was late for his own committee meeting and fined. Colby said Ward was late. Harley was fined for a side discussion while the Sgt. was talking.

NEXT WEEKS FINES: The club including the Sgt., a guest, Colby and every AMBUC had to eat after Dean Brigman. Also, last weeks newsletter was a near no-show.

NJCAA NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT MARCH14-19, 2016. Darren Wicks will have the sign-up sheet for the T-shirt booth at this Fridays breakfast. Volunteer now and fill the schedule. Invite a newer member to join you during your shift.

SPRING ROUNDUP-2016. Bring guests to breakfast! The club provides the breakfast at no cost to you or your guest. Guests ultimately result in new members and maintain the vitality of the club! Three new members in a twelve month period qualifies an AMBUC for a Big Hat!

AMBUC REUNION-MAY 7, 2016: AMBUCS and former AMBUCS are invited to this event. Clear the date on your calendar and expect further details from Randall Haltom and the Membership committee.

PROGRAM: Strataca and the Reno County Museum are now under the leadership of Mary Clements. The museum features exhibits of local interest, the Oodleplex for children and the Stroud room for research. Strataca located 650 ft. underground includes tours of the former salt mines, and events such as the Salt Academy, Murder in the Mine and 5k Mine Run.

LUCKYACES DRAWING: Brad T.-$5.00. Jackpot is $72.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Mark Treaster-nope. $10.00 next week.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What are the dates of the Tournament?

GUESTS: Steve Harmon, former member now retired, and honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Sergeants Scott Cooley and (?) started off with the customary Presidential fine of Andrew Parr. Dennis Reiser reminded Scott that he should pay a fine for last week, which he did. Terry Brigman was fined for no name badge. Dean Brigman and Guy Gann were fined for wearing matching shirts. They live almost next door to each other so I suppose one of them just looked out the window. Kathy Hanks was fined but I missed why but she did give an IOU. Steve Harmon was fined a feel good fine for not currently being a member. Steve Conard was fined a not so feel good fine. Dane Powers paid to announce a VERY successful Cancer Council Casino Night. Special THANKS to those who worked.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Randall Haltom announced that a future AMBUC social is being planned to include all past and present members. Names of all former members are requested.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Steve Conard and Steve Harmon affectionately known as The Steve & Steve Show showed a PowerPoint historical photo presentation of The Kansas State Fair The Early Years. The first Agricultural Fairs were held at a livery stable behind C.C. Hutchinsons bank on the northwest corner of Sherman and Main. This would have been 1872-1874. The first Reno County Fair was held September 28-30, 1875 at Glendale Park approximately a half mile east and south of the Reformatory. Most of us remember this area as The Warf Club. It was held there until 1899. In 1900 the fairgrounds was relocated between 13th and 17th avenues and Main and Maple streets from 1900 through 1912. In 1913 the fairgrounds was moved to the present 20th street location and officially named The Kansas State Fair.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Jay Pitzer drew a card other than the Ace of Spades and won $5.

Newsletter Drawing: Dorinda Simmons came up with the answer just before the timer rangKathy Hanks is our hard working program chairperson. I believe she won $25.00.

Newsletter question: For $5 How many fairground locations have there been in Hutchinson?

Programs: February 26 Mary Carol Clements, Director of Stratacca

Editor: Steve Conard

GUESTS: Dave Dukart-Quest Center, guest of Kathy Hanks.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Cooley and Deputy Reiser paid a visit to the membership to share the wealth (ours!). Andrew Parr paid for daring to be President. The Sgts. labeled Thad pig pen and fined him for an unknown reason. Duke paid for having his phone delivered AND winning the pot two weeks in a row. Thad, Duke and Scott paid for being late to the board meeting. Dorinda paid for missing the board meeting altogether. Dane was fined for lack of publicity (the Sgts. term). Scott P. bought a fine for new grandkids: Nico and Max.

NJCAA National Basketball Tournament: March 15-20? Ask Darren Wicks, plus he needs volunteers for the pre-tournament inventory. Get ready to clear your calendar!

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced our guest speaker, Dave Dukart, of the Quest Center. Established in 1987, the Quest Center assists in the starting of new businesses, helping businesses in trouble, expanding businesses and structuring succession planning for businesses. Mr. Dukart works with Reno County partners to start and retain jobs in Reno County. The Quest Center operates as an incubator without walls and has sold its excess space to HCC for medical educational facilities. 50% of new businesses fail, but the success rate for Quest Center assisted businesses is 80%!

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Stanley Macgirvin-$5.00. Jackpot is $53.00.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Jeff Roberson did not know. $25.00 next week!

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: Who is our hard working program chairperson?

NEXT PROGRAM: Feb. 19-Conard & Harmon-Historical Photo Talk, The Fair. (Steve & Steve Show!)

GUESTS: Allen Stoecklein- retired trooper and guest of Kathy Hanks and Randall Haltom. Billie Redd of TECH-guest of Dorinda Simmons.

FINES: Sgt. Cooley and Deputy Brewer were restoring order. President Parr paid his weekly fine. Dorinda was late. Ward was in front of the Sgts. for breakfast. Jay paid for his newspaper exposure. Dan P. paid for his appearance in the paper without a mention of AMBUCS. Scott C. bought a fine to promote HCC. Randall and Kathy paid for arriving after their guest.

CANCER COUNCIL CASINO NIGHT-FEBRUARY 13, 2016-MEADOWLARK BUILDING-KANSAS STATE FAIRGROUNDS 9:30 P.M. All AMBUCS on deck! We need all available AMBUCS and their significant others to conduct this event! Contact Dane Power at 960-3886 to volunteer. This is a large event; and AMBUCS will receive significant exposure by conducting the casino. The club voted specifically to participate; lets make certain we fulfill our commitment!

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced our guest speaker, Allen Stoecklein, retired Kansas State Trooper. Allen was a trooper for 35 years and a police officer for 5 years. In1987, Allen took former Hutchinson AMBUC, Sherwin Stielows, position with KHP. He served as Lt., Capt., Major and even acting Colonel in 2010for the KHP. Working tornadoes in Hesston, Haysville, Andover and Greensburg was a part of his job. Mr. Stoecklein said to encourage good people to apply and serve as law enforcement officers.

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Duke Wiggins-$5.00 winner. The Pot grows (jackpot, that is).

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Ron Quick was not present. $20.00 next week.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What former AMBUC did our guest speaker replace?

NEXT PROGRAM: Feb 12-Dave Dukart, the Quest Center.

GUESTS: Judge Joe McCarville portraying General Jesse Lee Reno and honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Stan Macgirvin and Brad Thompson were our morning sergeants. Andrew Parr paid for not being a Big Hat. Duke Wiggins paid for being Big Hat President and not having a meeting since when? Terry Brigman and Guy Gann were fined for not wearing their Big Hats. Scott Cooley was fined for not mentioned AMBUCS in a recent Hutchinson News article and the rest of his table was fined for guilt by association. John Knipp and Darren Wicks were fined but I missed why. Dane Powers paid for his dad in absentia. All those who didnt bring a guest, which was everyone but Kathy, paid a fine. Stan paid to announce that he has been married for 50 years. Colby said that Reins of Hope could use some more board members.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Doug Foss explained to the group how you become a Big Hat.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Judge Joe McCarville who was portraying General Jesse Lee Reno. Reno County was named for him along with a variety of other locations. Jesse Lee Reno was born April 20, 1823 in Wheeling Virginia which is present day West Virginia. He was the third oldest of eight children. The family moved to Franklin, Pennsylvania in 1830 and Jesse grew up there. He was admitted to West Point in 1842 and graduated eighth in his class of 59 cadets in 1946. Jesse did many things during his lifetime. He served in the Mexican-American War. He taught mathematics at West Point, and was secretary for a group assigned to develop a system of instruction for heavy ordinance and was also on the Ordinance Board in Washington, D.C. He was also part of a team surveying Minnesota. He met his wife in 1853 and they had 5 children. Following many appointments for the army and surviving several battles his luck finally ran out. On September 14, during the Battle of South Mountain during the Civil War he was killed. Jesse stopped directly in front of his troops while surveying the enemies advancement and was hit by a Confederate sharpshooters bullet in the chest and died at the age of 39 a two-star General. His sons followed in his footsteps. One son Conrad Reno became an Attorney and accomplished writer in Boston. Another son Jesse W. Reno invented the first working escalator.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Duke Wiggins drew the 10 of Spades winning $5.

Newsletter Drawing: Dale Snell was not here so no drawing was held.

Newsletter question: For $15When was Kansas founded and is how old today?

Programs: February 5 Allen Stoeklein, Kansas Highway Patrol

February 12 Dave Dukart, the Quest Center

February 19 Conard & Harmon Historical Photo Talk The Fair

February 26 Mary Carol Clements, Director of Stratacca

Editor: Steve Conard

GUESTS: Sherri Farmer, Westar Consumer Service Account Mgr., guest of Kathy Hanks.

SGT. REPORT: Sgt. Scott and Deputy Jeffrey commanded attention and fined Harley for having his own conversation. The President paid his weekly fine AND was way late! Brad T. was fined for losing his straps temporarily. Yours truly was fined for a Nice Rack (Scotts term!). Tom H. was fined for Lucky Aces winnings and misidentification. Colby got Ward fined for being tardy. Dean bought a fine to brag on Sherras sons coaching accomplishments and thanking Harley for the success of the State of the City event.

STATE OF THE CITY: Harley thanked the President-Andrew Parr, the three Ts and the club for its support of this event. This is one of the best attended Chamber breakfasts of the year!

PUBLIC LIBRARY: Jeff Roberson, library board member, would welcome suggestions for utilization of the donated funds to the Hutchinson Public Library. Contact him with ideas!

NJCAA NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: March 21-26, 2016, Hutchinson Sports Arena. Possible logos were circulated for T-shirts at the tourney. Be prepared to set aside time during tournament week to help. Contact Darren Wicks to assist with organizing and planning for the tournament!

PROGRAM: Sherri Farmer of Westar described the companys capital investment in a visual metering upgrade. The new meters may be read wirelessly, provide alerts for excess heat, fraud detection and power outages.

NEWSLETTER DRAWING: Kathy Hanks left early. $10.00 next week.

NEWSLETTER QUESTION: What are the dates of the NJCAA Tourney?

LUCKY ACES DRAWING: Brad T.-$5.00. Pot is $12.00.

BIG HAT BREAKFAST-JAN. 29, 2016-5TH FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring your Big Hats this Friday!

GUESTS: Matt Griffin, Jonathan Wissing, Jason Etter and Dylan Samms with Oxford House. Honorary member Colby Davis.

FINES: Jeff Brewer and Paul Brown were our sergeants. Andrew Parr paid the customary Presidential fine. Kathy Hanks was fined for fumbling the introduction of our guests. Ward Davis was fined for being late, which makes Colby late. Carol Carr paid a membership renewal tax. Darren Wicks paid for missing the board meeting and a fun-in-the-sun fine for coming back from the beach with a sunburn. Dane Power was fined for not mentioning AMBUCS when reporting his truck stolen. That might be a good thing actually. Stan Macgirvin was fined for winning not one but two drawings at the T.E.C.H. auction. Scott Potucek fined some trumped up charges. Paul Brown paid the customary $1 per pound to announce that he was a Grandpa again with new grandson Cooper James Sanders.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: A casino night this Thursday night January 21st for the Kansas Groundwater Association at the Atrium Hotel at 7:00 PM. Its too late to call, just show up if you can help.

PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced our guests Matt Griffin, Jonathan Wissing, Jason Etter and Dylan Samms with Oxford House. Oxford house is a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free group home. The first Oxford house in Hutchinson started October 2014 and there are now 4 houses here. The very first Oxford house was established in 1975 and there are nearly 2000 in the United States and a few in Canada and Australia. The houses provide a low cost and very effective method of preventing relapse. There are houses for men, houses for women and houses for women with children. Each house operates by all occupants sharing the expenses equally. The residents hold offices within the house and an 80% approval vote is required when a new occupant applies for a vacancy. Currently all the houses are full with a waiting list. The houses work in tandem with other local programs to help the individuals to stay clean. Currently the houses average an 80% recovery rate for those who have stayed 18 months or more.

Lucky Ace Drawing: Rod Calhoun won $287.00 drawing the lucky Ace of Spades.

Newsletter Drawing: Tom Hymer knew the answer, Dan Power is retiring next month, but does anyone know the amount he won?

Newsletter question: For $5What is an Oxford House?

Calendar: January 22 Kristen Aberle, Westar System Upgrade

January 29 Kansas DaySurprise!

Editor: Steve Conard