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Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCSDuke Wiggins Editor

Guests: Cody Clark, son of Mark Clark; Brenda Maxey & Marci Kauffman of Tech, Inc. guests of Darren Wicks; and Anita Warren, a retired paralegal who moved to Hutchinson recently from Florida. She will be on next new member.

Sergeants Playground: Doug Foss filled in for Sgt Knipp this morning and Randy Hendrickson carried the toilet as usual. Doug started by stating that we are waaay behind in fine collections this year which sounded like a threat to me. I grabbed my wallet just in time to pay for another upside down t-shirt. I paid my buck, but the shirt disappeared before I could claim it. Fred C bought back his NJCAA program with the brackets filled in. Randall H paid for being late. Then we found out why Doug hung around at the back of the food line. Everyone who went through the food line before him paid $1 for that privilege. Who knew he was Sergeant for the day? Obviously, no one. Next a pin check produced some additional funds for the kids. The total fines collected for the day was $50.25. Way to go guys.

TUIT Report: Larry S carried it proudly and fined Dean B and Preston C for not recognizing the TUIT during the week. Jay P paid for not telling Donna who had it. I thing she got caught a church. This is known as paying for your sins. Larry then passed it on to Rick Mitchell, the only member to ask Larry at the appropriate time. Youre dammed if you do and dammed if you dont.

Presidents Ruminations: President Scott started by paying a fine for not recognizing Mark Clarks return. Its great to have him back. Our regions spring training is scheduled for April 23th & 24th in Enid, OK. He promised to be back in time for Steak Night II that Saturday evening. The Pepsi Challenge is for real. Log on to our website www.hutchambucs.org and click on the National Ambucs link. When the Natl Ambucs home page comes up, click on Ambucs applies for new Pepsi grant and follow the instructions. Vote every day as the project with the most votes wins. The Wichita Area now has an AMBUC chapter Air Cap Ambucs. They have been chartered with 31 new members.

Program: Darren introduced Brenda Maxey, President/CEO of TECH, Inc. who gave a brief overview of the current financial status of the corporation. There has been a $500,000 shortfall in their budget during the first 9 months of this year, and though the current fallout of the 2009 legislature is not completely known at this time, things will get worse for funding as the 2010 session with even bigger budget problems for the coming year. TECH has been reacting to their fiscal crisis by cutting 14 staff positions and seeking out new partnering opportunities both locally and state-wide. For more details, go to www.techinc.org and read Brendas latest comments in the Spectrum. Marci Kauffman discussed upcoming projects to raise funds and bring awareness to the needs of the children and adults with disabilities. The Walk-a-Mile campaign is scheduled for later this spring. Contact Marci if you would like to participate in this awareness project. The next big fund raising event is Main Street Hops, scheduled for Friday, May 7th. If you enjoy good beer (what Ambuc doesnt) and great fun, plan to participate this year. Tickets go on sale for March 31st at $40 to sample beer and $15 for non-drinkers and are limited to the first 400 takers. You can reserve tickets by going online or calling TECH at 663-1596.

Drawings: Jeff Brewer won the 50/50 pot and donated his winnings to TECH. Jeff is one of TECHs newest board members. Guy G left before his name was drawn for the newsletter question, so the pot goes to $10 for next Friday.

Next Fridays question is how many persons are on the waiting list for services in Kansas? Brenda mentioned this is her presentation or check out her article in Spectrum.

Next Meeting is hosted by John Knipp and features Craig Williams from the Little Theatre.

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS

Editor: Duke Wiggins

Guests:

Jason Jones, former member, who returned to Hutchinson for the NJCAA Basketball Tournament; Mark Blakeslee, guest of Randy Henderson, Accounts Services Representative for Youthville, our program for today.

Sergeants Playground:

Sgts Knipp and Hendrickson started off by recognizing those who worked or were scheduled to work on Friday or Saturday at least 2 shifts at the T-Shirt Booth. Virtually all members answered the call. We congratulated ourselves for a job well done. Someone slipped a picture of this editor hard at work during one of his shifts at the booth. Duke indicated he was waiting for sales to materialize. Bob B indicated that sales are not the product of waiting, but require initiative, something which I seemed to lack. Fine – $1. Fred C was asked to define the Cross-Over shift, and when it didnt come out as watching the games with friends and turning off his cell phone, was fined $1. Dennis R was recognized for his inspired leadership of the T-Shirt Booth Committee, which worked well it its first year of existence. Eric S thanked everyone for filling all the man(or woman)power slots. That part went very smoothly this year.

Tuit Report:

Having carried the Tuit for several weeks, Curtis M exposed its new look. Brad T aided him in returning it to its original silver finish, with stamped numbers and everything. Actually, our beloved multi-colored washer was discarded and replaced by a new one. Any attempt to remove the numerous coats of paint proved too time-consuming. Curtis then levied fines on a huge list of members for not asking him at the T-Shirt Booth. Many members refused to pay because of the well-known rule that volunteer AMBUC projects were immune to Tuit fines. The New Tuit was passed on to Larry Sloan, who was the only person to ask about the Tuit without prompting.

Announcements:

President Scott added his congratulations for a job well done at the T-Shirt Booth so far and used this to segue into Spring Roundup and our need for additional members to handle our fund-raising projects. Jeff B reminded us that Steak Night II would be a great opportunity to introduce prospective new members to our club. Its scheduled for Saturday, April 24th, at Dillon Hall on the Fairgrounds so be thinking of who would make a good AMBUC in Hutchinson. John K reported that Mark Clark is in good spirits, and is appreciating his family and friends more each day.

Program:

Randy H introduced Mark Blakeslee, who is the Accounts Services Representative for Youthville, headquartered in Newton, KS. Their mission is Giving Children Back Their Childhood, which involves providing the best sources of help to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. Their Foster Care and Adoption Programs provides opportunities for children who have been orphaned by the judicial system to find meaningful family experiences, from foster care to adoption. Family Consultation Services provides licensed clinicians who offer therapeutic services to anyone from age 3 to adult. They also have Psychiatric Residential Treatment Centers in Dodge City and Newton that offer highly structured treatment for youth whose behaviors threaten the safety of themselves or others. Sheriff Henderson attested to the fact that he works with Youthville to place persons who do not belong in our Bob Johnson facilities, but have been directed that way by the court system. Mark envisions partnering with such groups as the AMBUCS to expand their services to the forgotten youth of Kansas.

Drawings:

Kathleen Kennedy won both drawings, donating both pots to Youthville a total of $45. The newsletter pot returns to $5 for answering next weeks question, which is When and where is Steak Night II?

Next weeks Program is hosted by Scott Saylor and will feature Tech, Inc.

Weekly Meeting of the Hutchinson Ambucs:

Jim Seitnater, editor

Welcome Guests: Randy Henderson introduced Reno County Sheriff Captain Steve Lutz todays program and his guest. Ward Davis introduced his guest, a club favorite son Colby.

Sergeants: Sergeant John Knipp enlisted Dane Power to carry the crapper for the very first time and then ruined this proud Ambuc moment for his father Dan Power by fining him. He fined Randy Henderson for being late to the Board meeting and this editor paid a stupid tax for reaching for the wallet before the Sgt. explained himself. The Sergeant paid a dollar to thank Pam Brooks for her good works and then fined Dean Brigman at her table for something? Other fines included: President Scott to reclaim an Ambuc Trailer business card that he had dropped and Brad Thompson for having a private conversation about Curtis Mitchell and a trailer. Eric Steinle couldnt wait on the Sgt. any longer (two weeks) to share a picture of Ron Williams great 80s mullet on his cell phone costing the Sergeant another dollar… Even though she couldnt talk, Reta Joy Campbell paid for being late. Dukes buddies couldnt wait to report him late and then, always the good Ambuc, Duke self reported and paid again for missing the board meeting.

Tuit Report: Curtis Mitchell not present to report. Thanks Curtis!

Presidents Message: Scott thanked the club for community service and committee work. He reminded the club that this is Spring Roundup and the club is only 4 members short of earning a Blue Chip. Jeff Brewer announced that the April 21st Steak Night II has been moved to the Dillon Hall at the Fairgrounds and asked everyone to bring a potential new member as their guest. Dennis Reiser reminded the crew this Sunday to meet at 11:30 at the warehouse and asked if a few could come at 11 am. Jim Kicklighter gave the club great news on the prognosis and recovery of Mark Clark; get well soon Mark!

Program: Randy Henderson introduced Captain Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sherriffs Department as todays speaker. Steve told about the Crimestoppers program in RenoCounty and the history of the organization. Started in Albuquerque New Mexico when police and local media enlisted the community to solve a gruesome murder, Crimestoppers is now a worldwide program. The local Crimestoppers program fields 40 t0 50 calls a month that leads to an average of 3 tips resulting in an arrest. A surprising number of times, callers never accept their money, which allows the funds to go back into the program. In 1999 Buhler and Nickerson started a successful Crimestopper programs in their schools. Grant funds from AT&T and the Hutchinson Community Foundation have helped fund these program; The program goes to great lengths to protect the privacy of those providing tips, such as routine local calls to Texas to keep the caller anonymous. The numbers to call and report a local crime are 694-2666 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

Drawings: Tom Hymer won the 50/50 pot and Nathan Meyer wasnt present to answer the newsletter question. Pot goes to $20 next week.

The Newsletter question for the next meeting on March 19th is How much reward can be earned by a Crimestopper tip? The Answer: Up to $1,000

Next weeks program will be hosted by Randy Hendrickson Mark Blakesly from Youthville

The Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS: Jim Seitnater – editor

Welcome Guests: Dean Brigman introduced Peter Miller Airport Manager and Jim Kicklighter introduced Rory Woods.

Sergeants: Sergeant John Knipp started by fining the late arrivals and offered a music trivia question to Larry Sloan and his table. Believe it or not, the entire table failed to answer his question about the rock group Jefferson Airplane. Could you? Question: what was the name of the groups most famous song and what inspired it? Answer: Grace Slicks song White Rabbit, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Jim Jacobs, pilot and rock music historian knew both answers, impressing members and segueing into todays program. To save time the Sergeant called for a pin check and tuit report.

Tuit Report: Monte McConnaughy brought the tuit and reported that his spam e-mail attempt failed except for the lucky Curtis Mitchell, who paid his dollar and got the tuit too. Monte reported good news to the club that he re-organized his warehouse to accommodate the Ambucs stuff on the ground floor. Thanks Monte!

Presidents Message: Vice-President Rick Mitchell (who discovered he was in charge when he walked in the door) asked Dennis Reiser for an update on the t-shirt special project, Dennis reported that things were proceeding as planned and that teams were now qualifying. Eric Steinle (volunteer recruiter and owner of the OSSS still needs help on the final Saturday evening and tear-down shifts. The latest OSSS is available on our website of give Eric a call.

Special Care & Prayers needed for Mark Clark and his family, who has been diagnosed with renal cancer. Jim and Maria Kicklighter are close friends with the Clarks and are keeping us updated through e-mails.

Program: Jim Jacobs introduced Peter Miller, the Hutchinson Airport Manager Peter, who has been in this position since May of 2009, originally from Salina, where he grew up hanging around the airport, talking with and watching the pilots, mechanics. He graduated from KSU with a degree in engineering He is president of Hutchinsons pilots club and a pilot himself for over 3 years. Peter gave a great slideshow presentation on the history and recent projects at the Airport. The Airport is under the Parks & Recreation Department of the City, which purchased the 130 acres from the Carey family in 1927. Roland Wells built the first hanger in 1929 at the corner of 4th & Airport Road. The WPA paved the first runway by hand and the Navy bullt a 2nd & 3rd runway during WWII After the war was over, the Navy sold the entire facility back to the City for $1 and moved to the base south of town near Yoder. The terminal was built in 1953 and several airlines provided commercial flights – Continental for a few months in 1948 and then Central, Frontier, and Air Midwest from 1970 to the early 1990s, when our proximity to the Wichita airport ended their service. Peter explained that most projects were 95% funded by the FFA with the exception of the taxi-way Charlie Project which K-DOT funded at 50%, with the other half coming from the City..

Drawings: Duke Wiggins won the 50/50 pot ($22) and Jim Kicklighter couldnt answer the newsletter question. Pot goes to $15 at the next meeting. The Newsletter question for the next meeting on March 12th is Who was the first commercial airliner to fly into the Hutchinson Airport in 1948? The Answer: Continental Airlines

Next weeks program will be Capt. Steve Lutz, who will review the Scholastic Crime Stoppers Program.

The Hutchinson Chapter of Ambucs:Jim Seitnater, editor

Welcome Guests: Tom Stanton introduced Coleen & Dick Allen, Marquita and Michael Fredericksen todays program.

Sergeants: Guest Sergeant Doug Hoffman started by fining a list of t-shirt committee members late for their meeting which was supplied to him. Bogus list, no collections. He then tried to fine all those ahead of him in the middle of the breakfast line to no avail. He then announced comedy trivia going from table to table trying to stump members. After several attempts it was clear that this room full of comedians would win. He did receive a $1 mercy fine and with only $4 in the crapper he turned to the ole pin check.

Tuit Report: Bob Bushs plan worked, Monte McConnaughy and the tuit were absent today.

Presidents Message: Scott Potucek asked Dennis Reiser about the t-shirt special project, Dennis reporting that all is going well, reminding the club that work starts two weeks from Sunday. Eric Steinle reports on 11 shifts left to be filled. Please help fill them if you can. Scott introduced District Governor, Karen Viedreksen who updated the club and invited us to support the Salina clubs fundraiser in March. She reminded us that Big Hats can avoid fines by bringing in 3 new members and wished the club well during Spring Round Up. Jay Pitzer reminded the club to use Steak Night II on April 24th to help recruit new members. He was quickly reminded to put the right steaks in the correct pans this time by some of his fellow members.

Program: Tom Stanton introduced Dick Allen representing the Kansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a committee of volunteers who inform and educate service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act administered by the Department of Labor. He told of a recent deployment of 750 of which 60 volunteered to teach farming in Iraq. Many in our club signed a Statement of Support For The Guard and Reserve to join with other employers to fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Drawings: Curtis Mitchell won the 50/50 pot and Guy Gann left early and missed out on the newsletter pot. Next weeks pot goes to $10.

The Newsletter question for the next meeting on March 5th is Who missed out on last weeks newsletter pot? Answer: Guy Gann

Next Weeks Program: Dean Brigman will introduce our new Airport Manager

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS: Jim Seitnater, editor

Welcome Guests: Myron Marcotte & Tonya Goering guests of Tim Davies: Travis Bowe todays speaker, guest of Darrin Wicks

Sergeants: Bob Bush and Brad Thompson quickly filled the crapper by fining almost everyone, some for multiple violations including a pin check. They even fined the President for leaving his Ambuc folder at City Hall after last years proclamation. Other member offenses included; Super Bowl Ads, e-mail violations, sports stadiums, corporate initials, multiple get well cards and whining. Jim Kicklighter and Pam Brooks paid a late fee. Chuck Peterson announced a new great grandson.

Tuit Report: Bob Bush paid his buck and started fining: Tim Davies, The President, Jeff Brewer, Brenda Janda, Steve Conard, Ron Williams, Dean & Terry Brigman, Darren Wicks, Scott Saylor (for his employees failure to ask) and then presented the tuit to Monte McConnaughy in hopes the tuit would be absent for awhile.

Presidents Message: Scott Potucek noted that the Mayors of Hutchinson and Salina were both Ambucs. He also noted that there have been no Amtryke requests to date this year. He reported that a new chapter is being sponsored in Wichita by the Tulsa club. Preston Clark suggested that we post the Wichita contact information on our website to share with potential Wichita members that we might know.

Program: Darren Wicks introduced Travis Bowe (Doyle Ehlings son-in-law) who is the instructor for the Physical Therapy Assistants Program now accredited at HCC. There were 37 applicants for the 20 class spots because of a big job market for graduates of the program. They range in age from early 20s to 50 and drive in from as far as Whitewater and Great Bend for class. The starting wage for a Physical Therapy Assistant locally is $16 to $19 an hour with better pay in larger markets. The Club donates to the Program to assist with student expenses while taking the class and with the graduation of this first class the program will achieve full accreditation.

Drawings: Tom Hymer won the 50/50 pot ($28). Scott Saylor the newsletter pot ($15). The pot for next weeks meeting goes back to $5.

The Newsletter question for the next meeting on February 26th is Who is Travis Bowes father-in-law? Answer: Doyle Ehling

Future Programs: Feb 26th -Mike Fredrickson, ESGF, hosted by Tom Stanton; Mar 5th – New Airport Manager, hosted by Dean Brigman; Mar 12th Buhler Jazz Band, hosted by Ward Davis, with help from Don Grossardt

Weekly Meeting of the Hutchinson Ambucs Jim Seitnater, editor

Welcome Guests: Scott Saylor introduced John Eberley and Roger Fritschenmeir todays program.

Sergeants: Sgt. Knipp busted Bob Bush for talking during his show, an offense that the current Sgt. didnt do while Bob was Sgt, to which Bob replied that was because he was more interesting. He fined Jerry Regier of Hutch Rod Run a dollar for not mentioning Ambucs in his newspaper article. Sgt. Knipp then fined President Scott for being late for the board meeting and paid a $1 himself and the President again for welcoming his guest after breakfast, and then Sgt. Knipp quickly called for the tuit report.

Tuit Report: John Dreasher presented a new blue & red tuit and asked several members to stand (they had asked about the tuit in an e-mail he sent) all others were fined a buck and me for misspelling his name twice. For the record he reported 9 Ambucs had no e-mail, 21 didnt ask and 26 tried to avoid him by not responding. He then paid a dollar and presented the tuit to Bob Bush who tried to no avail to give to Sgt. Knipp.

Presidents Message: Scott Potucek reported that Pepsi decided to give to non-profits through grants the 20 million dollars that they normally spent on Super Bowl advertising. New member initiation fee was dropped to $10 from $25. Reminded the club that we pay for expenses on a new trailer that carries Amtrykes and other club business located in Salina and we should put it to use… Jerry Regier offered the club display space at the Rod Run. Wichita is starting a club that will be sponsored from Tulsa Oklahoma, Warren Wallace is the contact. The spring conference will be held in Enid Oklahoma on April 23 & 24. Those interested in going should be back in time for Steak Night II. Scott asked club members to support the Family Childrens Theater production of Peter Pan at Memorial Hall next week. Don Grosshardt will be working to have music at future meetings and Darren Wicks thanked all those who helped inventory shirts last Saturday especially Tom Hymer for providing a portable heater.

Program: Scott Saylor introduced John Eberley, Development Coordinator from Prairie Independent Living Center who serves South Central Kansas with offices in Hutchinson, Pratt and Newton. They match resources to the needs of disabled individuals and handle the payment from the user to the provider and work with other agencies such as the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Center, Parent Support Groups and other Civil Rights Advocacy groups. John introduced Roger Fritschenmeir who works with clients with disabilities who want the same rights and opportunities to work as we do. Roger shared several stories of how the Disability Mentoring Day in October inspires disabled youths to want to join the workforce to improve their quality of life and contribution to the community. Both Roger & John thanked Ambucs for our contribution and support of the Disability Mentoring Day each October.

Drawings: Jim Seitnater won $25 from the 50/50 pot and the Preston Clark was not present to answer the newsletter question so the pot for our next meeting is $15. The Newsletter question for the next meeting on February 19th is In what month is Disability Mentoring Day held? Answer: October

Program for Feb 17th will be Travis Bowe of HCC, who will bring us up to date on their Physical Therapist Program.

Hutchinson Chapter of Ambucs:

Jim Seitnater, editor

Welcome Guests: Brad Thompson introduced his nephew Ryan. John Knipp introduced Jason Klamm, todays program and his dad Andy.

Sergeants:Sgt. Knipp asked for volunteers to help him, Tom Hymer volunteered and then the Sgt. started fining all others for not volunteering. Next he asked for a show of hands of all who attended the Chambers Annual Dinner Mtg. then fined those who attended but didnt visit the Ambuc booth,(that would be me). The Sgt. fined Bob Bush for his acting debut that night and then fined himself for not putting the banners up this morning and thanked Brad Thompson for covering him.

Tuit Report: Jeff Brewer fined Bob Bush, Steve Conard, Eric Steinle for e-mail violations and Rick Mitchell by association for sitting at their table. Jeff passed the tuit to our newest member John Dresher even though his badge went missing costing Big Hatters Jay and Duke a fine. It was reported that Larry Sloan was recuperating well from his knee replacement surgery. Then while Darren Wicks was busy doing club t-shirt business, Sgt. Knipp tried to fine him for an unpaid announcement to no avail as Darren wouldnt have it,50/50 successfully arguing that club business was exempt and asked the club to help with t-shirt inventory on Saturday, February 6th at 8am at the warehouse in One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 514 North Main. Eric Stienle then bought a fine announcing the new name of his law firm Martindell Swearer Shaffer Ridenour LLP.

Presidents Message: Scott Potucek shared his report to the District Governor highlighting the following: 9 new members during Fall Branding and one since; the clubs booth at the Chamber Annual Dinner (he thanked Jay Pitzer for an excellent booth); The Proclamation from the City of Hutchinson on February 16th; over 100 attending the Steak Night; the successful NJCAA special t-shirt projects and 100% member retention. Eric Steinle launched the OSSS (Official Shift Sign-up Sheet) for the NJCAA t-shirt booth. Jay Pitzer announced that Steak Night II was moved to a Saturday night and is now April 24th.

Program: Jeff Brewer introduced Boy Scout Jason Klamm who gave a wonderful presentation of his Eagle Scout Project to rebuild the Lunar Base exhibit at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. Jason shared a copy of his project that was well written and then expertly answered the many questions from the club members. Jason told that his earlier experiences at the exhibit prompted a meeting with Brad Nuest of the Cosmosphere to share his ideas and plan to improve the exhibit for future users. Jason project budget is estimated at $700 although he anticipates extra costs already. Preston Clark donated $10 to the project and asked other members to join him. Over $300 was raised by club members to assist Jasons project.

Drawings: All the winnings were donated to Jasons project. Randall H did not know the answer to the newsletter question. The Ambassador Quarter inspired Pastor Conards interest in Zimbabwe. The Newsletter question for the next meeting on February 12th is What attraction will benefit from Jason Klamms Eagle Scout Project?

Future Program: Feb 12th the Prairie Independent Living Resources Center hosted by Scott Saylor Feb 19th – the ever popular Mystery Program, hosted by Darren Wicks Feb 26th Mike Frederickson, ESGR hosted by Tom Stanton

Weekly Meeting of the Hutchinson Ambucs: Jim Seitnater, editor

Welcome Guests: Doug Foss introduced his wife Jill as a guest and Pastor Mark Conard, First United Methodist Church as todays program.

Sergeants: Big Hat Sergeant Doug Foss and helper Scott Saylor fined the President for multiple offenses, Tim Davies for a media offense, then fined many offenders for fixing their plates ahead of the Sergeant. He then picked on those who followed the e-mail instructions to wear their KU or KSU colors because his WSU was left out and followed up with a pin check so the crapper was quite full thanks to those who braved the winter storm to show up.

Tuit report: Doug Hoffman fined Duke and then paid his dollar to get rid of the tuit by way of the newsletter drawing, his plan to pull two names then flip a coin with the winner getting the question and the loser the tuit. After several attempts to pick the contestants, Sergeant Foss exercised his powers to pick Jeff Brewer who won or lost the coin toss either way awarding him the tuit and ignoring the newsletter question altogether, lucky Jeff!

Presidents Message: Scott Potucek installed John Dresher (sponsored by Tim Davies) as the clubs newest member. He awarded Preston Clark a star and spur that he earned bringing in new members during the Fall Branding. Scott asked for helpers to man the Ambucs booth between 5:30 and 6:15 pm at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner meeting this Monday, February 1st at the Grand Prairie.

Program: Pastor Mark Conard of the First United Methodist Church, Downtown presented a very interesting program on his recent visit to Zimbabwe. As a young boy in 1960, Mark was introduced to the African culture at church when he heard The Ambassador Quartet dressed in native garb, sing, drum and dance at his church. Even today he keeps in contact with family members of three of the quartet. Shona is spoken although English is the official language, children eat the same porage lunch everyday and considered fortunate as many still go hungry as the school tuition of $10 a year is more than many families earn. The children in school wear uniforms which are for most the only new clothes that they have known, the schools are a part of the church and the teachers are paid by the government. Men leave their homes for jobs in the city which leaves the work for the women and many suffer from HIV/Aids. Pastor Mark shared several projects that he had helped work on, musical clips of the people at worship and told us that they were very welcoming to their guests.

Drawings: $12 from the 50/50 pot was donated to the Matori District fund. Jeff Brewer never got a chance to answer the newsletter question.

If asked: The Newsletter question for the next meeting on February 5th is What musical group in 1960 inspired Pastor Mark Conards life long interest in Africa?

Hutchinson Chapter of AMBUCS Editor: Duke Wiggins

Guests: Mark Johnson- JIC Co, Inc, guest of Scott Potucek. Rick Newton City/County Drug Task Force, guest of Randy Henderson

Sergeants Playground: Last week it was announced that we had a new flag and pole donated by Boy Scout Troop 303. Sgt Knipp decided to test just how many members were listening vs. being asleep during the announcement. The following were apparently asleep: Darren W; Dean B; Larry S; and Jeff B. Realizing that this could take all morning, Sgt Knipp recognized President Scott, who had been waving his hand frantically the whole time. Since he made the announcement last week, he was well aware of the donors. People pay attention when the Prez speaks. Duke W paid the fine for whoever misspelled Jeff Tolberts name in some newsletter back when. Congratulations to Doug F, who ratted him out. Jay P used his Membership Moment to train us on how to use an invitation card effectively.

TUITS Time: Sgt Knipp carried both the BIG and Little tuits last week. Both Stan M and Steve H ignored the Tuit during the week, paying $1 for not caring. He passed the Little tuit on to DOUG HOFFMAN, so watch out for Imperial Vending delivery vehicles this week.

Presidents Message: Branding Irons were passed out to Doug F, Larry S, and Jay P for singing up 1 new member each during Fall Branding this year. Preston C will receive his when he decides to show up again. Thanks to their offering the hand of AMBUC fellowship, our chapter was recognized as being 9th in the nation for bringing in new members during Fall Branding. Announcements: Jay P announced that Big Hats will host Steak Night 2 (date TBA at Fridays meeting) at the Knights of Columbus Recreation Area (1200 West 15th). He challenged each member to bring at least 1 guest and break Steak Night 1s record of 8 new members. Once again there will be no charge for steaks and potatoes. Members will once again be asked to provide a side dish or desert. Watch future newsletters for more details. Next Fridays meeting is the day before the annual KU/K-State Basketball matchup. Lets all wear our colors and support our teams. Only those wearing their colors will count toward the team total. The team with the most supporters gets to follow the guests and sergeants through the line. Next Fridays meeting will be hosted by the BIG HATS. The program will feature Pastor Mark Conard of the First Methodist Church. He will present a program on his various mission trips to Africa.

Program: Randy H introduced Rick Nelson, who explained how the City/County Drug Task Force functions. This is a 5 person task force operating with only 3 members at this time. Their task is to investigate drug violations and maintain a database of violators to allow for quick cross-referencing. during investigations. They spend much of their time in vehicles, following up on tips from Confidential Informants. These persons range from former drug violators to concerned citizens who provide information for a variety of reasons ( ranging from revenge and territorial disputes to neighbors concerned for their safety) The most prevalent drugs found in this area are marijuana, crack cocaine, and methamphetamines. It can be home- grown locally, but much of the areas drugs come through Wichita. Another major task for this group informational, such as this mornings meeting getting the word out on the seriousness of the problem in this area.

Drawings: 50/50 went to Doug Foss. I’m sure he spent the $22 on something nice for lovely wife Jill. Newsletter: Dave Shulers name was drawn, but he had already left. Pot goes to $10 next week. This weeks question is: Last falls Steak Night resulted in how many new members?