Amy Bickel
The Hutchinson News
Kansas, United States
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Past articles by Amy:
Suzanne Drouhard is a proponent of cotton on the southern plain
DANVILLE - Living by her late father’s convictions, Suzanne Drouhard never gave up on cotton.Her devotion is evident as she walks through one of the cotton fields that surround her Harper County farmhouse on a crisp December afternoon. The land is dotted with large round bales left behind by the cotton stripper.“I fell in love with cotton like my dad did,” she said, adding with enthusiasm,… → Read More
Declining wool demand shutters longtime South Hutch business
During World War II, Kansas sheep growers were producing more than 3 million pounds of wool - which helped supply uniforms and socks for soldiers.Now the → Read More
Marshall talks global trade at Moundridge's Bradbury
Around the globe, you’ll see the fruits of their work in the metal grain bins and buildings that dot the landscape, as well as the garage door at your home.However, right here in central Kansas, several hundred of workers are designing and building premium roll-forming equipment for their manufacturing customers worldwide.In Moundridge, population 1,800, the Bradbury Group is just one example of… → Read More
Reno County pondering chickens after Tyson decision
Tonganoxie might not want Tyson, but officials in Reno County and 20 other Kansas communities are considering recruiting the chicken plant to their own → Read More
Water Tech Farms gives irrigators a look at latest water-saving technology
Even on the open, semi-arid landscape of western Kansas, technology is spiraling down on the farm.Those first irrigators who poked holes into the Ogallala → Read More
Solving the High Plains water crisis: With his wells declining, one Kansas farmer takes path to extend the life of the Ogallala
HOLCOMB - On a 100-degree day in July, Dwane Roth could see his neighbors’ irrigation pivots pumping water to the corn fields around him.A handful of years ago, he had the same mentality. In a climate where rain comes sparingly, he translated his high-yielding corn and economic vitality to the need to continually water the crop. So rain or shine in the heat of summer, his irrigation systems… → Read More
Dry summer, along with depressed grain prices, are hurting some Kansas farmers as they begin the fall harvest
Cutting dryland corn on another hot, windy Kansas day, Larned-area farmer Tom Giessel puts this year’s harvest into perspective.“The way the season started, there was excellent potential, but it literally evaporated in front of our eyes," he said.This year has been a tale of extremes. Giessel received 21 inches of rain so far for 2017 - close to the annual average. But by June, the rain - in any… → Read More
For Inman family, showing, milking cattle at fair in the blood
While most Kansas State Fair visitors are still in bed, Jessica Thiessen wishes more knew her family's story. It’s 6 a.m. and still dark out as she leads a milking shorthorn into the fair’s milking parlor - except for the lightning flashes across the sky. Her father, Merle, is up too, as well as her uncle Kelly - a family fair effort that has been ongoing since 1967. “I’d love for people to… → Read More
Love in the hog barn, pigeons and old peanut stand
Who needs Farmersonly.com when love can blossom in the livestock barn.If it wasn’t for the Kansas State Fair, Kacey Rieger, 22, Powhattan and Clay Toews, 24, Burrton, would never have met four years ago. A mutual friend introduced them while they were both showing livestock. They turned out to be agricultural soulmates and will be getting married next Saturday in Brown County.Preparing for a… → Read More
State fair officials ponder how new American Royal complex will impact Hutchinson's fair
Hutchinson Sen. Ed Berger asked Kansas State Fair board members a single question Friday that spurred a 30-minute discussion on the needs of the fairgrounds.How would the development of a $160 million American Royal complex in Kansas City, Kansas, affect Hutchinson’s state fair?It was obviously a question fair board members have been mulling.“Will they be cherry-picking our shows and moving them… → Read More
Hanks makes the perfect pitch for a state fair vendor, and for a good cause
Kathy Hanks is as polished as any pitchman.I’ve seen her make many a sale in our years of friendship - whether it was for a fundraiser or a fishing book. She even told me a story once of how she met her $10,000 fundraising goal for her local rural hospital with a single knock at the door.With all the bantering that goes on during the Kansas State Fair every year, we decided we wanted to see if… → Read More
The ice man cometh, and we followed him across the grounds of the Kansas State Fair
Jose Martin is one cool dude.Or, at least, that is what Jen at the Kansas State Fair’s RV park calls him. He drives up every morning with a load of ice for the campers and others who might need it during the 10-day fair.Kathy and I wanted to be cool, too, for a day.It’s one of those things most fairgoers don’t think about. When they order a sangria from the wine and beer garden, or a Dr. Pepper… → Read More
Veterans honored, auctioneers take the stage Wednesday at the Kansas State Fair
Tables were filled with Veterans packed into Dillon Hall for the annual Bring a Veteran to Brunch event.In the crowd were stoop-shoulder World War II veterans, to those serving in the Korean conflict and Vietnam war, to more contemporary battles.Sandwiched between two women, was Harry Morrison, who served in Vietnam.On one side was Edie Cress, who served in the Marine Corps for 21 years. On his… → Read More
Nevermind all the fair fad foods: South Hutch United Methodist has served up chicken and noodles and fresh pies for 70 years
It’s safe to say that South Hutchinson United Methodist Church was built on pies and chicken and noodles.When their little white church was destroyed in a storm, the congregation needed a way to raise half the funds to build a new one.That was 70 years ago. Parishioners still attend church in the structure built in 1951. And they still serve up homemade chicken and noodles and fresh pies at the… → Read More
Several beers later, Bick and Hanks master the wine and beer garden
I’ll admit it, Kathy Hanks is better at pouring beer than I am.Her cups of beer always had just the right amount of head. My first experience at it was a cup full of foam.I have a feeling, however, that she has done this once for a living.We found ourselves Monday evening in the Kansas Wine and Beer Garden at the Kansas State Fair. A light year ago, I worked with Spencer Duncan, a former Emporia… → Read More
State Fair helicopter no more: Rides stopped due to "conditions"
Those residents annoyed by the constant humming above will be overjoyed.Those hoping to have a bird's-eye view of this year’s Kansas State Fair, however, might feel a little bummed that it won’t happen this year.At least, not from the Doritos helicopter that was giving 5-minute rides.Fair Manager Susan Sankey said conditions weren’t right for the helicopter this year. Mainly, it was the… → Read More
Can cars have too dark of windows? And when can I walk at the Sports Arena?
You have questions, we have answers.And if you see me and Kathy Hanks at the Kansas State Fair, pull us over. Ask a question or just say hello. → Read More
Youth shine across the fairgrounds in FFA competitions
Holla had the complete package -- shallow chested, deep flanked, an acceptable amount of muscle and lean. She had a bath that morning and her legs blow → Read More
No question is too tough for 'Ask Hutch' as we take the column to the state fair
There really are a lot of lost sheep at the Kansas State Fair.Kathy Hanks and I are herding a few in the right direction over the course of the 10-day → Read More
State investigated 10 cases of salmonella at the 2016 Kansas State Fair
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment investigated 10 cases of salmonella at the 2016 Kansas State Fair.There could have been more cases, but → Read More