Great topic Pam. I love reading about happy events and happy folks.  
 
I really liked living in Hutch and I appreciate so many things about it when we visit.  
 
I love how many houses there are there and how so many people have the opportunity to live in houses. In so many places, apartments are the norm and the cost of an actual house is completely out of reach.  
 
I love being able to drive for 5 or 10 minutes and get wherever it is we're going.  
 
I love that it's big enough to have real commerce and yet small enough that the problems of larger cities are largely not present.  
 
When I worked at HCC, I loved the flow of ideas, the fine arts programs, the students.  
 
When I worked at KHCC, I loved the old folks who tuned in everyday for Reading Radio, the volunteers who gave their time, their humor and themselves to come in and read the newspaper everyday for those who couldn't do it themselves. I loved the music, the interactions with people who chose to support the station, the good humor and laughter of those I worked with.  
 
People are so great in Hutch. Back when I lived there, one day while I was at work, someone broke into my house and stole all my food. I realize in most places it would have been much more than that and while a month's worth of missing food is a big deal, it's hard to be angry that someone wanted to eat. They didn't take anything but food. Not a darn thing.  
 
But....my landlord came over to fix the window they'd broken to get in and on his way out, he gave me $20 for food. Refused to take no for an answer because he said he knew what it was like to be without. He'd worked as a guard at the salt mines for over 20 years.  
 
Then one of my friends from KHCC suddenly developed an interest in my cooking. Which may sound odd considering all my food had been stolen. But his proposal was that he pay for both of us to eat out for the first month and then he'd anticipate eating at my house for lunch after my next paycheck. I know he was being charitable but such sweetness in the world is a wonderful thing.  
 
Hutch has some of the sweetest folks on this planet.  
 
Then there's all the fun stuff to do.

As a native Hutch girl, now living as an "expat" in North Carolina, I often scheme of how to return home again. Alas, until the Army opens a post there we are stuck on the East Coast. I took my husband to Hutch for the first time last year, and as a native Montrealer even he loved the city. We did not have enough time to do all that we wanted, and as he played golf on the new and fabulous Cottonwood course, I explored the new face of downtown and spent time on the running trail that starts in Carey. My memories of the city growing up are so very precious to me. I miss Hutch all the time. I remember spending hours at the Arkansas River with friends, at Village Inn discussing philosophy and life (this was pre-computer, of course!), etc. What I miss the most was knowing that no matter where I went in town, I would always see someone I knew. I realize now that being raised in Hutch was a gift; for all those who complain about the city, I challenge them to have new eyes- Proust mentioned that exploration exists not in seeking new places but in having new eyes to see what is in front of you. Every time I come home again I am blown away by the growth and changes of the city. Even after having lived in Monterey, Ca; Savannah, Ga; San Antonio & DC, I would move back to Hutch in a heartbeat if I could. Honest. Oh- as a Kansan living elsewhere, I can tell you that Kansans are the best bunch. When I meet a member of our "tribe", there is always an instant connection, because we come from a much maligned state that we know is a hidden secret.

Carrie,  
 
Incredible comment.  
 
Next time you are in Hutch.. we would Love to interview you for a whatsuphutch video. 
 
i love your comment... Gives me hope.

Gee, thanks, Cody! Also, you may remember me from HHS under my former last name, Towle.

Carrie,  
 
The first comment you sent was well written enough that I honestly had some thought that you might be the former Ms. Towle.  
 
Seriously great comment and we really want to start incorporating a little bit of an expat looking back at Hutch kinda thing here on the site so feel free to participate any way you feel comfortable.

I knew it was Carrie Towle, as well. And for the exact same reason that Cody did. Welcome Home, Carrie!  
Sincerely- Tamara (West) Heitschmidt

Hi Carrie, I work for an organization actively committed to bringing residents to Reno County. I'd love to visit with you and get some feedback about our website www.WeCouldLiveAnywhere.com a new website we've launched. 
 
Your message is exactly what we hope to hear about from residents who have move away - also, how could we get you back? 
 
You can contact me via email or phone 620.664.8656.