HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair is now a little over a month away. It is also the first week for new GM Bryan Schulz.&nbsp;

“The first week has been meeting a lot of people,” Schulz said. “Dr. Berger, with his connections, has been able to take me out into the community.”&nbsp;

That includes agencies he will have to work with and some civic clubs too.

“We’ve talked to the police chief and fire chief and we’ve got quite a few meetings scheduled,” Schulz said. “We’ve done some presentations at some service clubs. That’s my big thing, to just get to know the community.”

Schulz says that he will be behind the scenes for this year's fair and will help where needed and also ask a lot of questions as the fair approaches.

“I’m very blessed with a great team that knows what is going on in their departments. And like I told them when I first met with them, I will not come in and try to change things that you have spent the last year putting together,” Schulz said. “What I will do is sit back and I will watch, and if you’ve got questions I will try to provide answers, but I’m going to ask you a lot of questions.”

Schulz says after the fair he will sit down with the staff and look over things and make an assessment of the fairs past and future.

“We'll have a post fair meeting with all of our staff and team and just kind of evaluate how things went,” Schulz said. “and if there’s a need, we can maybe change up a few things, tweak a few things, but from what I’m seeing the team has done a phenomenal job of putting things together.”

The first fair for Schulz kicks off September 10.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269696039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair is now a little over a month away. It is also the first week for new GM Bryan Schulz.&nbsp;“The first week has been meeting a lot of people,” Schulz said. “Dr. Berger, with his connections, has been able to take me out into the community.”&nbsp;That includes agencies he will have to work with and some civic clubs too.“We’ve talked to the police chief and fire chief and we’ve got quite a few meetings scheduled,” Schulz said. “We’ve done some presentations at some service clubs. That’s my big thing, to just get to know the community.”Schulz says that he will be behind the scenes for this year's fair and will help where needed and also ask a lot of questions as the fair approaches.“I’m very blessed with a great team that knows what is going on in their departments. And like I told them when I first met with them, I will not come in and try to change things that you have spent the last year putting together,” Schulz said. “What I will do is sit back and I will watch, and if you’ve got questions I will try to provide answers, but I’m going to ask you a lot of questions.”Schulz says after the fair he will sit down with the staff and look over things and make an assessment of the fairs past and future.“We'll have a post fair meeting with all of our staff and team and just kind of evaluate how things went,” Schulz said. “and if there’s a need, we can maybe change up a few things, tweak a few things, but from what I’m seeing the team has done a phenomenal job of putting things together.”The first fair for Schulz kicks off September 10.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schulz ready to take in his first fair as GM

Man arrested in connection with shooting in Pawnee County, Schulz goes to work as GM of the Kansas State Fair, that and more on Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Podcast" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Podcast</figcaption>
 </figure>Man arrested in connection with shooting in Pawnee County, Schulz goes to work as GM of the Kansas State Fair, that and more on Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="5 p.m. news for August 5" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n7hkt-10a9afe-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

August 5, 2021 5 p.m. News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another group of Hutchinson Fire Department personnel are on their way to Idaho to assist in the wildfire efforts there.&nbsp;

Captains Craig Walle and Justin Williams, along with firefighter Matt Young and Kansas Forest Service Employee Brice Haverkamp have arrived in Spokane Washington and will get their first assignments on Wednesday. They are replacing Firefighters Brent Fisher, Cole Ingrham, Jacob Ice and Kyle Graves who left July 15th to help with the fire.

Thursday morning Inghram talked about their experience in Idaho and the role they played.

“What we could offer to them was eyes in the sky so we were able to get up on a peak on a lookout tower...and look down on the fire behavior,” Inghram said. “We watched the weather, gave them observations and the kind of trends on what the fire had been doing.”&nbsp;

While most of the time was spent relaying information or doing spot fire containment they did have to deal with a medical issue with a support group.

“One of their supporting staff didn’t feel well,” Inghram said.&nbsp;

And the help did not come quickly for the patient.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Out there everything moves a lot slower,” Inghram said. “It's hard to get aircraft or ambulances to an area fast enough to get the patient out.”

A helicopter was called in and the fire crew took time to clear out trees to provide a landing area for the air ambulance.

While the terrain was certainly different that what the Hutchinson Fire Department normally faces, Inghram says they can take what they experience in Idaho and bring it here to Reno County. And it starts with planning ahead.

“That situation or emergency starts on the days we don’t have that situation,” Inghram said. “It’s people sitting at a table talking amongst one another, be it the air medics, be it the fire department, be it the hospitals. So getting a game plan&nbsp; set before the situation happens.”

All three firefighters said they met a lot of unique people that they will remember from now on and noted that fighting a fire in the mountains was a much slower more deliberate task that similar situations Back in Hutchinson.

At last report, the Tumbledown fire has been rolled into what is now called the Stateline Complex fire that consists of 12 individual fires covering 11,350 Acres.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628194880436.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another group of Hutchinson Fire Department personnel are on their way to Idaho to assist in the wildfire efforts there.&nbsp;Captains Craig Walle and Justin Williams, along with firefighter Matt Young and Kansas Forest Service Employee Brice Haverkamp have arrived in Spokane Washington and will get their first assignments on Wednesday. They are replacing Firefighters Brent Fisher, Cole Ingrham, Jacob Ice and Kyle Graves who left July 15th to help with the fire.Thursday morning Inghram talked about their experience in Idaho and the role they played.“What we could offer to them was eyes in the sky so we were able to get up on a peak on a lookout tower...and look down on the fire behavior,” Inghram said. “We watched the weather, gave them observations and the kind of trends on what the fire had been doing.”&nbsp;While most of the time was spent relaying information or doing spot fire containment they did have to deal with a medical issue with a support group.“One of their supporting staff didn’t feel well,” Inghram said.&nbsp;And the help did not come quickly for the patient.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Out there everything moves a lot slower,” Inghram said. “It's hard to get aircraft or ambulances to an area fast enough to get the patient out.”A helicopter was called in and the fire crew took time to clear out trees to provide a landing area for the air ambulance.While the terrain was certainly different that what the Hutchinson Fire Department normally faces, Inghram says they can take what they experience in Idaho and bring it here to Reno County. And it starts with planning ahead.“That situation or emergency starts on the days we don’t have that situation,” Inghram said. “It’s people sitting at a table talking amongst one another, be it the air medics, be it the fire department, be it the hospitals. So getting a game plan&nbsp; set before the situation happens.”All three firefighters said they met a lot of unique people that they will remember from now on and noted that fighting a fire in the mountains was a much slower more deliberate task that similar situations Back in Hutchinson.At last report, the Tumbledown fire has been rolled into what is now called the Stateline Complex fire that consists of 12 individual fires covering 11,350 Acres.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fire fighters talk about their trip to Idaho

MCPHERSON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Silverado driven by Shelby L. Steenson,&nbsp; 79, Mentor, was northbound on Interstate 135 at Limestone Road.

The pickup swerved to the right, hit a concrete bridge rail,&nbsp; struck the guardrail and swerved into the east ditch.

EMS transported&nbsp;Steenson to the hospital in McPherson. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606580369257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before noon Thursday in McPherson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Chevy Silverado driven by Shelby L. Steenson,&nbsp; 79, Mentor, was northbound on Interstate 135 at Limestone Road.The pickup swerved to the right, hit a concrete bridge rail,&nbsp; struck the guardrail and swerved into the east ditch.EMS transported&nbsp;Steenson to the hospital in McPherson. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after violent pickup crash

State Senator Dr. Mark Steffen is a former Reno County Commissioner.

It was about the second, maybe third, day of the Covid virus debacle that I realized the politics behind the response. And, it continues. The Biden Administration is at war with Florida and Texas where Republican Governors place individual rights and a fact based understanding of the covid virus before inflated fear campaigns. A wide open southern border betrays the Democrat’s desire to fill the country with their kind of voters of which many are contagious with the Covid-19 virus. While Cuban refugees who are passionate for democracy remain ignored. More liberals spread throughout our nation are more important than containing the spread of their dreaded virus. Pure politics!

At the very core is the shot. It’s not a vaccine. It’s a medical procedure. The liberals brag and brag as to its efficacy. Yet, not a peep as to its pitfalls and they are plentiful. The CDC has a system to report vaccine complications. Its acronym is VAERS. Its on the CDC website. Do not fall for the liberal mainstream talking points. More deaths and complications are associated with this current shot than all other vaccinations in the several decade history of VAERS. Do the research!

A recent study by the renowned Cleveland Clinic of 50,000 people proved the robust nature of natural immunity. The shot just adds risks for complications. It is an affront to science to deny the worth of naturally acquired immunity. Do the research!

Recent studies out of the United Kingdom and Israel show a much different rate of infection after vaccination versus that reported by our overly enthusiastic Health Department. They to are guilty of fanning the flames of fear rather than talking to us in an adult manner. Fanning flames with misleading data points goes beyond enthusiasm and becomes blatantly off putting. Do the research!

Injecting our children with this mRNA shot is beyond bizarre. A report on the CDC website outlining their thought processes on recommending the shot clearly defines that vaccinated children experienced “more severe complications” than unvaccinated children. Never in the history of mankind has a society knowingly sacrificed children for the alleged benefit of adults. Please do your research!

It’s quite clear that the India (delta) variant is more contagious and correspondingly less deadly than the original Covid-19 virus. Early treatment remains key. Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are proven in multiple studies to be effective in preventing hospitalization and death. Yet, liberal academic medicine continues to shut down their use while promoting a brand new, unproven, hospital based IV infusion that is expensive and in short supply. This, to a medical doctor such as myself, is unforgiveable if not criminal. I won’t forgive my colleagues for this. Do the research.

I will leave the idiocy of masks for another time. And, if you want the shot, then by all means please get it. Just don’t be so condescending as to tell me what to do. Remember this, elected officials that feel a stronger need to “go along to get along” rather than advance the truth, are not leaders. They are politicians. My respect they do not gain.

For those of you intrigued enough to continue down this road of edification, look no further than <a href="https://rccft.org/">RCCFT.org</a> for all the studies referred to above.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611761226060.jpeg" alt="Mark Steffen Senate Photo" />
 <figcaption>Mark Steffen Senate Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>State Senator Dr. Mark Steffen is a former Reno County Commissioner.It was about the second, maybe third, day of the Covid virus debacle that I realized the politics behind the response. And, it continues. The Biden Administration is at war with Florida and Texas where Republican Governors place individual rights and a fact based understanding of the covid virus before inflated fear campaigns. A wide open southern border betrays the Democrat’s desire to fill the country with their kind of voters of which many are contagious with the Covid-19 virus. While Cuban refugees who are passionate for democracy remain ignored. More liberals spread throughout our nation are more important than containing the spread of their dreaded virus. Pure politics!At the very core is the shot. It’s not a vaccine. It’s a medical procedure. The liberals brag and brag as to its efficacy. Yet, not a peep as to its pitfalls and they are plentiful. The CDC has a system to report vaccine complications. Its acronym is VAERS. Its on the CDC website. Do not fall for the liberal mainstream talking points. More deaths and complications are associated with this current shot than all other vaccinations in the several decade history of VAERS. Do the research!A recent study by the renowned Cleveland Clinic of 50,000 people proved the robust nature of natural immunity. The shot just adds risks for complications. It is an affront to science to deny the worth of naturally acquired immunity. Do the research!Recent studies out of the United Kingdom and Israel show a much different rate of infection after vaccination versus that reported by our overly enthusiastic Health Department. They to are guilty of fanning the flames of fear rather than talking to us in an adult manner. Fanning flames with misleading data points goes beyond enthusiasm and becomes blatantly off putting. Do the research!Injecting our children with this mRNA shot is beyond bizarre. A report on the CDC website outlining their thought processes on recommending the shot clearly defines that vaccinated children experienced “more severe complications” than unvaccinated children. Never in the history of mankind has a society knowingly sacrificed children for the alleged benefit of adults. Please do your research!It’s quite clear that the India (delta) variant is more contagious and correspondingly less deadly than the original Covid-19 virus. Early treatment remains key. Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are proven in multiple studies to be effective in preventing hospitalization and death. Yet, liberal academic medicine continues to shut down their use while promoting a brand new, unproven, hospital based IV infusion that is expensive and in short supply. This, to a medical doctor such as myself, is unforgiveable if not criminal. I won’t forgive my colleagues for this. Do the research.I will leave the idiocy of masks for another time. And, if you want the shot, then by all means please get it. Just don’t be so condescending as to tell me what to do. Remember this, elected officials that feel a stronger need to “go along to get along” rather than advance the truth, are not leaders. They are politicians. My respect they do not gain.For those of you intrigued enough to continue down this road of edification, look no further than <a href="https://rccft.org/">RCCFT.org</a> for all the studies referred to above.

OPINION: State Senator responds to County Commissioner's column


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The annual Hutchinson Emancipation Day events are this weekend.

"We've got a lot of fine activities coming through our parade this Saturday," said Shontina Tipton, parade chair. "We have got drill teams coming from Florida, Kansas City, Wichita and Salina. I'm looking forward to making sure that we're going to have a fantastic time this Saturday at the parade."

Long-time chair Dellis Neal is pleased to collaborate with HutchCC once again this year.

Hutch Juco has stepped up," Neal said. "Dr. Carter File has just been awesome in helping us over the years since we have had it at Hutch Juco. I know a lot of people really miss it being at the park, but there's lots of reasons why we don't have it at the park anymore."

Neal said those with questions can contact any committee member and she'd like to see a good turnout this year.

"It's been a rough last couple of years," Neal said. "To see people come together, have a good time and not worry about race or anything like that. That's what makes it special for me and it's been that way since I've been on the committee." 

3-point shootout between Ave. B and Ave. A on Washington 6:00 p.m.

Youth event-16 and younger Hutch Putt 1500 N. Lorraine   7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Concert in Ave. A Park with Jazz vocalist Glenda Hill 	 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Parade from B and Main to 12th and Main 		       10 a.m.

Parade Marshal Glenda Hill speaks at Stringer Fine Arts Center 11 a.m.

Picnic in Stringer Fine Arts Center Gallery Theater 	       Noon to 3 p.m.

Domino &amp; Bid Whist Tournament-Kansas State Fairgrounds		4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Old School Jam at Kansas State Fairgrounds 		        9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Gospel Concert-Recital Hall-Stringer Fine Arts Center 3 p.m.

Ice Cream &amp; Lady Bites Social-Gallery Theater

For more information, contact Tipton at (405) 738-8955 or Neal at (620) 474-2213.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628182146305.jpeg" alt="EDay2021.jpg" />
 <figcaption>EDay2021.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The annual Hutchinson Emancipation Day events are this weekend."We've got a lot of fine activities coming through our parade this Saturday," said Shontina Tipton, parade chair. "We have got drill teams coming from Florida, Kansas City, Wichita and Salina. I'm looking forward to making sure that we're going to have a fantastic time this Saturday at the parade."Long-time chair Dellis Neal is pleased to collaborate with HutchCC once again this year.Hutch Juco has stepped up," Neal said. "Dr. Carter File has just been awesome in helping us over the years since we have had it at Hutch Juco. I know a lot of people really miss it being at the park, but there's lots of reasons why we don't have it at the park anymore."Neal said those with questions can contact any committee member and she'd like to see a good turnout this year."It's been a rough last couple of years," Neal said. "To see people come together, have a good time and not worry about race or anything like that. That's what makes it special for me and it's been that way since I've been on the committee." The schedule of events is below:Friday, August 63-point shootout between Ave. B and Ave. A on Washington 6:00 p.m.Youth event-16 and younger Hutch Putt 1500 N. Lorraine 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Concert in Ave. A Park with Jazz vocalist Glenda Hill 	 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Saturday, August 7Parade from B and Main to 12th and Main 		 10 a.m.Parade Marshal Glenda Hill speaks at Stringer Fine Arts Center 11 a.m.Picnic in Stringer Fine Arts Center Gallery Theater 	 Noon to 3 p.m.Domino &amp; Bid Whist Tournament-Kansas State Fairgrounds		4 p.m. to 8 p.m.Old School Jam at Kansas State Fairgrounds 		 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.Sunday, August 8Gospel Concert-Recital Hall-Stringer Fine Arts Center 3 p.m.Ice Cream &amp; Lady Bites Social-Gallery TheaterFor more information, contact Tipton at (405) 738-8955 or Neal at (620) 474-2213.

Emancipation Day events this weekend in Hutchinson

Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann will host town hall meetings next week to hear from Kansans, including a Thursday meeting in Ellsworth County and Friday meetings in McPherson and Rice County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann will host town hall meetings next week to hear from Kansans, including a Thursday meeting in Ellsworth County and Friday meetings in McPherson and Rice County.Thursday, August 12, 2021Ellsworth County:WHERE: JH Memorial Library219 N. Lincoln Ave | Ellsworth, KSTIME: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Friday, August 13, 2021McPherson CountyWHERE: Kansas Municipal Utilities2090 E A Ave | McPherson, KSTIME: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Rice County:WHERE: Lyons City Hall201 W. Main Street | Lyons, KSTIME: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Mann to hold town halls next week

LARNED, Kan. — A Hutchinson man was arrested on attempted murder charges in Pawnee County.&nbsp;

Pawnee County District Attorney Douglas McNett says 52-year-old Bradley W. Hulse was in Pawnee County District Court for his first appearance.

The charges stem from alleged shots fired at a vehicle during the early morning hours of July 31 in Larned. No one was injured in the incident. Hulse was arrested later that morning without incident in McPherson County by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

At the first appearance Hulse was advised of the charges and the possible penalties.&nbsp; If convicted, Hulse could spend as much as 54-years in prison.

A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 18. Hulse is being held on a $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628176676215.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LARNED, Kan. — A Hutchinson man was arrested on attempted murder charges in Pawnee County.&nbsp;Pawnee County District Attorney Douglas McNett says 52-year-old Bradley W. Hulse was in Pawnee County District Court for his first appearance.The charges stem from alleged shots fired at a vehicle during the early morning hours of July 31 in Larned. No one was injured in the incident. Hulse was arrested later that morning without incident in McPherson County by the Kansas Highway Patrol.At the first appearance Hulse was advised of the charges and the possible penalties.&nbsp; If convicted, Hulse could spend as much as 54-years in prison.A Preliminary Hearing has been scheduled for August 18. Hulse is being held on a $150,000 bond.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson man arrested in Pawnee Co. 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Thursday that Apple Lane will be closed to all traffic between 17th and 30th Avenues starting Friday.&nbsp;

Work crews will be placing the final layer of asphalt down. The street will be open to local traffic only at the end of the work day. Those who need to visit Apple Lane Animal Hospital will have access off of 30th.

If all goes as planned the road will open again on Monday, August 9. If you need any information on this or any other road or street project contact Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458704710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Thursday that Apple Lane will be closed to all traffic between 17th and 30th Avenues starting Friday.&nbsp;Work crews will be placing the final layer of asphalt down. The street will be open to local traffic only at the end of the work day. Those who need to visit Apple Lane Animal Hospital will have access off of 30th.If all goes as planned the road will open again on Monday, August 9. If you need any information on this or any other road or street project contact Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apple Lane will close over the weekend to finish road work


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Chief Operating Officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Wes Hoyt is concerned about the number of hospitalizations they are seeing of late from COVID-19.

"We're looking at reopening a unit, the only problem is, it's probably going to be the COVID unit again, just because of what we're seeing as an uptick here recently," Hoyt said. "As of 11 p.m. last night, because I haven't gotten the 7 a.m. report yet, we had eight patients in the hospital that were COVID positive."

"According to our license, we have 190 beds," Hoyt said. "Right now, our census is right at 70. We are stretched, very stretched, just to staff those 70 with the conditions that we're in."

The problem is that there are many more things people can also be hospitalized for rather than COVID and those are continuing.

"The uptick really started about three weeks ago," Hoyt said. "It was a slow roll. There was a point when I had no COVID patients at all in the hospital and we were starting to see an increase in some severely ill. Really folks had put stuff off for the last 18 months and suddenly, they can't do it any more. Now, they are coming through the door, through the Emergency Department. They're presenting. COVID is also hitting us and if you think about it, you're almost facing the perfect storm."

Most of those who have been hospitalized are not vaccinated.

"In July, we identified 31 COVID positives that came to the hospital, either through outpatient, ED or inpatient," Hoyt said. "Of those 31, 25 were unvaccinated. We have a certain percentage that are vaccinated that are getting it, these breakthrough cases, but by far, three fourths of those we're seeing, they are not vaccinated."

Hoyt does not know of a single case of a breakthrough infection at HRMC that has resulted in a death.

"People who are exposed to this new variant are manifesting symptoms somewhere between the three to four day mark, which is drastically different than what we had before, roughly between seven and ten days," Hoyt said. "You're going to know fast and it's going to hit you hard. The group that's really being affected right now, they're younger, they're fitter, they also generally tend to be the folks that aren't vaccinated."

Hoyt knows of a young infant that was hospitalized along with other family members.

"There is really nothing out there that tells you how to treat that," Hoyt said. "Through the exceptional work of the pediatricians and others, you can overcome it, but it reminds you of how infectious this disease is, really."

Hoyt is urging anyone who can to get vaccinated. If you're sick, stay home. Wear your mask. Practice good hand hygiene and if you have nursing training and can pick up even one shift a week, please contact the hospital for more information. Call Kayla Orellana at (620) 665-2227. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628176374482.jpeg" alt="Wes Hoyt - Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System" />
 <figcaption>Wes Hoyt - Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Chief Operating Officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Wes Hoyt is concerned about the number of hospitalizations they are seeing of late from COVID-19."We're looking at reopening a unit, the only problem is, it's probably going to be the COVID unit again, just because of what we're seeing as an uptick here recently," Hoyt said. "As of 11 p.m. last night, because I haven't gotten the 7 a.m. report yet, we had eight patients in the hospital that were COVID positive."They just don't have enough staff."According to our license, we have 190 beds," Hoyt said. "Right now, our census is right at 70. We are stretched, very stretched, just to staff those 70 with the conditions that we're in."The problem is that there are many more things people can also be hospitalized for rather than COVID and those are continuing."The uptick really started about three weeks ago," Hoyt said. "It was a slow roll. There was a point when I had no COVID patients at all in the hospital and we were starting to see an increase in some severely ill. Really folks had put stuff off for the last 18 months and suddenly, they can't do it any more. Now, they are coming through the door, through the Emergency Department. They're presenting. COVID is also hitting us and if you think about it, you're almost facing the perfect storm."Most of those who have been hospitalized are not vaccinated."In July, we identified 31 COVID positives that came to the hospital, either through outpatient, ED or inpatient," Hoyt said. "Of those 31, 25 were unvaccinated. We have a certain percentage that are vaccinated that are getting it, these breakthrough cases, but by far, three fourths of those we're seeing, they are not vaccinated."Hoyt does not know of a single case of a breakthrough infection at HRMC that has resulted in a death."People who are exposed to this new variant are manifesting symptoms somewhere between the three to four day mark, which is drastically different than what we had before, roughly between seven and ten days," Hoyt said. "You're going to know fast and it's going to hit you hard. The group that's really being affected right now, they're younger, they're fitter, they also generally tend to be the folks that aren't vaccinated."Hoyt knows of a young infant that was hospitalized along with other family members."There is really nothing out there that tells you how to treat that," Hoyt said. "Through the exceptional work of the pediatricians and others, you can overcome it, but it reminds you of how infectious this disease is, really."Hoyt is urging anyone who can to get vaccinated. If you're sick, stay home. Wear your mask. Practice good hand hygiene and if you have nursing training and can pick up even one shift a week, please contact the hospital for more information. Call Kayla Orellana at (620) 665-2227.

HRMC COO: 'Perfect storm' stressing staff as COVID hospitalizations up

RENO COUNTY — A driver was cited after an accident at Smoots Creek and Haven Road Wednesday evening.

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, Wanda Day along with passenger Karen Zoglman were west bound on Smoots Creek in her 2014 black Ford Edge while Cody Hammer was south bound in his 2010 black Ford F150. 

When they entered the intersection the F150 collided with the Edge causing the airbags to deploy in the Edge and moving it off the roadway to the southwest. 

No injuries were reported, seat belts were worn by all parties. Side curtain airbags were deployed in the Edge, both vehicles were driven from the scene. Wanda Day was cited for failure to yield right of way at an uncontrolled intersection. 

The call happened just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="Reno County Sheriff's Office Badge" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Sheriff's Office Badge</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A driver was cited after an accident at Smoots Creek and Haven Road Wednesday evening.According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, Wanda Day along with passenger Karen Zoglman were west bound on Smoots Creek in her 2014 black Ford Edge while Cody Hammer was south bound in his 2010 black Ford F150. When they entered the intersection the F150 collided with the Edge causing the airbags to deploy in the Edge and moving it off the roadway to the southwest. No injuries were reported, seat belts were worn by all parties. Side curtain airbags were deployed in the Edge, both vehicles were driven from the scene. Wanda Day was cited for failure to yield right of way at an uncontrolled intersection. The call happened just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Airbags, seatbelts help prevent injury in Wednesday wreck

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The 87th annual National Baseball Congress Tournament continues today in Hutchinson at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park.

Tickets are available at the gate and you can bring your own lawn chair.

Daily results: <a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/scoreboard.html?leagueid=223&amp;seasonid=33145&amp;date=08/04/2021">Point streak</a>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQe07OrvTlufPU4VpWuzWCg">YouTube CLICK HERE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The 87th annual National Baseball Congress Tournament continues today in Hutchinson at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park.Tickets are available at the gate and you can bring your own lawn chair.NBC World Series powered by Evergy<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628164837696.jpeg" alt="0805-BRACKET-2.jpg" />
 <figcaption>0805-BRACKET-2.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Daily results: <a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/scoreboard.html?leagueid=223&amp;seasonid=33145&amp;date=08/04/2021">Point streak</a><figure>
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WATCH: NBC World Series continues today

HUTCHINSON, Kan.-Garrett Kocis was due and came through in the bottom the the 10th and scored Cooper Harris from 1st base to propel the Hutchinson Monarchs to a 4-3. Kocis hit was a blast down the left field line that hit the warning track on the fly to drive in Harris. Kocis is batting .173 since joining the Monarchs. He is coming back from a wrist injury in the spring.

The Monarchs advance to Saturday night either at 6 or 8:30pm and will play the Hays Larks who got the win earlier on Thursday over the Puma's out of Illinois.

HUTCHINSON, Kan.-Garrett Kocis was due and came through in the bottom the the 10th and scored Cooper Harris from 1st base to propel the Hutchinson Monarchs to a 4-3. Kocis hit was a blast down the left field line that hit the warning track on the fly to drive in Harris. Kocis is batting .173 since joining the Monarchs. He is coming back from a wrist injury in the spring.The Monarchs advance to Saturday night either at 6 or 8:30pm and will play the Hays Larks who got the win earlier on Thursday over the Puma's out of Illinois.

Kocis big blast gives the Monarchs an extra inning win over San Diego in first round of NBC

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Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler homered and Stephen Vogt drove in the eventual game-winning run with a sacrifice fly, helping the Atlanta Braves to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Dansby Swanson went 4 for 4 with three runs scored for the Braves, who moved to .500 at 54-54. Will Smith, the sixth Braves' pitcher, picked up his 22nd save with a 1-2-3 ninth. The win helped Atlanta post its first two-game winning streak since the All-Star break. The Braves have won eight of their last nine games at Busch Stadium. &nbsp;Giovanny Gallegos (5-4) allowed three runs in the eighth inning as the Cardinals lost for the sixth time in 10 games.&nbsp;

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1. Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games. Royals starter Carlos Hernández yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago. Pérez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying his career high. &nbsp;

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dániel Sallói had a goal and an assist to help Sporting Kansas City beat Los Angeles FC 4-1 on Wednesday night. Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Luis Martins also scored for Kansas City. Sporting moved into a tie with Seattle atop the Western Conference standings with 33 points. Daniel Musovski scored for Los Angeles.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor has been added to the College Football Playoff selection committee, replacing Texas AD Chris Del Conte. The CFP's announcement comes less than a week after Texas and Oklahoma announced they would be leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025. The 13-member selection committee is comprised of mostly sitting athletic directors along with former players and coaches. Each Power Five Conferences is represented by an active athletic director. With Texas in the process of leaving the conference, the Big 12 nominated Taylor to replace Del Conte.

TOKYO (AP) — Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd each scored a pair of goals and the United States won the bronze medal in women's soccer at the Tokyo Olympics with a 4-3 victory over Australia. 

It was arguably the best the Americans had looked during the course of a rocky tournament that opened with an uncharacteristic 3-0 loss to Sweden. Rapinoe set the tone early with a goal scored directly from a corner kick. 

The loss spoiled the Australians' first-ever trip to the medal round at the Olympics. No Australian soccer team, men or women, has ever won a medal.

— The American "A-Team" has advanced to the gold medal match of the Olympic beach volleyball tournament. April Ross and Alix Klineman beat Switzerland at Shiokaze Park to clinch at least a silver medal. It will be the third medal for Ross, who won silver in London and bronze in Rio de Janeiro. Klineman is a first-time Olympian. 

— Maddie Musselman and the U.S. beat the Russian Olympic Committee 15-11 to advance to the women's water polo final, continuing the team's bid for a third consecutive gold medal. The U.S. beat the Russian team 18-5 last week, but the ROC was much more engaged in the semifinal meeting. The U.S. had to rally after it trailed 7-4 with 48 seconds left in the first half. Musselman scored five times, and captain Maggie Steffens had three goals. 

— Marcell Jacobs will carry Italy's flag at Sunday's closing ceremony after succeeding Usain Bolt as 100-meter champion at the Olympics. Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malagò made the announcement shortly after Jacobs helped the Azzurri qualify for the final of the 4x100 relay. The Texas-born sprinter was the surprise winner of the biggest race of the Olympics last weekend.

— The International Olympic Committee says it's not aware of any plans to change the schedule for the women's soccer final between Canada and Sweden. Both teams asked to avoid kicking off in the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo's heat and humidity at 11 a.m. Friday. That's an almost unprecedented early start for soccer at any time of year. The forecast temperature at kickoff is around 91 degrees (31 Celsius). IOC spokesman Mark Adams says he "can't shed any more light" on the process of moving the game. Changes to the Olympic schedule involve the IOC, Tokyo officials, sports bodies like soccer's FIFA and broadcasters.

— Ryan Crouser has broken his own Olympic record on his way to defending his shot put title. On his last attempt, Crouser went 23.30 meters to earn the first track and field gold for the American men at the Tokyo Games. U.S. teammate Joe Kovacs finished second. Crouser is already the world-record holder after breaking a 31-year-old mark on June 18 at the U.S. Olympic trials. In the heat at Olympic Stadium, Crouser took the lead on his first attempt and saved his best for his final one.

— A slow exchange left the American 4x100-meter relay team out of medal contention at the Olympics. The team of Trayvon Bromell, Fred Kerley, Ronnie Baker and Cravon Gillespie finished sixth in their qualifying heat to extend a quarter-century of misery for the country that brings the deepest track team to the Games. The United States hasn't won the Olympic 4x100 since 2000 and hasn't made it cleanly to the finish line in a final since taking a silver medal in 2012. But they gave that one back because of a doping ban against Tyson Gay. The U.S. got DQ'd for another bad pass in the medal race in 2016.

— Germany's Florian Wellbrock has added a gold medal in marathon swimming to his bronze medal at the pool, romping to a dominating win in the men's 10-kilometer race at Tokyo Bay. Wellbrock raced out to an early lead and was up front most of the way on another sweltering morning. At the end, the 23-year-old blew the field away to win by a staggering 25.3 seconds. Two swimmers failed to finish in the sweltering conditions. France's David Aubry was carried away on a stretcher.

— BMX rider Connor Fields was released from St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo on Thursday. That's five days after a horrific crash in his semifinal race at the Tokyo Olympics left him with a brain bleed and other injuries. He will be able to return to his home in Henderson, Nevada, in the coming days to begin his rehabilitation. 

— IOC investigators are "setting up the interviews" with the Belarus team suspected of trying to forcibly remove one of its sprinters from the Olympics. IOC spokesman Mark Adams says the disciplinary process that formally opened Tuesday is "determining who needs to be heard." Two Belarus officials have been linked by the IOC to taking Krystsina Tsimanouskaya in a car to the airport Sunday to put her on a plane to Belarus. It is unclear if the two officials retain Olympic accreditation and can contact other Belarus athletes. 

— For the first time, the United States is sending a full rhythmic Olympic gymnastics team, two individual performers and a five-woman group, to compete this weekend. The gymnasts hope their increased presence could mark a turning point back home, where they are often dismissed as ribbon twirlers and hula hoopers. In rhythmic gymnastics, gymnasts dance as they throw and catch items including hoops, balls, ribbons and clubs.

UNDATED (AP) — Javier Báez hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning after scoring on a nifty slide in the second, and the New York Mets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Miami Marlins. The Mets, who had lost five of six, let an early 3-0 lead slip away but recovered to maintain their 1 1/2-game lead in the NL East over surging Philadelphia. 

Báez, acquired in a trade-deadline deal with the Chicago Cubs last Friday, put New York back in front 4-3 with an opposite-field drive off Anthony Bass. It was his 24th home run this season and second with his new team — Báez has homered in both Mets wins since the trade.

The Philadelphia Phillies extended their winning streak to four games with a 9-5 win over the Washington Nationals. Philadelphia is 55-53 and two games over .500 for the first time since July 18, when it was 47-45. Rhys Hoskins also homered and drove in three runs, Didi Gregorius hit a two-run homer and the Phillies turned an early 3-0 deficit into an easy win. Luis García homered twice for the Nationals. Philadelphia goes for a four-game sweep Thursday.

— Kevin Gausman threw six stellar innings, Alex Dickerson added a three-run homer and the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-1 on Wednesday night. Gausman gave up five hits, walked none and struck out eight. He cruised through the first five innings before running into trouble in the sixth. Asdrúbal Cabrera tagged Gausman for an RBI single, but then the hard-throwing right-hander retired Drew Ellis and Daulton Varsho to end the threat. 

— Max Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5, capping a contentious two-game series at Dodger Stadium. Mookie Betts homered twice, while Will Smith and AJ Pollock also went deep off Houston starter Jake Odorizzi. Michael Brantley, Carlos Correa and Kyle Tucker connected for Houston. 

— Patrick Wisdom hit a three-run double to back a solid outing from Alec Mills and lead the Chicago Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 3-2. Mills overcame a rocky start to pitch six innings and earn his first win since July 7, and Wisdom finished with three hits. Manuel Rodriguez gave up a two-out single in the ninth but got Sam Hilliard on a comebacker to pick up his first career save. Raimel Tapia had two doubles and nearly made a run-saving catch in the sixth for Colorado.

— Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler homered and Stephen Vogt drove in the eventual game-winning run with a sacrifice fly, helping the Atlanta Braves to a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Dansby Swanson went 4 for 4 with three runs scored for the Braves, who moved to .500 at 54-54. Will Smith, the sixth Braves' pitcher, picked up his 22nd save with a 1-2-3 ninth. The win helped Atlanta post its first two-game winning streak since the All-Star break. The Braves have won eight of their last nine games at Busch Stadium. Giovanny Gallegos (5-4) allowed three runs in the eighth inning as the Cardinals lost for the sixth time in 10 games. 

— Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1. Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games. Royals starter Carlos Hernández yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago. Pérez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying his career high. 

— Recently acquired Anthony Rizzo homered again, DJ LeMahieu (leh-MAY'-hyoo) drove in four runs and the New York Yankees cruised to a 10-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Rizzo's solo homer in the fourth inning made him the first player in Yankees history with at least one RBI in each of his first six games with the club. LeMahieu had three hits and Giancarlo Stanton drove in three runs for the Yankees.

— Shohei Ohtani pitched six solid innings, Juan Lagares raced home from second base on a wild pitch for the lead with the two-way standout at the plate, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Texas Rangers 2-1. Jack Mayfield went 3 for 3 while homering from the No. 9 spot for the second consecutive night. Ohtani allowed four hits and struck out six for the Japanese star's third win in four outings.

— George Springer had four hits, including the 42nd leadoff home run of his career, and Steven Matz pitched six shutout innings as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cleveland Indians 8-6. Springer homered on J.C. Mejia's (meh-HEE'-uh) first pitch. He singled and scored in the second, hit a two-run double in the third and singled again in the fifth. Needing a triple to complete the cycle, Springer flied out in the eighth. The Blue Jays have hit 163 home runs this season. Toronto began the day tied with San Francisco for the major league lead.

— Matt Olson hit a two-run, walk-off double in the 10th inning and the Oakland Athletics rallied past the San Diego Padres 5-4. The A's scored twice in the ninth with two outs off closer Mark Melancon to tie it at 3. After San Diego scored a run in the top of the 10th off Lou Trivino to take a 4-3 lead, Olson came to the plate with runners on the corners and no outs. Olson laced the first pitch he saw from Tim Hill off the right field wall, scoring Mark Canha (KAN'-uh) and Starling Marte (mahr-TAY'), and sending the Oakland Coliseum into a frenzy. The A's posted their AL-leading ninth walk-off win of the season.

— Eduardo Rodriguez struck out 10 in five shutout innings and the Boston Red Sox snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. Rodriguez allowed two hits and four walks in helping Boston end its longest losing streak of the season. J.D. Martinez, Enrique Hernandez and Jarren Duran homered for the Red Sox. Boston pitchers struck out 18 batters, with Matt Barnes getting two as he pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 28 chances. Casey Mize gave up four runs on seven hits and a walk in five innings. He struck out three and allowed all three Boston homers.

— Randy Arozarena (ah-roh-zah-RAY'-nuh) had a two-run triple during a three-run third and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays beat the Seattle Mariners 4-3 to avoid a season series sweep. The Rays went 1-6 overall against Seattle and lost the first two games of the three-game set. Josh Fleming allowed two runs and five hits, and Mike Zunino hit his 21st homer for the Rays. Mariners rookie Logan Gilbert gave up three runs and four hits over five innings. Seattle had won 11 consecutive games, dating to May 25, when Gilbert started. The right-hander was 5-0 during the stretch.

— Pinch-hitter Rowdy Tellez launched a three-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning to put the Milwaukee Brewers ahead for good in a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Devin Williams worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth to earn his first career save. Pittsburgh's Bryan Reynolds went 2 of 2, walked twice and scored both of the Pirates' runs. The Brewers won two of three from the Pirates and remained 7 1/2 games ahead of Cincinnati in the NL Central.

— Luis Castillo pitched six effective innings, Tyler Stephenson homered to give the Reds a cushion they ended up needing, and Cincinnati held on to beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5. Jonathan India had three hits and Joey Votto drove in two runs for the Reds, who came in trailing first-place Milwaukee by 7 1/2 games in the NL Central. Castillo allowed Jorge Polanco's first-inning solo homer but settled in nicely from there. Stephenson went deep in the seventh to give the Reds a 6-1 lead. The Twins rallied with four runs in the eighth before Michael Lorenzen came in for a five-out save.

Brewers' Axford out for year after 1 game; Lauer on COVID list

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff has taken a couple more hits with John Axford now out for the season with elbow trouble and Eric Lauer joining the COVID-19 injured list. 

Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Axford has significant elbow damage and is going over his options after an injury foiled the 38-year-old's comeback attempt. 

— Four-time All-Star Cole Hamels has signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers through the end of the season, adding more depth to a pitching staff that has been racked with injuries. Hamels held a tryout for teams last month. The left-hander will report to the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona to get further stretched out before joining the big league club. Hamels will be going into his 16th season. He has a career record of 163-122 with a 3.43 ERA and 2,560 strikeouts in 423 games.

— Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon will have season-ending hip surgery, finishing off an injury-plagued second season in Southern California. Rendon had been on the injured list since July 6 with a left hamstring strain. The 31-year-old also missed time with knee and groin injuries. Rendon was limited to 58 games and will finish with a career-low .240 batting average. The high-priced Rendon joins three-time AL MVP Mike Trout on the 60-day IL.

MLB season starts March 31, again with every team scheduled

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball will open the 2022 season on March 31 and will try for the fourth time to have every team play its first game on the same day for the first time since 1968. The league released the full schedule on Wednesday. 

MLB tried to have all 30 clubs play on the same opening day for three of the past four seasons, but it never happened because of weather and other factors. Complicating matters next year is a potential work stoppage. 

The collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players' association expires Dec. 1. Given the acrimonious relationship between the sides, a lockout or strike appears possible.

— A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that power forward John Collins has agreed to a $125 million, five-year deal to remain with the Atlanta Hawks. The deal includes a fifth-year option for Collins, who was a restricted free agent. The agreement comes one day after point guard Trae Young agreed to a five-year, $207 million rookie extension. Collins averaged 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds this season. 

— A person with knowledge of the situation says Kemba Walker and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a buyout of the final two years of his contract. Once that's completed, the four-time All-Star guard will sign with the New York Knicks. Walker is owed nearly $74 million for the next two seasons, including a $37.6 million option that he held for 2022-23. Walker was born in the Bronx. He never played for the Thunder.

— The Philadelphia 76ers have signed nine-year veteran center Andre Drummond. Drummond joins Philadelphia after splitting the 2020-21 season with Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-10, 279-pound Drummond will wear No. 1 for the Sixers. He was one of just three NBA players, including new teammate Joel Embiid (joh-EHL' ehm-BEED'), to average a point-rebound double-double as well as one steal and one block.

— The Washington Wizards have agreed to a $62 million, three-year deal with guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie is heading to the Wizards in a sign-and-trade. The 6-foot-5 Dinwiddie joins a backcourt that's being vacated by Russell Westbrook after Washington agreed to deal Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers.

— The Utah Jazz have agreed to acquire power forward Eric Paschall from the Warriors, sending a protected future second-round draft pick to Golden State in the swap. The Warriors will get a second-round draft pick via Memphis for 2026. Paschall posted a farewell on Twitter.

— The New Orleans Pelicans say veteran former NBA coach Mike D'Antoni is joining the club as a coaching adviser and Jarron Collins has been hired as an assistant coach. The moves come on the heels of the Pelicans' decision to hire Willie Green as their third head coach in three seasons. D'Antoni was an assistant with Brooklyn last season and has compiled a 672-527 record as a head coach.

Jets sign QB Josh Johnson to give them experienced backup

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Jets have signed well-traveled veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, giving them an experienced backup behind rookie Zach Wilson. Undrafted free agent linebacker Brendon White from Rutgers was waived to make room for Johnson. The 35-year-old Johnson fills a void in the Jets' quarterbacks room, which had just Wilson, Mike White and James Morgan. None of that trio has taken a regular-season snap in an NFL game. 

The Jets are Johnson's 14th NFL team. He was most recently with San Francisco last year where current Jets coach Robert Saleh was the defensive coordinator.

— Jadeveon Clowney is making a strong impression in his first training camp with the Cleveland Browns. The former No. 1 overall pick, whose career has been slowed by injuries, is healthy and happy with his fourth team in four years. The Browns signed him to a one-year, $8 million free agent deal in April. 

— The Chicago Bears have signed veteran linebacker Alec Ogletree to a one-year contract. Ogletree was signed to the Jets' practice squad in Week 1 last season, then got released after recording three tackles in two games.

— Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz dismissed speculation of the Buffalo Bills relocating if a deal can't be negotiated for public funds to pay for the construction of a new stadium. However he did issue a warning saying the state and county won't be writing what he called "a blank check," to pay for what is projected to cost at least a $1 billion. 

— The Las Vegas Raiders have signed free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. McCoy adds pass rushing depth to the Raiders interior defensive line after sitting out all of last season with a torn quadriceps. McCoy spent his first nine seasons with the Buccaneers before playing for Carolina in 2019 and signing with Dallas last season.

Sharks sign goalie Adin Hill to 2-year deal

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks have signed goalie Adin Hill to a two-year contract that avoids salary arbitration. The Sharks acquired Hill last month in a trade from Arizona and are counting on him to team with James Reimer as their goaltending duo next season. The 25-year-old Hill appeared in 19 games last season for Arizona, going 9-9-1 record with a .913 save percentage, 2.74 goals against average and two shutouts. 

Nadal returns to tour with 3-set win over Sock in Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rafael Nadal has won his first match back after being off the tour for nearly two months. Nadal edged Jack Sock 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (1) at the Citi Open hard-court tournament in Washington on Wednesday night. Nadal is seeded No. 1 as he makes his debut at the U.S. Open tuneup. 

The 35-year-old Spaniard had not played since losing to Novak Djokovic in the French Open semifinals. Nadal sat out Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics. He said he had been dealing with a foot injury. 

Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer share the men's record of 20 Grand Slam titles.

AAC's Aresco: Did not plot with ESPN to poach other leagues

UNDATED (AP) — American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco says his league has never "plotted" with ESPN to undermine another conference by poaching its schools and says the league is not actively looking to add schools. 

Last week the Big 12 accused ESPN of encouraging at least one other conference to raid that conference as it tries find a way forward with Texas and Oklahoma on their way to the Southeastern Conference. The AAC was reported to be the conference ESPN was incentivizing to woo Big 12 teams. Aresco denied that.

— Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor has been added to the College Football Playoff selection committee, replacing Texas AD Chris Del Conte. The CFP's announcement comes less than a week after Texas and Oklahoma announced they would be leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025. 

Penn State ex-president Spanier leaves jail after 2 months

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) — The former president of Penn State is out of jail after serving nearly two months for endangering the welfare of children by his response to a report that Jerry Sandusky had been seen physically abusing a boy on campus. 

Centre County Correctional Facility Warden Christopher Schell said Wednesday the 73-year-old Graham Spanier served 58 days. Spanier still faces two months of electronic monitoring at home and two years of probation. 

NASCAR to require masks in enclosed areas going forward

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Beginning this weekend at Watkins Glen International, NASCAR will require all personnel to wear a face mask in enclosed areas at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Enclosed areas include haulers and buildings, including media centers, restrooms, the infield care center, race control and suites. 

Sports Headlines for Thursday

WICHITA, KS – The Wind Surge won their third straight game Wednesday with a walk-off single to complete a comeback 7-6 at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita increased their division lead to four games over second place Arkansas with the win.

Though Midland got on the board first in the top of the first, the Wind Surge wiped the lead away with four runs in the home half of the first. Austin Martin picked up his first extra base hit for the Surge with a leadoff double to deep center field. Like last night, BJ Boyd drove Martin home with a line drive to left field. Boyd picked up his 43rd RBI to tie the game at one. Boyd later came around to score on an Andrew Bechtold sacrifice fly to right field to make it a 2-1 Wichita lead. Jermaine Palacios ended the inning with a two-run home run that narrowly stayed in fair territory. Palacios’ team-leading 14th long ball of the season capped a four run inning and handed a 4-1 advantage in favor of Wichita.

After the RockHounds cut into the lead with a Jonah Bride sacrifice fly in the top of the third, the Surge responded by building the lead back to three runs. Spencer Steer lead-off the inning with a no-doubt blast to left field. Steer’s 9th home run in a Wind Surge uniform put the Wichita advantage at 5-2.

Midland jumped out to a 6-5 lead in the fifth with four runs on three hits. Most of the damage came on a three-run home run by Edwin Diaz. The Surge tied the game back up at six late in the game in the bottom of the eighth. Austin Martin led off the inning by drawing a walk. Martin then stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Schwarz trying to catch Martin. Spencer Steer tied the game at 6 by plating Martin on a sacrifice fly to deep center field.

The Wind Surge completed the comeback in the ninth. With two outs in the inning, Leobaldo Cabrera started the rally with a walk. Aaron Whitefield then kept the line moving with a single to right field. Caleb Hamilton managed to load the bases next by drawing a tough 3-2 count walk. Austin Martin was the hero as he lifted a soft fly ball over the first baseman and into right field to cap a 7-6 Wichita win.

The series continues tonight at 7:05 p.m.

WICHITA, KS – The Wind Surge won their third straight game Wednesday with a walk-off single to complete a comeback 7-6 at Riverfront Stadium. Wichita increased their division lead to four games over second place Arkansas with the win.Though Midland got on the board first in the top of the first, the Wind Surge wiped the lead away with four runs in the home half of the first. Austin Martin picked up his first extra base hit for the Surge with a leadoff double to deep center field. Like last night, BJ Boyd drove Martin home with a line drive to left field. Boyd picked up his 43rd RBI to tie the game at one. Boyd later came around to score on an Andrew Bechtold sacrifice fly to right field to make it a 2-1 Wichita lead. Jermaine Palacios ended the inning with a two-run home run that narrowly stayed in fair territory. Palacios’ team-leading 14th long ball of the season capped a four run inning and handed a 4-1 advantage in favor of Wichita.After the RockHounds cut into the lead with a Jonah Bride sacrifice fly in the top of the third, the Surge responded by building the lead back to three runs. Spencer Steer lead-off the inning with a no-doubt blast to left field. Steer’s 9th home run in a Wind Surge uniform put the Wichita advantage at 5-2.Midland jumped out to a 6-5 lead in the fifth with four runs on three hits. Most of the damage came on a three-run home run by Edwin Diaz. The Surge tied the game back up at six late in the game in the bottom of the eighth. Austin Martin led off the inning by drawing a walk. Martin then stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Schwarz trying to catch Martin. Spencer Steer tied the game at 6 by plating Martin on a sacrifice fly to deep center field.The Wind Surge completed the comeback in the ninth. With two outs in the inning, Leobaldo Cabrera started the rally with a walk. Aaron Whitefield then kept the line moving with a single to right field. Caleb Hamilton managed to load the bases next by drawing a tough 3-2 count walk. Austin Martin was the hero as he lifted a soft fly ball over the first baseman and into right field to cap a 7-6 Wichita win.The series continues tonight at 7:05 p.m.

Surge win Wednesday over Midland

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dániel Sallói had a goal and an assist to help Sporting Kansas City beat Los Angeles FC 4-1 on Wednesday night. 

Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Luis Martins also scored for Kansas City. Sporting moved into a tie with Seattle atop the Western Conference standings with 33 points. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dániel Sallói had a goal and an assist to help Sporting Kansas City beat Los Angeles FC 4-1 on Wednesday night. Alan Pulido, Gadi Kinda and Luis Martins also scored for Kansas City. Sporting moved into a tie with Seattle atop the Western Conference standings with 33 points. Daniel Musovski scored for Los Angeles.

Sporting KC wins in LA Wednesday

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1. 

Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games. Royals starter Carlos Hernández yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago. 

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer and the Kansas City Royals went deep four times to beat the Chicago White Sox 9-1. Kansas City ended a four-game losing streak, while the AL Central-leading White Sox lost for the eighth time in 13 games. Royals starter Carlos Hernández yielded only two hits over five innings in beating the White Sox for the second time in seven days. Hernández has allowed six hits while striking out 10 in his last 11 innings against Chicago. Pérez launched his 27th homer in the third, tying his career high.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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