
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Three medical professionals from Hutchinson painted a bleak picture of the COVID-19 spread among residents during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. For now, they feel they have the capacity to handle the situation, but they don't want that to change.

With that information, the County Commission rescinded its own ordinance regarding mask-wearing, thus putting the governor’s mandate in place.&nbsp; Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti said that, while he is not one to make demands on the public, the rapidly increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 is forcing him to do so.

“The actions we take now are only going to see the ramifications three or four weeks down the road,” Baldetti said. “I think, as you’ve heard from everyone who spoke today, that certainly we’re trending in the wrong direction.”

Baldetti was joined by Dr. Rex Degner of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Dr. Regina Johnson of Prairie Star Health Center and Dr. Scott Pauly of the Hutchinson Clinic. All three talked about rapidly increasing numbers and the percentage of positive cases per tests is jumping above 10%. Pauly noted that the numbers currently in the county are now above where they were when schools and businesses were shut down.

“We are in a situation where we thought we didn’t want to be back in April, in May,” Pauly said. “To the point where the governor was closing schools, at the point, we were closing up shop, restaurants were closed. We do need to flatten the curve, but I think we’re at a more critical junction now than we were then.”

As far as the ability for the hospital to care for the increasing numbers, Degner says they are currently able to handle anything that comes their way at this time.

“We have a plan that is very scalable for a surge that we have developed,” Degner stressed. “We still feel we’ll be able to staff this up and scale this up should we need to.”&nbsp;

Degner says they also have enough PPE to keep them going at a constant 60 to 90 day supply.&nbsp;

Not all of the commission was in agreement with the mandate. During the discussion, Commissioner Ron Hirst questioned the ability to enforce the mandate and asked Sellers about not wearing a mask, which was met with a blunt response.

“I think you’re making a statement to the community about how you feel about the community to be quite blunt,” Sellers said. “If you don’t want the community to prosper, for kids to go to school in a month, don’t wear your mask.”

Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho also stressed that small businesses in the city are becoming concerned over the lack of mask-wearing as they want to protect both their business and their staff. 

Several others spoke out against the mandate saying it wasn’t necessary.

The vote was 2-1 with Commissioner Ron Hirst voting no.

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By
ROD ZOOK
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Three medical professionals from Hutchinson painted a bleak picture of the COVID-19 spread among residents during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. For now, they feel they have the capacity to handle the situation, but they don't want that to change.With that information, the County Commission rescinded its own ordinance regarding mask-wearing, thus putting the governor’s mandate in place.&nbsp; Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti said that, while he is not one to make demands on the public, the rapidly increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 is forcing him to do so.“The actions we take now are only going to see the ramifications three or four weeks down the road,” Baldetti said. “I think, as you’ve heard from everyone who spoke today, that certainly we’re trending in the wrong direction.”Baldetti was joined by Dr. Rex Degner of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Dr. Regina Johnson of Prairie Star Health Center and Dr. Scott Pauly of the Hutchinson Clinic. All three talked about rapidly increasing numbers and the percentage of positive cases per tests is jumping above 10%. Pauly noted that the numbers currently in the county are now above where they were when schools and businesses were shut down.“We are in a situation where we thought we didn’t want to be back in April, in May,” Pauly said. “To the point where the governor was closing schools, at the point, we were closing up shop, restaurants were closed. We do need to flatten the curve, but I think we’re at a more critical junction now than we were then.”As far as the ability for the hospital to care for the increasing numbers, Degner says they are currently able to handle anything that comes their way at this time.“We have a plan that is very scalable for a surge that we have developed,” Degner stressed. “We still feel we’ll be able to staff this up and scale this up should we need to.”&nbsp;Degner says they also have enough PPE to keep them going at a constant 60 to 90 day supply.&nbsp;Not all of the commission was in agreement with the mandate. During the discussion, Commissioner Ron Hirst questioned the ability to enforce the mandate and asked Sellers about not wearing a mask, which was met with a blunt response.“I think you’re making a statement to the community about how you feel about the community to be quite blunt,” Sellers said. “If you don’t want the community to prosper, for kids to go to school in a month, don’t wear your mask.”Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho also stressed that small businesses in the city are becoming concerned over the lack of mask-wearing as they want to protect both their business and their staff. Several others spoke out against the mandate saying it wasn’t necessary.The vote was 2-1 with Commissioner Ron Hirst voting no.

With numbers surging, Reno County Commission goes with state mask order

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

Recent obituaries

NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission also rescinded their mask order and went with the state mandate during their meeting on Tuesday.

Face masks will now be required throughout Harvey County beginning Wednesday, July 15 at 12:01 a.m. after the Commission unanimously voted to implement a county-wide order.

The Commission previously rescinded Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-52 at a special meeting July 2. The Commission agreed at that time to review the decision over the coming weeks.

The order requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained at all times.

The order allows for some exceptions, such as children 5 years old and younger, individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face cover. There are no criminal or financial penalties included in the order.

The County remains in the Phase Out guidance of its Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. The plan does not limit mass gathering size. However, social distancing and hygiene protocols are encouraged.

Harvey County has had 95 COVID-19 cases to date, including 91 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 41 known active cases in Harvey County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584475841056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission also rescinded their mask order and went with the state mandate during their meeting on Tuesday.Face masks will now be required throughout Harvey County beginning Wednesday, July 15 at 12:01 a.m. after the Commission unanimously voted to implement a county-wide order.The Commission previously rescinded Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-52 at a special meeting July 2. The Commission agreed at that time to review the decision over the coming weeks.The order requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained at all times.The order allows for some exceptions, such as children 5 years old and younger, individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face cover. There are no criminal or financial penalties included in the order.The County remains in the Phase Out guidance of its Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. The plan does not limit mass gathering size. However, social distancing and hygiene protocols are encouraged.Harvey County has had 95 COVID-19 cases to date, including 91 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 41 known active cases in Harvey County.

Harvey Co. goes with state mask mandate


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Deputy Election Officer Jenna Fager notes that advance voting starts Wednesday at the Reno County Annex.

"Our normal hours will be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.," Fager said Tuesday. "Tomorrow, we will be open until 7 p.m. We'll be open until 7 p.m. on every Wednesday up until the election."

There will also be voting on Saturdays at the annex from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"It's a partisan primary," Fager said. "If you're Republican, you can participate, if you're a Democrat, you can participate. If you're unaffiliated, you will be required to affiliate at the polls and you can do that when you go in to vote."

If you haven't registered to vote, Tuesday is the deadline.

"They will need to have that registration completed," Fager said. "They just need to be 18 by the day of election."

Absentee ballots will begin being mailed out Wednesday.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Deputy Election Officer Jenna Fager notes that advance voting starts Wednesday at the Reno County Annex."Our normal hours will be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.," Fager said Tuesday. "Tomorrow, we will be open until 7 p.m. We'll be open until 7 p.m. on every Wednesday up until the election."There will also be voting on Saturdays at the annex from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m."It's a partisan primary," Fager said. "If you're Republican, you can participate, if you're a Democrat, you can participate. If you're unaffiliated, you will be required to affiliate at the polls and you can do that when you go in to vote."If you haven't registered to vote, Tuesday is the deadline."They will need to have that registration completed," Fager said. "They just need to be 18 by the day of election."Absentee ballots will begin being mailed out Wednesday.

Advance voting starts Wednesday in Reno County

NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed the death of a Harvey County resident attributed to COVID-19.

The resident, a man in his 70s, had been hospitalized with COVID-19. He died Saturday.

This is the third death of a Harvey County resident with COVID-19. A female in her 30s died April 9. Her cause of death was defined as acute leukemia. 

A female in her 50s died April 6. She was determined probable for COVID-19 because the case met clinical criteria with a presumptive-positive lab test for blood work, but was negative in nasal swab testing for an active COVID-19 virus.

Additionally, the Health Department has confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:

· A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.

· A female in her 20s. She is a close contact of a known active case.

· A female between 10-and-19 years old. This case is under investigation.

· A male in his 60s. He is hospitalized. This case is under investigation.

· A male in his 60s. This case is under investigation.

· A male in his 50s. He is a close contact of a known active case. He has already met recovery criteria.

· A male in his 40s. He is a close contact of a known active case.

· A male in his 30s. He is a close contact of a known active case.

· A male in his 20s. He is a close contact of a known active case.

· A male between 10-and-19 years old. His source of exposure is unknown.

Thirteen of the individuals are in home isolation.

Harvey County has had 95 COVID-19 cases to date, including 91 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 41 known active cases in Harvey County. Two individuals are hospitalized. There have been 2,529 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593790914635.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON,
Kan. — 
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed the death of a Harvey County resident attributed to COVID-19.The resident, a man in his 70s, had been hospitalized with COVID-19. He died Saturday.This is the third death of a Harvey County resident with COVID-19. A female in her 30s died April 9. Her cause of death was defined as acute leukemia. A female in her 50s died April 6. She was determined probable for COVID-19 because the case met clinical criteria with a presumptive-positive lab test for blood work, but was negative in nasal swab testing for an active COVID-19 virus.Additionally, the Health Department has confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:· A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.· A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.· A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.· A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.· A female in her 20s. She is a close contact of a known active case.· A female between 10-and-19 years old. This case is under investigation.· A female between 10-and-19 years old. This case is under investigation.· A male in his 60s. He is hospitalized. This case is under investigation.· A male in his 60s. This case is under investigation.· A male in his 50s. He is a close contact of a known active case. He has already met recovery criteria.· A male in his 40s. He is a close contact of a known active case.· A male in his 30s. He is a close contact of a known active case.· A male in his 20s. He is a close contact of a known active case.· A male between 10-and-19 years old. His source of exposure is unknown.Thirteen of the individuals are in home isolation.Harvey County has had 95 COVID-19 cases to date, including 91 confirmed and four probable cases. There are 41 known active cases in Harvey County. Two individuals are hospitalized. There have been 2,529 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.

Harvey County confirms COVID-19 death, 14 new cases


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A fundraiser is taking place this weekend for the Reno County Veterans Memorial.

"It's a memorial out at the K96 and K61 intersection in South Hutchinson," said Kelly Danyluk, President of the Reno County Veteran's Memorial. "It's going to honor our veterans of Reno County that have served in the military from the Civil War through today, during peacetime or during wartime. We have compiled about somewhere between 14,000 and 15,000 names of Reno County veterans. We're in the process right now of putting names on granite and hopefully we'll have the granite walls hung sometime prior to October."

The fundraiser is a poker run presented by Bretz &amp; Young Injury Lawyers.

"We saw it in the news, or heard it in the news a few months ago, that they were in the final stages of the veteran's memorial and needed to raise funds for the panels that listed all the veterans names," said Matt Bretz. "It seemed like a good project to do. We're just excited to be able to do it and to be able to ride motorcycles at the same time. It's like a win-win situation."

The poker run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Bretz &amp; Young at 3 Compound Drive, with stand up at 9 a.m. 

"An entry fee will be $25," Bretz said. "They can play more than one hand if they want. They'll go to several different sites in Reno County and down into Kingman as well, and at each place collect a card and then the person who collects the best hand is the winner."

Stops are at Ray Ray's Cycle in Buhler, Bobz Bikez in Kingman, Cara's Cafe and Pizzeria in Arlington, at the memorial and at Salty Cycles in Hutchinson. Half of the money raised will go to the memorial, with the winner getting 30% and the second best hand getting 20%. If there would be a tie, the winner would be determined by the time turned in.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A fundraiser is taking place this weekend for the Reno County Veterans Memorial."It's a memorial out at the K96 and K61 intersection in South Hutchinson," said Kelly Danyluk, President of the Reno County Veteran's Memorial. "It's going to honor our veterans of Reno County that have served in the military from the Civil War through today, during peacetime or during wartime. We have compiled about somewhere between 14,000 and 15,000 names of Reno County veterans. We're in the process right now of putting names on granite and hopefully we'll have the granite walls hung sometime prior to October."The fundraiser is a poker run presented by Bretz &amp; Young Injury Lawyers."We saw it in the news, or heard it in the news a few months ago, that they were in the final stages of the veteran's memorial and needed to raise funds for the panels that listed all the veterans names," said Matt Bretz. "It seemed like a good project to do. We're just excited to be able to do it and to be able to ride motorcycles at the same time. It's like a win-win situation."The poker run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Bretz &amp; Young at 3 Compound Drive, with stand up at 9 a.m. "An entry fee will be $25," Bretz said. "They can play more than one hand if they want. They'll go to several different sites in Reno County and down into Kingman as well, and at each place collect a card and then the person who collects the best hand is the winner."Stops are at Ray Ray's Cycle in Buhler, Bobz Bikez in Kingman, Cara's Cafe and Pizzeria in Arlington, at the memorial and at Salty Cycles in Hutchinson. Half of the money raised will go to the memorial, with the winner getting 30% and the second best hand getting 20%. If there would be a tie, the winner would be determined by the time turned in.

Saturday Poker Run to benefit Reno County Veterans Memorial

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c3eff946-f9de-4642-a938-05ad0d13f941">When the Kansas State Fair board canceled this year’s fair on Monday</a>, officials began work to put together a special livestock show in its place. On Monday afternoon, the fair announced just that.&nbsp;

While there will not be a 2020 Kansas State Fair, the fair will have 4-H and FFA youth livestock competitions, plus open class livestock exhibitions in September. The board is also considering having youth static competitions. The board will reconvene Aug. 4 to gather more information.

Livestock events begin Thursday, Sept. 3, and continue for three weekends, ending Sunday, Sept. 20. Event rules will be modified.

Grand Drive: FFA and 4-H youth from across the state compete to be the best of the best in this premier Kansas livestock competition. The Grand Drive is Sept. 11-13 and features the market beef, sheep, swine and goat shows. These shows are closed to outside spectators but can be viewed on Walton Webcasting. The event is sponsored by Midwest Ford and other great partners.

Deadline to enter the Grand Drive is July 15.

Champion Livestock Show: The Kansas State Fair is partnering with Special Olympics Kansas to introduce a new event: the Champion Livestock Show. The competition takes place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.

Ten athletes will be selected by Special Olympics and paired with 4-H or FFA members to show a meat goat. The athletes will have time to work with their mentor and animal the morning of the event. Open Range Trailer Sales and Services and Cimarron Trailers is the event sponsor. Key Apparel will provide T-shirts for participating competitors and mentor exhibitors. This show is closed to outside spectators but can be viewed on Walton Webcasting.

Mustang Days: Youth train untamed yearlings in the Mustang Beginnings Youth Challenge. They work to gentle the Bureau of Land Management wild horses over the summer then demonstrate their training skills. The event is Sept. 12-13.

Supreme Drive: The Supreme Drive recognizes the best bull and female of each breed in the open beef shows. The event is Sept. 19.

4-H Horse Show: This annual event will occur Sept. 17-20.

Many of these events will happen this year thanks to the fair’s great partnership with 4-H and FFA and these organizations’ staff and volunteers. This includes the fair’s Grand Drive event.

All shows will be closed to the public to help create a safe event. Entry deadline is July 15 for the 4-H/FFA Grand Drive and Aug. 15 for all open livestock shows.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594650625292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/c3eff946-f9de-4642-a938-05ad0d13f941">When the Kansas State Fair board canceled this year’s fair on Monday</a>, officials began work to put together a special livestock show in its place. On Monday afternoon, the fair announced just that.&nbsp;While there will not be a 2020 Kansas State Fair, the fair will have 4-H and FFA youth livestock competitions, plus open class livestock exhibitions in September. The board is also considering having youth static competitions. The board will reconvene Aug. 4 to gather more information.Livestock events begin Thursday, Sept. 3, and continue for three weekends, ending Sunday, Sept. 20. Event rules will be modified.Competitions include:Grand Drive: FFA and 4-H youth from across the state compete to be the best of the best in this premier Kansas livestock competition. The Grand Drive is Sept. 11-13 and features the market beef, sheep, swine and goat shows. These shows are closed to outside spectators but can be viewed on Walton Webcasting. The event is sponsored by Midwest Ford and other great partners.Deadline to enter the Grand Drive is July 15.Champion Livestock Show: The Kansas State Fair is partnering with Special Olympics Kansas to introduce a new event: the Champion Livestock Show. The competition takes place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.Ten athletes will be selected by Special Olympics and paired with 4-H or FFA members to show a meat goat. The athletes will have time to work with their mentor and animal the morning of the event. Open Range Trailer Sales and Services and Cimarron Trailers is the event sponsor. Key Apparel will provide T-shirts for participating competitors and mentor exhibitors. This show is closed to outside spectators but can be viewed on Walton Webcasting.Mustang Days: Youth train untamed yearlings in the Mustang Beginnings Youth Challenge. They work to gentle the Bureau of Land Management wild horses over the summer then demonstrate their training skills. The event is Sept. 12-13.Supreme Drive: The Supreme Drive recognizes the best bull and female of each breed in the open beef shows. The event is Sept. 19.4-H Horse Show: This annual event will occur Sept. 17-20.Many of these events will happen this year thanks to the fair’s great partnership with 4-H and FFA and these organizations’ staff and volunteers. This includes the fair’s Grand Drive event.All shows will be closed to the public to help create a safe event. Entry deadline is July 15 for the 4-H/FFA Grand Drive and Aug. 15 for all open livestock shows.

Fair announces livestock competition in September

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will continue work on the 2021 budget Wednesday. The meeting will go over a long list of cuts that could be part of next year’s budget.

“We anticipate delivering sufficient budget cuts to get the budget to where the governing body anticipated it being,” City Manager Jeff Cantrell said. “So that’s going to involve some project cuts, some positions remaining vacant, and some decision packages that come along with that.”

Wednesday’s meeting begins at 3 p.m. but the Hutchinson City Offices will be closed to the public. The meeting can be viewed on the city <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonks/">Facebook page</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CityOfHutchinson">YouTube</a> or the city cable channel 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594149629780.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will continue work on the 2021 budget Wednesday. The meeting will go over a long list of cuts that could be part of next year’s budget.“We anticipate delivering sufficient budget cuts to get the budget to where the governing body anticipated it being,” City Manager Jeff Cantrell said. “So that’s going to involve some project cuts, some positions remaining vacant, and some decision packages that come along with that.”Wednesday’s meeting begins at 3 p.m. but the Hutchinson City Offices will be closed to the public. The meeting can be viewed on the city <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonks/">Facebook page</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CityOfHutchinson">YouTube</a> or the city cable channel 7.

City Council to hold budget meeting Wednesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Valarie Gibson-Smith was elected president of the USD 308 Board of Education for the 2020-21 school term during the annual organizational meeting of the body Monday evening at the MidTown Center. Anette Roberson was elected vice president.

Monday’s meeting took care of legal but largely routine business to start the school term.

The Board made several annual appointments during the meeting.

Treasurer: Julie Stucky Assistant Treasurer: Cindy Meier Clerk: Molly Carson Deputy Clerk: Ray Hemman KPERS Representatives: Julie Stucky, Agent; Jamie Brown, Alternate Agent; Mindy Williams, Alternate Agent 504 Coordinator: Krystal Young Food Service Representative: Jennifer Tatro Hearing Officers for Free- and Reduced-Price Meal Application Appeal: Randy Norwood, Julie Stucky Director of Head Start Program: Tamme Buller Custodians of the Activity Funds: Principals Designation of Bank Depositories: RCB Bank, Simmons Bank, First National Bank and Trust, Commerce Bank, Municipal Investment Pool, Fidelity Bank, First Bank 403(b) Plan Administrator: Julie Stucky Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Treasurer (2) and Assistant Treasurer Bonds: Public Official Bond of $100,000 each Authorization for the Deposit of Interest Money from Funds to Appropriate Special Funds: Treasurer Truancy Officer: Rick Kraus, Building Principals Building Truancy Reporter: Building Principals Title VI, VII and IX Coordinator: Rick Kraus Auditor of Record: Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk &amp; Lloyd, LLC Plan 125 Benefits Agent of Record: American Fidelity Official Newspaper: The Hutchinson News Freedom of Information Officer: Ray Hemman Privacy Officer: Ray Hemman Coordinator for Homeless Children: Rhonda Trimble Director of Educational Federal Programs: Rhonda Trimble

Left Board membership the same on various community and regional groups with the goal of reviewing which agencies needed formal Board membership on them.

Approved minutes of the June 22, 2020 meeting.

Reviewed on first reading district policies on facility expansion, instructional programs, general public relations and relations with other education agencies.

Approved a Technology Committee recommendation to add a $25 technology fee for K-12 students as the district moves to a one-to-one laptop or tablet program for students. This technology fee will not be waived for students on free and reduced meals.

Approved the hourly option for the district calendar. Under state law, the district must have school 1,116 or more hours each year. The previously approved 2020-21 calendar was developed around the hour option.

Set regular Board meetings for 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month with an optional meeting on the fourth Monday of each month unless those dates conflict with holidays. As a practical point, the Board routinely meets on the fourth Monday of each month.

Approved a list of recommended USD 308 activity funds to be established. And adopted internal accounting control procedures.

Approved the destruction of certain district records in accordance with state laws.

Approved an early payment request policy to allow certain payments be made prior to Board meetings if making those payments will avoid late fees or allow the district to receive a discount for early payment.

Authorized the district to participate in the Municipal Investment Pool.

Approved the annual resolution related to Home Rule.

Waived the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for fiscal year 2020-21. This is a routine procedure for most schools and other governmental bodies in Kansas.

Set petty cash limits for district schools, Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy and the Administration Center.

Approved the district’s organizational chart for 2020-21.

Approved alternative learning programs for the district, including the MidTown Center’s new programming for high school-aged students and adults.

Approved requests for proposals from Dragonslayer to provide the district with portable fire extinguishers and Allen for fire suppression equipment.

Approved designating Martindell Swearer Shaffer Ridenour LLP to provide legal counsel for the district for 2020-21.

Approved district and school handbooks for 2020-21.

Approved transferring $19,912 from non-federal funds to the district’s foodservice account to avoid raising student meals prices for the coming school year.

Approved milk bids from Hiland Dairy, the only company to submit bids for 2020-21.

Approved the Head Start/Horizons memorandum of understanding for programming.

Approved the Head Start/ABC Counseling memorandum of understanding for services.

Approved the Accounts Payable Report for June 2020.

Held an executive Session for non-elected personnel.

The Board formally approved the following personnel changes.

Kara Toney, Art Teacher, Graber/Faris/Lincoln, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Rachel Mudloff, Social Worker, HMS-7/HMS-8, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Misti Kuhn, School Counselor, Faris, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Madisyn Pinkston, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Kelsey Hensley, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Wendy Morland, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Kristi O'Gorman, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Kaci Brown, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Dalton Shealy, Parent Educator, Avenue A, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Kelly Jessica Smith, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective end of the 2019-20 school year

Jeanne Allen, Head Baker, Hutchinson Middle School – 8, effective end of the 2019-20 school year

Deangela Sno Thiemann, Assistant Fruits and Vegetables, Hutchinson Middle School – 7, effective June 26, 2020

Regina Fairbank, Social Worker, HMS-7/HMS-8, effective June 30, 2020

Amy Schmidt from Speech Language Itinerant Para at Morgan to Speech Language Pathologist at Morgan, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Shelly Meyer from Family Educator to Early Head Start Coach, effective July 1, 2020

Cyndi James, from Lunch Aide at Head Start to Head Start Teacher Assistant Substitute, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

Heidi Eschleman, CSS Teacher to CSS Para Interventionist, effective start of the 2020-21 school year

The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2020.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Valarie Gibson-Smith was elected president of the USD 308 Board of Education for the 2020-21 school term during the annual organizational meeting of the body Monday evening at the MidTown Center. Anette Roberson was elected vice president.Monday’s meeting took care of legal but largely routine business to start the school term.The Board made several annual appointments during the meeting.Treasurer: Julie Stucky Assistant Treasurer: Cindy Meier Clerk: Molly Carson Deputy Clerk: Ray Hemman KPERS Representatives: Julie Stucky, Agent; Jamie Brown, Alternate Agent; Mindy Williams, Alternate Agent 504 Coordinator: Krystal Young Food Service Representative: Jennifer Tatro Hearing Officers for Free- and Reduced-Price Meal Application Appeal: Randy Norwood, Julie Stucky Director of Head Start Program: Tamme Buller Custodians of the Activity Funds: Principals Designation of Bank Depositories: RCB Bank, Simmons Bank, First National Bank and Trust, Commerce Bank, Municipal Investment Pool, Fidelity Bank, First Bank 403(b) Plan Administrator: Julie Stucky Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Treasurer (2) and Assistant Treasurer Bonds: Public Official Bond of $100,000 each Authorization for the Deposit of Interest Money from Funds to Appropriate Special Funds: Treasurer Truancy Officer: Rick Kraus, Building Principals Building Truancy Reporter: Building Principals Title VI, VII and IX Coordinator: Rick Kraus Auditor of Record: Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk &amp; Lloyd, LLC Plan 125 Benefits Agent of Record: American Fidelity Official Newspaper: The Hutchinson News Freedom of Information Officer: Ray Hemman Privacy Officer: Ray Hemman Coordinator for Homeless Children: Rhonda Trimble Director of Educational Federal Programs: Rhonda Trimble Left Board membership the same on various community and regional groups with the goal of reviewing which agencies needed formal Board membership on them.In other action, the Board:Approved minutes of the June 22, 2020 meeting.Reviewed on first reading district policies on facility expansion, instructional programs, general public relations and relations with other education agencies.Approved a Technology Committee recommendation to add a $25 technology fee for K-12 students as the district moves to a one-to-one laptop or tablet program for students. This technology fee will not be waived for students on free and reduced meals.Approved the hourly option for the district calendar. Under state law, the district must have school 1,116 or more hours each year. The previously approved 2020-21 calendar was developed around the hour option.Set regular Board meetings for 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month with an optional meeting on the fourth Monday of each month unless those dates conflict with holidays. As a practical point, the Board routinely meets on the fourth Monday of each month.Approved a list of recommended USD 308 activity funds to be established. And adopted internal accounting control procedures.Approved the destruction of certain district records in accordance with state laws.Approved an early payment request policy to allow certain payments be made prior to Board meetings if making those payments will avoid late fees or allow the district to receive a discount for early payment.Authorized the district to participate in the Municipal Investment Pool.Approved the annual resolution related to Home Rule.Waived the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for fiscal year 2020-21. This is a routine procedure for most schools and other governmental bodies in Kansas.Set petty cash limits for district schools, Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy and the Administration Center.Approved submitted job descriptions.Approved the district’s organizational chart for 2020-21.Approved alternative learning programs for the district, including the MidTown Center’s new programming for high school-aged students and adults.Approved requests for proposals from Dragonslayer to provide the district with portable fire extinguishers and Allen for fire suppression equipment.Approved designating Martindell Swearer Shaffer Ridenour LLP to provide legal counsel for the district for 2020-21.Approved district and school handbooks for 2020-21.Approved transferring $19,912 from non-federal funds to the district’s foodservice account to avoid raising student meals prices for the coming school year.Approved milk bids from Hiland Dairy, the only company to submit bids for 2020-21.Approved the Head Start/Horizons memorandum of understanding for programming.Approved the Head Start/ABC Counseling memorandum of understanding for services.Approved the Accounts Payable Report for June 2020.Held an executive Session for non-elected personnel.Personnel ReportThe Board formally approved the following personnel changes.HiredKara Toney, Art Teacher, Graber/Faris/Lincoln, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearRachel Mudloff, Social Worker, HMS-7/HMS-8, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearMisti Kuhn, School Counselor, Faris, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearMadisyn Pinkston, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearKelsey Hensley, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearWendy Morland, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearKristi O'Gorman, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearKaci Brown, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearDalton Shealy, Parent Educator, Avenue A, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearResignationsKelly Jessica Smith, Teacher Assistant, Hutcherson Center, effective end of the 2019-20 school yearJeanne Allen, Head Baker, Hutchinson Middle School – 8, effective end of the 2019-20 school yearDeangela Sno Thiemann, Assistant Fruits and Vegetables, Hutchinson Middle School – 7, effective June 26, 2020Release from ContractRegina Fairbank, Social Worker, HMS-7/HMS-8, effective June 30, 2020Position ChangesAmy Schmidt from Speech Language Itinerant Para at Morgan to Speech Language Pathologist at Morgan, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearShelly Meyer from Family Educator to Early Head Start Coach, effective July 1, 2020Cyndi James, from Lunch Aide at Head Start to Head Start Teacher Assistant Substitute, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearHeidi Eschleman, CSS Teacher to CSS Para Interventionist, effective start of the 2020-21 school yearNext MeetingThe next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2020.

USD 308 completes routine housekeeping for new fiscal year Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first official Kansas State Fair was held in Hutchinson in 1913. This will be the first time in its history that the fair has not happened.

As soon as word became official, the fair got to work on rescheduling acts and getting refunds out to those patrons who already purchased tickets.

The fair announced Monday that all gate admission tickets, packages and food tickets already purchased will be valid for the 2021 Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

Staff is currently working to reschedule the 2020 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand lineup. If rescheduled, those tickets will also be honored at next year’s fair. How to obtain refunds will be announced soon.&nbsp;

The fair contributes an estimated $74.6 million to the Kansas economy annually, according to a 2018 report by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The economic impact in the fair’s 60-mile radius is more than $40 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594652217162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The first official Kansas State Fair was held in Hutchinson in 1913. This will be the first time in its history that the fair has not happened.As soon as word became official, the fair got to work on rescheduling acts and getting refunds out to those patrons who already purchased tickets.The fair announced Monday that all gate admission tickets, packages and food tickets already purchased will be valid for the 2021 Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;Staff is currently working to reschedule the 2020 Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand lineup. If rescheduled, those tickets will also be honored at next year’s fair. How to obtain refunds will be announced soon.&nbsp;The fair contributes an estimated $74.6 million to the Kansas economy annually, according to a 2018 report by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The economic impact in the fair’s 60-mile radius is more than $40 million.

Fair rescheduling acts and honoring tickets for next year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police Lt. Dayton Gates has been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past three years.

Now he’s pushing to get other officers to be a part of the Bigs in Blue initiative. The program is part of a nationwide effort.

“This is a program that was established in 2016 . . . through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America,” Big Brothers Big Sisters area manager Denise Brodsky said. “Other regions around the country have implemented this program. We’ve had this since 2017.”

Gates says that now more than ever it is important for officers to connect with youth to foster a positive relationship.&nbsp;

“If they don’t have contact with law enforcement at all, they’re influenced by maybe a family member, maybe a parent that was arrested . . . and that’s the only insight they have to law enforcement,” Gates said. “This is a very good program to where, not only would we change that child’s perception of us, but even his friends and his family.”

Gates has been able to get five officers to sign on for the Bigs in Blue program.

Brodsky says a meeting is set for July 23 to provide information to anyone who might be willing to be a "Big" to someone in Reno County.

“It’s really designed to give you further information, a deeper look into what we do, what the process is to become a 'Big,'” Brodsky said. “It’s designed to just give you some really strong information that you can take with you and then follow up afterward.”

The meeting can be attended in person or by Zoom and begins at noon at Clayworks in Hutchinson. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594670372936.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police Lt. Dayton Gates has been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past three years.Now he’s pushing to get other officers to be a part of the Bigs in Blue initiative. The program is part of a nationwide effort.“This is a program that was established in 2016 . . . through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America,” Big Brothers Big Sisters area manager Denise Brodsky said. “Other regions around the country have implemented this program. We’ve had this since 2017.”Gates says that now more than ever it is important for officers to connect with youth to foster a positive relationship.&nbsp;“If they don’t have contact with law enforcement at all, they’re influenced by maybe a family member, maybe a parent that was arrested . . . and that’s the only insight they have to law enforcement,” Gates said. “This is a very good program to where, not only would we change that child’s perception of us, but even his friends and his family.”Gates has been able to get five officers to sign on for the Bigs in Blue program.Brodsky says a meeting is set for July 23 to provide information to anyone who might be willing to be a "Big" to someone in Reno County.“It’s really designed to give you further information, a deeper look into what we do, what the process is to become a 'Big,'” Brodsky said. “It’s designed to just give you some really strong information that you can take with you and then follow up afterward.”The meeting can be attended in person or by Zoom and begins at noon at Clayworks in Hutchinson.

Bigs in Blue initiative hoping to expand within HPD

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Tuesday

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

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Hard-throwing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks has opted out of playing this season, citing pre-existing health concerns. The 23-year-old Hicks was diagnosed in high school as having Type 1 diabetes. Hicks, who routinely throws over 100 mph, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on June 26, 2019. The right-hander's availability for this season was uncertain. Hicks had been taking part in workouts at Busch Stadium, leading up to the Cardinals' opener on July 24 at home against Pittsburgh.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Mike Matheny will get to see his old ballclub sooner than he expected now that Kansas City is scheduled to play the St. Louis Cardinals in an exhibition game at Busch Stadium next week. The Royals also will play two games against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium before opening their 60-game season July 24 against the Indians in Cleveland. Matheny is in his first season in charge of the Royals after taking over for the retired Ned Yost. He spent last year as a special assistant with the organization.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Now that the Washington Redskins have dropped their nickname, the spotlight has moved to other sports franchises under pressure to make changes amid a nationwide movement calling for racial justice. The NFL team said it is retiring its nickname, which had been in place since 1933. Several sponsors threatened to end partnerships if the team didn't change. The Cleveland Indians seem to be the next pro team in line for change. They are in preliminary discussions about a new name. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks said they have no plans to change their names or logos.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Longtime basketball coach Craig Robinson has been hired as executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Robinson, the brother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has spent time in both the college and professional ranks. He will take over for Jim Haney, who has held the influential position for the past 29 years. Robinson has been the vice president of player development for the New York Knicks for the past three years. That job included the title of general manager of the G League's Westchester Knicks.

CHICAGO (AP) — Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 12th in one of the most intriguing dates on the shortened major league schedule. The New York Yankees visit the World Series champion Washington Nationals on opening day, and the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Chicago White Sox next month at the site in eastern Iowa where the movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed. The Astros will be closely watched this season after they were punished by Major League Baseball for their sign-stealing scheme in their run to the 2017 World Series title.

Washington NFL team dropping 'Redskins' name after 87 years

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington NFL team is shedding the "Redskins" name effective immediately. 

The change comes less than two weeks after owner Dan Snyder launched an organizational review amid pressure from sponsors to make a change. FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all lined up against the name, which was given to the franchise in 1933 when the team was still based in Boston.

A new name for one of football's oldest franchises must still be selected and it's unclear how soon that will happen. Native American experts and advocates have long protested the name they call a "dictionary-defined racial slur." 

More than a dozen Native leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington's use of the name.

Goodell, who has fielded questions on the topic for years, said he supported the review. 

Braves say they won't change name but studying chop chant

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves say they have no plans to follow the lead of the NFL's Washington Redskins and change their team name. 

The tomahawk chop chant used by Braves fans is under review, however. The team said in the letter it is seeking input from the Native American community, fans, players and former players as it examines the fan experience, including the chant. The Redskins announced Monday they will change their name and Indian head logo.

The Braves say they have established a "cultural working relationship" with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina and formed a Native American Working Group. 

The name came with the team on its move from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966. The name was adopted in 1912, when the team was based in Boston.

Major league teams try to ramp up the competition in camp

UNDATED (AP) — Major league teams are working out in mostly empty ballparks, mindful the long-awaited start to the season is barely a week away and fans won't be coming. 

So teams are trying as best they can to ramp up the competitiveness of summer camps conducted in isolation. Several teams announced upcoming exhibition games, including Houston at Kansas City, Kansas City at St. Louis, and Cleveland against Pittsburgh. The Milwaukee Brewers will play intrasquad games for several nights starting Tuesday and are dubbing them the Blue and Gold World Series, a nod to manager Craig Counsell's alma mater, Notre Dame. 

— Charlie Blackmon has returned to the Colorado Rockies after recovering from the coronavirus. The All-Star outfielder was the first major league player known to have contracted COVID-19. Blackmon says he's trying to regain his physical fitness and hopes to be ready for the start of the pandemic-delayed season July 24. Blackmon says he was fortunate not to get too sick from the virus. He says he was only ill for 36 hours and it wasn't as bad as the flu he came down with a couple of years ago. 

— Hard-throwing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks has opted out of playing this season, citing pre-existing health concerns. The 23-year-old Hicks was diagnosed in high school as having Type 1 diabetes. Hicks, who routinely throws over 100 mph, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on June 26, 2019. The right-hander's availability for this season was uncertain. Hicks had been taking part in workouts at Busch Stadium, leading up to the Cardinals' opener on July 24 at home against Pittsburgh.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets says he has tested positive for coronavirus, and that he plans to eventually join his team at the restart of the NBA season. 

Westbrook made the revelation Monday on social media. 

As recently as Sunday, the Rockets believed that Westbrook and James Harden — neither of whom traveled with the team to Walt Disney World near Orlando last week — would be with the team in the next few days. In Westbrook's case, that now seems most unlikely.

WNBA MVP Delle Donne says league denied her medical waiver

NEW YORK (AP) — Elena Delle Donne's request to be medically excused from the WNBA season has been denied, according to the league's reigning MVP.

The Washington Mystics star said in a statement Monday that the independent panel of doctors the league and union agreed upon to decide whether players should be medically excused deemed her not to be "high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble." Had Delle Donne been medically excused, she would have earned her entire salary for the season. Now, if she chooses not to play, the defending WNBA champion Mystics wouldn't have to pay her.

Delle Donne has battled Lyme disease since 2008. The disease is not included on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of underlying conditions that could put someone at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Delle Donne's new teammate Tina Charles also was waiting for a decision from the medical panel. If both players miss the season, the Mystics would be down to 10 players on the roster.

Lions sign 1st-round pick Okudah, Swift, Cephus, Huntley'

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed first-round pick Jeff Okudah.

The Lions also announced Monday that they signed second-round selection D'Andre Swift along with fifth-round picks Quintez Cephus and Jason Huntley.

Detroit drafted Okudah, a former Ohio State standout, with third overall pick and made him the highest-drafted cornerback since Shawn Springs was selected from the same school by Seattle in 1997. The Lions are hoping he becomes a game-changing talent to help a defense that ranked No. 31 in the league last season.

Lakers G Rajon Rondo breaks thumb in practice, out 6-8 weeks

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rajon Rondo has broken his right thumb in practice with the Los Angeles Lakers in Orlando. 

The veteran point guard will be out for six to eight weeks. 

Rondo has been a key backup during his second season with the Lakers, who signed him shortly after adding LeBron James to the roster in July 2018. Rondo is averaging 7.1 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 48 appearances this season, including three starts. He has been a regular presence on the floor late in close games, with coach Frank Vogel trusting his veteran leadership and playmaking.

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL says 43 players tested positive for the coronavirus from June 8 through the end of the league's optional workouts.

That number announced Monday includes 30 who tested positive at team facilities and 13 the league is aware of who tested positive outside the league's protocols for its Phase 2.

The NHL opened Phase 3 Monday with the start of training camps for the 24-team playoffs, scheduled to open in two hub Canadian cities — Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta — on Aug. 1. Players had until Monday evening to elect to opt out of competition without penalty.

All players who tested positive self-isolated. The NHL is not sharing names of the players who test positive or the teams involved.

UNDATED (AP) — Southeastern Conference athletic directors met in person Monday at league headquarters in Alabama to discuss the prospects for a football season with COVID-19 cases spiking throughout much of the South.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement afterward that it's "clear that current circumstances related to COVID-19 must improve." The Big Ten and Pac-12 have said they would only play conference schedules this fall in football and other sports. Sankey said SEC leaders "believe that late July will provide the best clarity for making the important decisions ahead of us." The group met in the large Kramer-Moore Conference room to allow for social distancing. Other groups and individuals participated by videoconference.

Among topics discussed were possible scheduling options for holding athletic competition this fall, along with game management at events.

—The Patriot League has joined the Ivy League and called off fall sports because of the pandemic. The league's 10 Division I schools will not compete this fall in football, soccer and women's volleyball. The Ivy League announced a similar decision last week. 

NFL comes up with face shields for helmets

UNDATED (AP) — With NFL training camps set to start at the end of the month, the league believes it is one step closer to addressing player safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. It has come up with face shields for the players' helmets. 

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Hard-throwing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks has opted out of playing this season, citing pre-existing health concerns. The 23-year-old Hicks was diagnosed in high school as having Type 1 diabetes. Hicks, who routinely throws over 100 mph, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on June 26, 2019. The right-hander's availability for this season was uncertain. Hicks had been taking part in workouts at Busch Stadium, leading up to the Cardinals' opener on July 24 at home against Pittsburgh.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Mike Matheny will get to see his old ballclub sooner than he expected now that Kansas City is scheduled to play the St. Louis Cardinals in an exhibition game at Busch Stadium next week. The Royals also will play two games against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium before opening their 60-game season July 24 against the Indians in Cleveland. Matheny is in his first season in charge of the Royals after taking over for the retired Ned Yost. He spent last year as a special assistant with the organization.CLEVELAND (AP) — Now that the Washington Redskins have dropped their nickname, the spotlight has moved to other sports franchises under pressure to make changes amid a nationwide movement calling for racial justice. The NFL team said it is retiring its nickname, which had been in place since 1933. Several sponsors threatened to end partnerships if the team didn't change. The Cleveland Indians seem to be the next pro team in line for change. They are in preliminary discussions about a new name. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks said they have no plans to change their names or logos.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Longtime basketball coach Craig Robinson has been hired as executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Robinson, the brother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has spent time in both the college and professional ranks. He will take over for Jim Haney, who has held the influential position for the past 29 years. Robinson has been the vice president of player development for the New York Knicks for the past three years. That job included the title of general manager of the G League's Westchester Knicks.CHICAGO (AP) — Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 12th in one of the most intriguing dates on the shortened major league schedule. The New York Yankees visit the World Series champion Washington Nationals on opening day, and the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Chicago White Sox next month at the site in eastern Iowa where the movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed. The Astros will be closely watched this season after they were punished by Major League Baseball for their sign-stealing scheme in their run to the 2017 World Series title.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>REDSKINS-NICKNAMEWashington NFL team dropping 'Redskins' name after 87 yearsWASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington NFL team is shedding the "Redskins" name effective immediately. The change comes less than two weeks after owner Dan Snyder launched an organizational review amid pressure from sponsors to make a change. FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all lined up against the name, which was given to the franchise in 1933 when the team was still based in Boston.A new name for one of football's oldest franchises must still be selected and it's unclear how soon that will happen. Native American experts and advocates have long protested the name they call a "dictionary-defined racial slur." More than a dozen Native leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington's use of the name.Goodell, who has fielded questions on the topic for years, said he supported the review. BRAVES-NICKNAMESBraves say they won't change name but studying chop chantATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves say they have no plans to follow the lead of the NFL's Washington Redskins and change their team name. The tomahawk chop chant used by Braves fans is under review, however. The team said in the letter it is seeking input from the Native American community, fans, players and former players as it examines the fan experience, including the chant. The Redskins announced Monday they will change their name and Indian head logo.The Braves say they have established a "cultural working relationship" with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina and formed a Native American Working Group. The name came with the team on its move from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966. The name was adopted in 1912, when the team was based in Boston.MLB-BASEBALL ROUNDUPMajor league teams try to ramp up the competition in campUNDATED (AP) — Major league teams are working out in mostly empty ballparks, mindful the long-awaited start to the season is barely a week away and fans won't be coming. So teams are trying as best they can to ramp up the competitiveness of summer camps conducted in isolation. Several teams announced upcoming exhibition games, including Houston at Kansas City, Kansas City at St. Louis, and Cleveland against Pittsburgh. The Milwaukee Brewers will play intrasquad games for several nights starting Tuesday and are dubbing them the Blue and Gold World Series, a nod to manager Craig Counsell's alma mater, Notre Dame. Also in MLB:— Charlie Blackmon has returned to the Colorado Rockies after recovering from the coronavirus. The All-Star outfielder was the first major league player known to have contracted COVID-19. Blackmon says he's trying to regain his physical fitness and hopes to be ready for the start of the pandemic-delayed season July 24. Blackmon says he was fortunate not to get too sick from the virus. He says he was only ill for 36 hours and it wasn't as bad as the flu he came down with a couple of years ago. — Hard-throwing St. Louis Cardinals reliever Jordan Hicks has opted out of playing this season, citing pre-existing health concerns. The 23-year-old Hicks was diagnosed in high school as having Type 1 diabetes. Hicks, who routinely throws over 100 mph, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on June 26, 2019. The right-hander's availability for this season was uncertain. Hicks had been taking part in workouts at Busch Stadium, leading up to the Cardinals' opener on July 24 at home against Pittsburgh.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NBAWestbrook tests positiveLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets says he has tested positive for coronavirus, and that he plans to eventually join his team at the restart of the NBA season. Westbrook made the revelation Monday on social media. As recently as Sunday, the Rockets believed that Westbrook and James Harden — neither of whom traveled with the team to Walt Disney World near Orlando last week — would be with the team in the next few days. In Westbrook's case, that now seems most unlikely.WNBA-DELLE DONNEWNBA MVP Delle Donne says league denied her medical waiverNEW YORK (AP) — Elena Delle Donne's request to be medically excused from the WNBA season has been denied, according to the league's reigning MVP.The Washington Mystics star said in a statement Monday that the independent panel of doctors the league and union agreed upon to decide whether players should be medically excused deemed her not to be "high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble." Had Delle Donne been medically excused, she would have earned her entire salary for the season. Now, if she chooses not to play, the defending WNBA champion Mystics wouldn't have to pay her.Delle Donne has battled Lyme disease since 2008. The disease is not included on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of underlying conditions that could put someone at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.Delle Donne's new teammate Tina Charles also was waiting for a decision from the medical panel. If both players miss the season, the Mystics would be down to 10 players on the roster.NFL-LIONS-OKUDALions sign 1st-round pick Okudah, Swift, Cephus, Huntley'ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have signed first-round pick Jeff Okudah.The Lions also announced Monday that they signed second-round selection D'Andre Swift along with fifth-round picks Quintez Cephus and Jason Huntley.Detroit drafted Okudah, a former Ohio State standout, with third overall pick and made him the highest-drafted cornerback since Shawn Springs was selected from the same school by Seattle in 1997. The Lions are hoping he becomes a game-changing talent to help a defense that ranked No. 31 in the league last season.LAKERS-RONDO INJUREDLakers G Rajon Rondo breaks thumb in practice, out 6-8 weeksLOS ANGELES (AP) — Rajon Rondo has broken his right thumb in practice with the Los Angeles Lakers in Orlando. The veteran point guard will be out for six to eight weeks. Rondo has been a key backup during his second season with the Lakers, who signed him shortly after adding LeBron James to the roster in July 2018. Rondo is averaging 7.1 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 48 appearances this season, including three starts. He has been a regular presence on the floor late in close games, with coach Frank Vogel trusting his veteran leadership and playmaking.VIRUS OUTBREAK-NHLNHL says 43 tested positiveUNDATED (AP) — The NHL says 43 players tested positive for the coronavirus from June 8 through the end of the league's optional workouts.That number announced Monday includes 30 who tested positive at team facilities and 13 the league is aware of who tested positive outside the league's protocols for its Phase 2.The NHL opened Phase 3 Monday with the start of training camps for the 24-team playoffs, scheduled to open in two hub Canadian cities — Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta — on Aug. 1. Players had until Monday evening to elect to opt out of competition without penalty.All players who tested positive self-isolated. The NHL is not sharing names of the players who test positive or the teams involved.VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE SPORTSSEC weighs football seasonUNDATED (AP) — Southeastern Conference athletic directors met in person Monday at league headquarters in Alabama to discuss the prospects for a football season with COVID-19 cases spiking throughout much of the South.SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement afterward that it's "clear that current circumstances related to COVID-19 must improve." The Big Ten and Pac-12 have said they would only play conference schedules this fall in football and other sports. Sankey said SEC leaders "believe that late July will provide the best clarity for making the important decisions ahead of us." The group met in the large Kramer-Moore Conference room to allow for social distancing. Other groups and individuals participated by videoconference.Among topics discussed were possible scheduling options for holding athletic competition this fall, along with game management at events.In other developments:—The Patriot League has joined the Ivy League and called off fall sports because of the pandemic. The league's 10 Division I schools will not compete this fall in football, soccer and women's volleyball. The Ivy League announced a similar decision last week. VIRUS OUTBREAK-NFL-FACE SHIELDSNFL comes up with face shields for helmetsUNDATED (AP) — With NFL training camps set to start at the end of the month, the league believes it is one step closer to addressing player safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. It has come up with face shields for the players' helmets. The face shield was designed by Oakley, which already provides visors for the players. The union's medical director had suggested that players wear face masks to help control the spread of the virus, but players shot down that idea. The face shield has received a better response than the mask suggestion.VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHICAGO MARATHONChicago marathon canceledCHICAGO (AP) — The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement Monday, marathon organizers and city officials cited the challenge of staging the large-scale Oct. 11 event while COVID-19 concerns endure. As of Sunday, Chicago's health department reported 55,184 confirmed cases of the virus and 2,682 deaths due to complications from COVID-19. Chicago's event typically draws about 45,000 runners and wheelchair athletes, and more than one million spectators. Mayor Lori Lightfoot says she is personally disappointed at the cancellation. The Boston Marathon and New York Marathon have also been canceled because of the pandemic.OBIT-KEN CHURCHJockey Ken Church, winner of over 2,000 races, dies at 90UNDATED (AP) — Ken Church, who rode over 2,000 winners during a 20-year career that included four mounts in the Kentucky Derby, has died at age 90. Church was diagnosed with pneumonia a week ago at the retirement facility where he lived in Reno, Nevada, and was taken to a hospital. His daughter, Debbie Anderson, says he contracted COVID-19 there and died. Church's best finish in the Kentucky Derby was fifth place in 1950 aboard Oil Capitol. The Canadian-born jockey won five straight races in one day at Chicago's old Washington Park on June 10, 1952.

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