HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department is adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance with modifications for shortening the length of quarantine for individuals identified as close contacts to COVID-19 positive individuals. While the CDC still recognizes the incubation period for this disease is 14 days; they have released modified guidance allowing for shorter quarantine periods to increase better compliance with quarantine and increase people getting tested.

Therefore, the Reno County Health Department will adopt CDC’s shortened quarantine as follows:

7 Day Quarantine (Includes Testing and No Symptoms)

· After exposure monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days

· If you have no symptoms during this time frame, on or after Day 5, you may get a PCR test (antigen and antibody tests are NOT allowed for this purpose).

· If the test is negative, and you remain symptom-free, you can be removed from quarantine on or after Day 7.

· If testing results are pending on Day 7, you must wait until you receive results.

10 Day Quarantine (No Testing and No Symptoms)

· If you have no symptoms during the 10 days, you can be released from the quarantine without a test.

The incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days, therefore people should self-monitor for fourteen (14) days from exposure and contact a healthcare provider if any symptoms develop.

Please note that rapid tests are not available in large quantities at this time and will not be utilized for these testing purposes.

The following individuals are not eligible for shortened quarantine:

· Residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities

· Offender populations in Department of Corrections prisons, county jails, and youth detention centers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department is adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance with modifications for shortening the length of quarantine for individuals identified as close contacts to COVID-19 positive individuals. While the CDC still recognizes the incubation period for this disease is 14 days; they have released modified guidance allowing for shorter quarantine periods to increase better compliance with quarantine and increase people getting tested.Therefore, the Reno County Health Department will adopt CDC’s shortened quarantine as follows:7 Day Quarantine (Includes Testing and No Symptoms)· After exposure monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days· If you have no symptoms during this time frame, on or after Day 5, you may get a PCR test (antigen and antibody tests are NOT allowed for this purpose).· If the test is negative, and you remain symptom-free, you can be removed from quarantine on or after Day 7.· If testing results are pending on Day 7, you must wait until you receive results.10 Day Quarantine (No Testing and No Symptoms)· After exposure monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days· If you have no symptoms during the 10 days, you can be released from the quarantine without a test.The incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days, therefore people should self-monitor for fourteen (14) days from exposure and contact a healthcare provider if any symptoms develop.Please note that rapid tests are not available in large quantities at this time and will not be utilized for these testing purposes.The following individuals are not eligible for shortened quarantine:· Residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities· Offender populations in Department of Corrections prisons, county jails, and youth detention centers

Reno County Health Department adopting new CDC guidance on quarantine periods

You are about to embark on a challenge that could prove to be extremely rewarding. Each weekday Country 102.9, My 93-1 and KWBW 1450 AM and 98.5 FM will broadcast a Secret Christmas Codeword at approximately 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.&nbsp;Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to CLICK THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE BELOW TODAY'S SPONSOR and&nbsp;enter each Christmas Codeword in the entry form WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF BEING ANNOUNCED on the air. Once complete, you'll be entered to win a daily drawing for an area sponsor gift card valued at $100. More importantly, you will be registered to win a grand prize of a $1,000 Christmas Shopping Spree to spend wherever you'd like! Remember, each correct Codeword entry increases your chance to win the daily prize, as well as the grand prize.&nbsp;Even if you don't win a daily prize, EVERYONE will still have a chance to win the grand prize. So logic would prevail in thinking that the more Christmas Codewords you register here, the better odds you could be the Christmas Codeword Grand Prize Superstar! But first things first: get complete contest rules below and then get cracking. The Christmas Codeword contest could put you one step closer to the best Christmas ever from HutchPost.com!

Get complete rules for Christmas Codeword by <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/74b36511-a9f2-4339-8505-fb3546f7f14a">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Sponsored by: <a href="https://idealfeetwichita.com/">Ideal Feet</a>,&nbsp;3236 N Rock Rd Suite 100, Wichita <a href="https://myhutchinsonfurniture.com/">Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery</a>,&nbsp;11 N Main, downtown Hutch <a href="https://www.highcalloutfitters.com/">High Call Outfitters</a>, 4100 10th St Great Bend <a href="https://jacksonmeat.com/">Jackson Meat</a>, 13 West 6th, Hutchinson <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrattAreaChamberofCommerce/?epa=SEARCH_BOX">Pratt Chamber of Commerce</a>, 211 South Main, Pratt <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cathys-Closet-146229765521907/">Cathy's Closet</a>, 322 South Main, Pratt <a href="https://www.alexanderjewelryks.net/contact/1947800">Alexander's Jewelry</a>, 27 North Main, Hutchinson <a href="https://www.hiddenvalleydowns.com/">Hidden Valley Downs </a>Ranch and Event Venue, 8102 Summers Rd, Hutch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimeTravelAntiquesandGifts/">Time Travel Antiques and Gifts</a>, 111 North Broadway, Sterling <a href="https://www.facebook.com/a5western">A 5 Western</a>, 116 N Main St, Hutchinson and 102 N Main St, McPherson <a href="http://prattcc.edu/">Pratt Community College,</a> 348 NE SR 61, Pratt <a href="https://hutchtoydepot.com/">The Toy Depot</a>, 127 South Main, downtown Hutch Sugar Creek Boutique, 1500 E. 11th, Hutch Yoder Meats

AND HOSTED BY YOUR FREE SOURCE FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS, HUTCHPOST.COM.

The Christmas Codeword entry form link below is only active for 15 minutes after each codeword is announced on-air. Remember, the Codeword must be spelled correctly in order to lock in your registration. Good luck.

------------------------------------------------ Christmas Codeword - sponsored today by Ideal Feet!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603926969367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You are about to embark on a challenge that could prove to be extremely rewarding. Each weekday Country 102.9, My 93-1 and KWBW 1450 AM and 98.5 FM will broadcast a Secret Christmas Codeword at approximately 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.&nbsp;Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to CLICK THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE BELOW TODAY'S SPONSOR and&nbsp;enter each Christmas Codeword in the entry form WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF BEING ANNOUNCED on the air. Once complete, you'll be entered to win a daily drawing for an area sponsor gift card valued at $100. More importantly, you will be registered to win a grand prize of a $1,000 Christmas Shopping Spree to spend wherever you'd like! Remember, each correct Codeword entry increases your chance to win the daily prize, as well as the grand prize.&nbsp;Even if you don't win a daily prize, EVERYONE will still have a chance to win the grand prize. So logic would prevail in thinking that the more Christmas Codewords you register here, the better odds you could be the Christmas Codeword Grand Prize Superstar! But first things first: get complete contest rules below and then get cracking. The Christmas Codeword contest could put you one step closer to the best Christmas ever from HutchPost.com!Get complete rules for Christmas Codeword by <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/74b36511-a9f2-4339-8505-fb3546f7f14a">CLICKING HERE</a>.Sponsored by: <a href="https://idealfeetwichita.com/">Ideal Feet</a>,&nbsp;3236 N Rock Rd Suite 100, Wichita <a href="https://myhutchinsonfurniture.com/">Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery</a>,&nbsp;11 N Main, downtown Hutch <a href="https://www.highcalloutfitters.com/">High Call Outfitters</a>, 4100 10th St Great Bend <a href="https://jacksonmeat.com/">Jackson Meat</a>, 13 West 6th, Hutchinson <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrattAreaChamberofCommerce/?epa=SEARCH_BOX">Pratt Chamber of Commerce</a>, 211 South Main, Pratt <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Cathys-Closet-146229765521907/">Cathy's Closet</a>, 322 South Main, Pratt <a href="https://www.alexanderjewelryks.net/contact/1947800">Alexander's Jewelry</a>, 27 North Main, Hutchinson <a href="https://www.hiddenvalleydowns.com/">Hidden Valley Downs </a>Ranch and Event Venue, 8102 Summers Rd, Hutch <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimeTravelAntiquesandGifts/">Time Travel Antiques and Gifts</a>, 111 North Broadway, Sterling <a href="https://www.facebook.com/a5western">A 5 Western</a>, 116 N Main St, Hutchinson and 102 N Main St, McPherson <a href="http://prattcc.edu/">Pratt Community College,</a> 348 NE SR 61, Pratt <a href="https://hutchtoydepot.com/">The Toy Depot</a>, 127 South Main, downtown Hutch Sugar Creek Boutique, 1500 E. 11th, Hutch Yoder Meats AND HOSTED BY YOUR FREE SOURCE FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS, HUTCHPOST.COM.The Christmas Codeword entry form link below is only active for 15 minutes after each codeword is announced on-air. Remember, the Codeword must be spelled correctly in order to lock in your registration. Good luck.------------------------------------------------ Christmas Codeword - sponsored today by Ideal Feet!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606225742332.png" alt="<a href="https://hutchpost.secondstreetapp.com/Christmas-Codeword-sponsored-by-Ideal-Feet-4/">--------&gt;Click here to enter!&lt;--------</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://hutchpost.secondstreetapp.com/Christmas-Codeword-sponsored-by-Ideal-Feet-4/">--------&gt;Click here to enter!&lt;--------</a></figcaption>
 </figure>DAILY WINNERS:Emily Alamo of HutchinsonBelen Dryden of HutchinsonMike Harger of Medicine LodgeMcKenzi Flickinger of SterlingPhyllis Hoover of HutchinsonKeri Cox of HutchinsonShirley Basgall of HutchinsonSandra Porter of SalinaVanessa Torres of LewisRonda Goss of HutchinsonTina Fischer of HutchinsonShawna Hopkins of HutchinsonLisa Schwab of PrattCarrie Roberts of HutchinsonCory Freed of HutchinsonMarcia Unruh of HutchinsonMickey Blackburn of HutchinsonJohn McGraw of PrattCarrie Sutton of Buhler

Christmas Codeword Contest

December 4, 2020 Morning News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1130 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 57.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 34 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 99 active cases. Twenty-one people within those clusters have died. There are 37 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,097 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,121 cases in the community at large. 3,910 people have recovered thus far.

Forty Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred thirty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 26 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 23.49%, with the overall positive test rate at 29.18%. 27.79% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1130 as of Thursday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 57.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 34 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 99 active cases. Twenty-one people within those clusters have died. There are 37 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,097 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 1,121 cases in the community at large. 3,910 people have recovered thus far.Forty Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred thirty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 26 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 23.49%, with the overall positive test rate at 29.18%. 27.79% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County is 1130, with 1121 in community as of Thursday evening

CHENEY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Cheney State Park Marina.&nbsp;

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system due to maintenance. Failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the Cheney State Park Marina indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594587740135.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CHENEY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Cheney State Park Marina.&nbsp;The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system due to maintenance. Failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Laboratory testing samples collected from the Cheney State Park Marina indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boil water advisory lifted for Cheney State Park Marina

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools is launching a new mobile app that helps students, parents and community members know what is happening on campus, right from their phones.

The app is free from the Apple Store or Google Play.

The app provides three main benefits. First, families, students and the public will know what is going on at school. For example, they will see real-time updates from the website’s live feed about stories happening inside the classroom, on the football field or in the art studio.

Second, families and the public can connect with teachers and administrators. For example, learn about parent-teacher conferences, access staff contact information and quickly find out about district news.

Finally, families can stay up-to-date with school information such as receiving updates about events occurring on campus, the daily cafeteria menu, required forms and even emergency notifications.

In conjunction with the app, the district’s website has a new look and feel. The website is available at <a href="http://www.usd308.com/">www.usd308.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools is launching a new mobile app that helps students, parents and community members know what is happening on campus, right from their phones.The app is free from the Apple Store or Google Play.The app provides three main benefits. First, families, students and the public will know what is going on at school. For example, they will see real-time updates from the website’s live feed about stories happening inside the classroom, on the football field or in the art studio.Second, families and the public can connect with teachers and administrators. For example, learn about parent-teacher conferences, access staff contact information and quickly find out about district news.Finally, families can stay up-to-date with school information such as receiving updates about events occurring on campus, the daily cafeteria menu, required forms and even emergency notifications.In conjunction with the app, the district’s website has a new look and feel. The website is available at <a href="http://www.usd308.com/">www.usd308.com</a>.

USD 308 launches new app

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An economist with the Sandlian Center for Entrepreneurial Government at the Kansas Policy Institute sees an opportunity for the 2021 Kansas Legislature to have a large positive effect on the state budget and not even have to change the law.

"We'll have a $119 million shortfall in just two years," Austin said. "Come January, Kansas lawmakers have an opportunity to turn that shortfall into a surplus with just, honestly, one act. It would pave the way for tax relief and get Kansans out of the COVID economic slump that we're in. All it would take is for them not to suspend, not to waive the rainy day fund statute."

That statute requires a 7.5% ending balance in state coffers at the end of a given fiscal year. It has been set aside for the last several years under multiple governors.

"If the legislature can follow this state law and balance the budget under it, the state's ending balance would turn from $119 million shortfall to a $600 million surplus."

This would give enough cushion for if the economy takes awhile to recover post COVID, and policymakers could even decide to cut taxes in the out years, if balances get back to a healthy level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579541171809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — An economist with the Sandlian Center for Entrepreneurial Government at the Kansas Policy Institute sees an opportunity for the 2021 Kansas Legislature to have a large positive effect on the state budget and not even have to change the law."We'll have a $119 million shortfall in just two years," Austin said. "Come January, Kansas lawmakers have an opportunity to turn that shortfall into a surplus with just, honestly, one act. It would pave the way for tax relief and get Kansans out of the COVID economic slump that we're in. All it would take is for them not to suspend, not to waive the rainy day fund statute."That statute requires a 7.5% ending balance in state coffers at the end of a given fiscal year. It has been set aside for the last several years under multiple governors."If the legislature can follow this state law and balance the budget under it, the state's ending balance would turn from $119 million shortfall to a $600 million surplus."This would give enough cushion for if the economy takes awhile to recover post COVID, and policymakers could even decide to cut taxes in the out years, if balances get back to a healthy level.

Austin: Not setting aside rainy day fund law could turn budget around

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>.

<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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has reached 10 years of operation at its nacelle and hub assembly facility in Hutchinson. 

If you visited the facility in late 2010, you would have seen 130 full-time employees building one type of nacelle and hub on a single shift. Fast forward to 2020 and you’ll see about twice as many employees building variations of three different models on a two-shift schedule.

The facility assembles nacelles and hubs, critical components of a wind turbine.&nbsp; The nacelle sits at the top of the tower and houses the electricity generating components. The hub is attached to the front of the nacelle and holds three blades, creating what is called the rotor.&nbsp;

Since opening, the Hutchinson facility has completed nearly 5,000 nacelles, shipping to 16 U.S. states, as well as Canada, Chile and Peru. That’s enough to power more than 3.8 million homes or roughly the total number of households in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska combined.

“I joined this company when we had a small office in downtown Hutchinson. I watched a patch of dirt turn into a multi-million-dollar, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)&nbsp;Gold certified facility that I’m proud to lead today,” said Doug Fulton, plant manager. Hired in March 2010 for the prospective plant, Doug is considered Hutchinson’s first employee.&nbsp;

Today, the plant employs about 260 full-time hourly and salaried workers. With highly competitive wages for the Reno County area, the local payroll has exceeded $150 million since opening. The company also provides excellent medical benefits, share options and tuition reimbursement. It is no surprise that more than 20 percent of current employees have been with the company since 2010. The Hutchinson facility is also a proud employer of veterans, with more than 10 percent of the workforce being U.S. military veterans or active duty military.

In 2017, Siemens merged with Gamesa, creating Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Each company complemented one another and boasted a unique product portfolio. The skilled Hutchinson workforce quickly adapted to simultaneously manufacturing dual technologies. “The growth I have seen since I started almost 10 years ago is incredible,” said Jonathon Long, a certified crane operator and material handler.&nbsp; “I’m really proud of the fact Hutchinson is the first Siemens Gamesa factory to build and ship nacelles from both legacy technologies. That was a really big deal for us and something we are all proud of in Hutchinson.”

The Hutchinson facility has always had a global culture. Today you can hear more than five different languages from employees hailing from more than 14 countries around the world. Over the years, employees have traveled internationally to countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, Canada, Mexico and China on business trips for training and internal growth opportunities while also providing a cultural experience that would not have otherwise been possible. “I’ve spent a total of six weeks in Denmark for training and I got to visit several other countries while I was over there,” says Adam Comer, a mechanical assembler who’s been with the company since 2010. “It was an amazing trip that I would never have taken if it weren’t for this company.”

2020 has been a year of adapting to change for the nacelle and hub facility. Enhanced safety protocols have been in place since early March. “We have always been a safety-driven operation,” says Fulton. “The health and safety landscape of our plant has changed rapidly this year and I’m proud to say our employees have adapted right along with it. Our protocols are strong, and we are doing everything we can to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588797814871.jpeg" alt="The first nacelle moves out of the Siemens facility 10 years ago. Siemens Gamesa took time Thursday to celebrate the milestone." />
 <figcaption>The first nacelle moves out of the Siemens facility 10 years ago. Siemens Gamesa took time Thursday to celebrate the milestone.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has reached 10 years of operation at its nacelle and hub assembly facility in Hutchinson. If you visited the facility in late 2010, you would have seen 130 full-time employees building one type of nacelle and hub on a single shift. Fast forward to 2020 and you’ll see about twice as many employees building variations of three different models on a two-shift schedule.The facility assembles nacelles and hubs, critical components of a wind turbine.&nbsp; The nacelle sits at the top of the tower and houses the electricity generating components. The hub is attached to the front of the nacelle and holds three blades, creating what is called the rotor.&nbsp;Since opening, the Hutchinson facility has completed nearly 5,000 nacelles, shipping to 16 U.S. states, as well as Canada, Chile and Peru. That’s enough to power more than 3.8 million homes or roughly the total number of households in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska combined.“I joined this company when we had a small office in downtown Hutchinson. I watched a patch of dirt turn into a multi-million-dollar, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)&nbsp;Gold certified facility that I’m proud to lead today,” said Doug Fulton, plant manager. Hired in March 2010 for the prospective plant, Doug is considered Hutchinson’s first employee.&nbsp;Today, the plant employs about 260 full-time hourly and salaried workers. With highly competitive wages for the Reno County area, the local payroll has exceeded $150 million since opening. The company also provides excellent medical benefits, share options and tuition reimbursement. It is no surprise that more than 20 percent of current employees have been with the company since 2010. The Hutchinson facility is also a proud employer of veterans, with more than 10 percent of the workforce being U.S. military veterans or active duty military.In 2017, Siemens merged with Gamesa, creating Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Each company complemented one another and boasted a unique product portfolio. The skilled Hutchinson workforce quickly adapted to simultaneously manufacturing dual technologies. “The growth I have seen since I started almost 10 years ago is incredible,” said Jonathon Long, a certified crane operator and material handler.&nbsp; “I’m really proud of the fact Hutchinson is the first Siemens Gamesa factory to build and ship nacelles from both legacy technologies. That was a really big deal for us and something we are all proud of in Hutchinson.”The Hutchinson facility has always had a global culture. Today you can hear more than five different languages from employees hailing from more than 14 countries around the world. Over the years, employees have traveled internationally to countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, Canada, Mexico and China on business trips for training and internal growth opportunities while also providing a cultural experience that would not have otherwise been possible. “I’ve spent a total of six weeks in Denmark for training and I got to visit several other countries while I was over there,” says Adam Comer, a mechanical assembler who’s been with the company since 2010. “It was an amazing trip that I would never have taken if it weren’t for this company.”2020 has been a year of adapting to change for the nacelle and hub facility. Enhanced safety protocols have been in place since early March. “We have always been a safety-driven operation,” says Fulton. “The health and safety landscape of our plant has changed rapidly this year and I’m proud to say our employees have adapted right along with it. Our protocols are strong, and we are doing everything we can to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Siemens Gamesa celebrates 10 years in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As we prepare for the holidays, Beth Akins with Horizons Mental Health Center wants to be sure we do what we can.

"There's some simple things that you can control," Akins said. "Make sure you wear your mask. Eat healthy. Get plenty of sleep. I always tell people, don't forget to get fresh air, sunlight, exercise. Just those simple things."

All the possibilities are not what to focus on.

"Focus on, here's what I know today, here's what I have today," Akins said. "Here's what I can do today."

Just because the holidays will look different doesn't mean you can't contact the ones you love.

"We may not be able to see Grandma and Grandpa this year, but that doesn't mean we can't still be connected," Akins said. "While we may be physically distanced, we can still be socially connected to people."

In fact, if you embrace finding ways to be connected, you might be able to create some new traditions that your family can remember in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587129819284.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As we prepare for the holidays, Beth Akins with Horizons Mental Health Center wants to be sure we do what we can."There's some simple things that you can control," Akins said. "Make sure you wear your mask. Eat healthy. Get plenty of sleep. I always tell people, don't forget to get fresh air, sunlight, exercise. Just those simple things."All the possibilities are not what to focus on."Focus on, here's what I know today, here's what I have today," Akins said. "Here's what I can do today."Just because the holidays will look different doesn't mean you can't contact the ones you love."We may not be able to see Grandma and Grandpa this year, but that doesn't mean we can't still be connected," Akins said. "While we may be physically distanced, we can still be socially connected to people."In fact, if you embrace finding ways to be connected, you might be able to create some new traditions that your family can remember in the future.

Akins: Do what you can do today to cope with the holidays

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County sales tax numbers hit another record high for the month of November.

According to figures released from the Treasurer's Office the county took in $445,580, an increase of more than $88,000.

It’s the sixth month in a row that sales tax has increased year-over-year and is $17,000 higher than last month.

The total sales tax taken in by the county for the year now totals $4,410,000 which means the county will easily surpass last year's collections.&nbsp;

Sales tax numbers for November reflect shopping for the month of September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565223563029.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County sales tax numbers hit another record high for the month of November.According to figures released from the Treasurer's Office the county took in $445,580, an increase of more than $88,000.It’s the sixth month in a row that sales tax has increased year-over-year and is $17,000 higher than last month.The total sales tax taken in by the county for the year now totals $4,410,000 which means the county will easily surpass last year's collections.&nbsp;Sales tax numbers for November reflect shopping for the month of September.

Sales tax collections hit another high for November

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Friday

Bishop Miege 79, Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 54

Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 58, Bishop Miege 49

Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

Thursday's ScoresBy The Associated PressBOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Bishop Miege 79, Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 54Hays City Shootout=Hays-TMP-Marian 70, Wichita Life Prep 55GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Baxter Springs 39, Liberal 28Central (St. Joseph), Mo. 58, Bishop Miege 49Linn 47, BV Randolph 42, OTSouthern Coffey 48, Crest 33Hays City Shootout=Hays-TMP-Marian 37, Wichita Life Prep 33Hugoton 47, Hays 26___Some high school basketball scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

High School Basketball Scores from Thursday night

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media via Zoom on Tuesday to preview the Wildcats’ regular-season finale this Saturday against Texas. A complete transcript of Klieman’s press conference – which was also streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – and players are posted below. K-State and Texas kick off on Saturday at 11 a.m. inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and the game will be shown on FOX.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=13048&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Chris Klieman</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=13049&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=13050&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=13051&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Drew Wiley</a>

Listen:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts" target="_blank">Wildcats Uncut</a>

“Good afternoon everybody. We’re excited to be back home for the last regular season game and face a really talented Texas team. We are going to honor 20 seniors in their last regular season home game here. Those guys have meant a ton to myself and our staff. They welcomed us and opened their arms to us when we were hired here almost two years ago now. It’s an emotional time for those guys. We are going to have a great week of practice. We had a great team meeting yesterday. The guys were disappointed in the loss Saturday and devastated in the fact that we had an opportunity to win the game and just didn’t find a way and didn’t get it done. I’m proud of the resolve and the resiliency of the guys to come back out. We had a really good practice yesterday, and I am confident we are going to have a really good week of preparation. We just have to execute better to have a chance against a really talented Texas team.”

On getting Justin Hughes and Elijah Sullivan back at linebacker...

“I am excited they get an opportunity to play on Senior Day. They are on track to play, but it’s only Tuesday. Justin did practice yesterday, and I think we get Eli back today. It gives us the much-needed depth at linebacker. Cody (Fletcher) and Daniel (Green) have done a phenomenal job, but they are playing too many snaps, and I think they know that. To be able to split some reps there and to be able to get some guys on special teams to help us on teams as well is going to be a great benefit to have those two back.”

On handling seniors with the potential for them to come back...

“Everybody may have a different scenario, different decision, different time frame, but we talked about it for the first time at our team meeting. I told the guys to enjoy the week with their teammates, enjoy the game, enjoy the atmosphere one last time for sure, and then take the emotion out of it. We are going to wait a week. We are going to wait 10 days or two weeks or whatever we can. Some kids are going to know right away, and we can have that conversation. Some kids are going to struggle with it. I don’t want a quick, emotional decision one way or another because I want to make sure this is what they want to do. If they’re moving on, they’re not going to be a part of Kansas State football. If they are staying, I want to make sure they know what they are staying for. I don’t want to have that undo pressure in their mind this week. It’s not fair to them. Enjoy the time, enjoy the game, and then we will worry about that stuff as the weeks go by.”

On the Texas players who have opted out this week...

“I don’t think it changes anything. Those kids could be COVID guys for us or COVID later on in the week for them and for us. You figure it out on Saturday when you go out there. We have a number of Saturdays to say, ‘Here is the lineup we have.’ Whoever is in there is going to be counted on by their teammates and their coaches to get their job done.”

On the performance of offensive lineman Taylor Poitier at Baylor...

“I thought Taylor was a real bright spot for us. We are excited about his future. Being a redshirt freshman, he is going to play a ton of snaps for us at the guard position. Sometimes you find things in adversity. He’s a kid who took advantage of the opportunity and will give us great depth in there. He’s going to get better and better. I told him yesterday that I was so proud of him because some guys have the opportunity and don’t make the most of it, but Taylor did. He’s going to play a ton of football here for us here.”

On struggles in the third quarter the past few games...

“It’s execution, that’s the bottom line. It’s doing your job with phenomenal technique. It’s having intentional focus, knowing what your job is, executing your job, being physical and knowing where you are at from a defensive point. ‘Am I the outside third, the lever player, where am I playing?’ Offensively, maybe it’s a missed block, maybe it’s a misread, or maybe it’s a mis-ID of a coverage. Whatever it may be. Without question, it has hurt us in critical times. We have to keep proving and keep showing up. We need to be good in all four quarters. We can’t be good in one of the four or three of the four. We need to be dominant in all four.”

On the wear on the team during the losing streak...

“It always wears on you, without question. A couple of the games we were really close, and I thought that we should win the games. Obviously, that is frustrating. If you’re a competitor or a winner like all those kids are and hate losing, it ticks you off. We have had opportunities. All that being said, you can’t let it linger. You know it’s hard. It’s hard for me, it’s hard for our coaches when you watch cut-ups and you see Oklahoma State a couple weeks ago or you watch Baylor in the cut-ups. But give those teams credit – they found a way to win. I’m sure you can look at Oklahoma looking at us or TCU or Texas Tech who are looking at us on a cut-up saying, ‘We let that one go.’ We had the opportunity to win games, we have to win them.”

On the exhaustion of eliminating distractions from the team...

“It’s been really difficult. I’m not going to lie to anybody. I think it’s been difficult for coaches. I know it’s been difficult for players. It’s exhausting, but it’s what a lot of us are going through. It’s remarkable to me – I talked with Matt Thomason in sports medicine yesterday, and it’s nothing short of a miracle that we are going to, knock on wood, get a 10th&nbsp;game in when you see what it’s doing across the landscape of college football, and even now a little bit in NFL. It shows you the job that our medical staff that our administration is doing. Dr. (Kyle) Goerl and everybody has put in the effort to get us to this point. If somebody would have told me, when I had my first press conference 10 minutes after the Big Ten and Pac 12 shut down, that we were going to play 10 games, I would have said there is no way. We are at nine right now. We are crossing our fingers for ourselves and for Texas to get through the next couple of tests so that we can play a 10th&nbsp;game. That’s nothing short of amazing that we have been able to do that.”

On the wide receivers taking a step forward despite what the stats say...

“They did a great job. They sprung each other. They sprung Malik (Knowles) loose. C-Bass (Chabastin Taylor) blocked a kid for 50 yards. Then on Will (Howard)’s run, I know Malik had a great block as well. They’re embracing their roles, and that’s a play made. We always talking about making plays when you have the opportunity. It’s not just a tackle or a catch or a run, that sometimes is a block, that sometimes is keeping leverage on the defense. It could be a lot of different things. Coach (Jason) Ray has done a great job with getting those kids to embrace the fact that we can spring some big plays in the run plays and in the pass games when they make plays down the field. I was really pleased with the progress they’ve made.”

On the fatigue of the defensive line...

“It was a little difficult with the tempo, without question. I think we played 80-some plays on defense and a few guys went the distance. That’s an awful lot of plays. You take a game like Oklahoma State, who is a tempo team and we were in the 60 range because we did a lot of great things offensively to hang on to the football and sustain drives. You look at this game, and we ourselves on defense didn’t get off the field enough which got the play count going. We didn’t stay on the field offensively. In the fourth quarter when we had success, it was so quick. We would have a big play to Briley (Moore), and then score quickly afterwards. We will take scores however we can get them, long drives or short drives, however we can get them. Without question, the fatigued played a role for us.”

On the threat of Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorn offense...

“It’s tremendous because of what Sam can do. He can beat you with his feet, he can beat you with his arm, he can beat you with his mind. He can run through tackles because he is a big physical ball carrier. He throws the ball really well and has a lot of different people he can get the ball to through space. He has lots of different running backs who are powerful guys with a good offensive line. We need to be on point and better with limiting explosive plays. That’s the thing that’s frustrated our defensive players and our defensive staff. If we just eliminate our explosive play count, teams are good and are going to get explosive plays, but we just need to limit the success that teams have had against us as of late. A couple screen passes last week were explosive plays. You look at the Oklahoma State game; we were doing great and, all of a sudden, they pop a run for 50 yards. We have to eliminate those things. A lot of that is playing with great technique and knowing where our leverage is.”

On tackling fundamentals against Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger...

“The tackling in the second half (at Baylor) was terrible. It has to improve. The interesting thing is in the first half it was pretty good. You can attribute a lot of that to the guys are fresh. In the second half, we don’t have as many bodies to play right now. That’s the hand we're dealt. Guys have to play a lot more snaps then they’re accustomed to or that we would want them to. With the amount of players who are out, that’s where we are at. We have to continue to focus on the fundamentals of not only how to tackle but where to tackle. ‘Where is my leverage? Where can I miss at? Where do I have to set the play back to? What is my correct angle to get back into?’ All of those things matter, and that’s how you give up explosive plays when you don’t do those fundamental things.”

“(They are) very, very active upfront. Very physical upfront. They don’t get moved off the ball very well. They have some really good pass rushers. They have tremendous skill kids as being able to run and hit in the back end. It’ll be a big challenge for us.”

On changes to clock management in the Baylor game...

“No, we just would have executed a little more on both sides of the ball. When you think clock management, that’s not just the last two or four minutes, that’s the full 60. We just misfired on some plays on both sides of the ball. If we get a first down on the last drive, maybe tax a couple minutes out of that. I thought Mess (Courtney Messingham) dialed up some plays that we had a chance to make some plays, and we just didn’t do it. Defensively, all we have to do is stop them for three straight plays and we get off the field, and we can’t do that. That’s not necessarily clock management, that’s execution of what we are doing offensively and defensively. Offense had a chance to close it out and the defense had a couple score lead and couldn’t hold them.”

On giving Will Howard an example of how quarterbacks have progressed over four years...

“For starters, I thought Will did some really, really good things on Saturday. I am excited for him and his future. He’s making some freshman mistakes, and those will be cleaned up as he continues to gain experience. I was excited for Will in the fourth quarter because he made plays. He made really good plays. In the third quarter, it wasn’t Will Howard. We weren’t doing everything right from an offensive standpoint and execution-wise. It was more than just Will, it was everybody. In the fourth quarter, I thought Will played really well and executed some great drives and had some great throws. So, I’m excited about where he is at. He’s very similar to Easton Stick was at North Dakota State, but Easton did it as a redshirt freshman and made some similar mistakes that Will has made but made plays for us. But, Easton was a year older, he was a redshirt freshman. We have to continue to remind ourselves – and I do too and so does Mess (Courtney Messingham) and Collin (Klein) – that we are talking about a true freshman that we are excited about as he finishes up this year and the future for us.”

On the improvement of the offensive line throughout the season...

“I think we have been up and down there. I thought we played really well against Baylor, especially when you have two starting guards that go out of Friday. We were able to reshuffle the deck with some walk throughs on Friday night and Saturday morning. We played physical and played really well and we competed. I am excited for those guys because it’s a young group that is continuing to improve. We just have to sustain that and stay consistent, and they know that as well. In the same respect, the youth that we have there and the guys that we have coming back, I’m excited for the future. Coach (Conor) Riley is doing a fantastic job with those guys.”

On if the preference is to go to a bowl no matter the result on Saturday...

“Absolutely. We need time and we need practice time. We need development time. So many guys have missed between 14 and 30 days since we started this thing. When you think of the guys who have missed three weeks of practice time, we are talking about trying to get a few weeks back. Is this going to make a difference 2021? Potentially, especially for those young players. We are going to practice a little bit next week because everybody is bowl eligible. For us, it’s not going to be the Eli Sullivans and Drew Wileys and Noah Johnsons practicing. It’s going to be all the young kids going out for a brief period of time, an hour an hour and a half, working their fundamental skills and working those guys on technique so we can continue to develop. We are a developmental program, and when we lose the time that we did with these guys, we have to find ways to get that back. If a bowl game allows us to get that extra time back, we definitely want to be a part of it.

On the outlook from coaches about the schedule changes due to COVID...

“We have some tremendous coaches in the Big 12, and those are the ones I’ve been on calls with. I haven’t talked to any other head coaches at length, but in the Big 12 – and this dates us all the way back to May when we first started getting together – somehow, someway we need to find a way to play games. We know that the quality of play may not be great, but the fact that we’re playing games, helping the country and helping our universities, whatever it may be, America needs football. We kept on those conversations in June and July when we’d have just the head coaches on the call, and it still came back to, ‘Guys, we need to have football. It’s so important for everyone that we play games.’ I don’t know how many we’ve played in league play. There were a few canceled. Hopefully those guys get a chance to play those games so we can help everybody. Without a doubt, that was the number one goal. Everybody wants to win every game. I don’t care if we would’ve played six games. I would’ve wanted to go 6-0. We’re at an ability to play 10 games. Am I frustrated that we’re 4-5? Absolutely, I’m frustrated that we’re 4-5 because we could be this record or that record. But, in the grand scheme of things, May, June, July and August, nobody thought we’d play this many games at all. I’m proud of our league for doing it the right way.”

On college football coaches not wearing masks during the game...

“It frustrates me, but I’m sure somebody could picture me and say, ‘Coach, your mask was down too’. Probably 100 percent, or 95 percent of us could have pictures where our masks are down. Part of that is heat of the moment. We get that, but for the most part, I think our staff does a tremendous job of being diligent and having our mask up. It’s difficult sometimes to coach or maybe get the attention of an official with your mask on, so you pull it down. I know that’s a three-hour period that people see. If you come out to a practice of ours, there’s not anybody that ever is unmasked. Everybody always has their mask on at our practice, and it’s easy at a practice for somebody to say, ‘Remember to put your mask up.’ We don’t have to say that because our coaches and support staff do a tremendous job. I think it’s contributed to spikes on teams, without question. I don’t know in the NFL because I don’t know the protocols, but it must have. I know in college football, absolutely. We joke about it when we watch a cutup of a game or watching film. ‘Nobody on that sideline has a mask on, and look at this sideline, they all do,’ whether that’s K-State or school X. We all have to be accountable for our actions.”

On recruiting with the possibility of certain players returning...

“It’s not altered it, but I can see it potentially being altered in the fact that we haven’t had any of our current kids that we’re currently talking to because they’re potentially freshman and 18-year old kids saying, ‘Hey, is that guy coming back or is that guy coming back?’ because I think we’re recruiting the right type of kids who understand the big picture. It’s hard to play as a true freshman. On the flip side, there are a lot of kids who expect to play as true freshmen and will ask that question. We’re prepared to say, ‘Hey look, we may have this guy coming back, but we lost this guy at this position,’ or ‘We didn’t recruit heavily at that position last year because we had two seniors returning or two juniors returning.’ Maybe those two juniors aren’t in the program anymore. So, I think it can be spun in a lot of different ways. I know this – I know that I look at it differently now in the fact of the tweener senior that’s not sure what he’s doing. I think you have to try to get that kid to come back because of the transfer portal, because of guys leaving the program, because of it being harder in recruiting, to recruit player X that you’re just meeting on Zoom, where if you have a young man in your program that you know is doing things the right way and that you know has bought all in, you want that kid to stay in your program regardless if he’s a first round draft pick or a squad member because they help you teach your culture. They help you have an impact on these new kids that are coming in and saying, ‘Hey, this is the way you do it, and if you don’t do it this way, you’re not going to fit here.’”&nbsp;

On the resiliency of Will Howard at Baylor...

“That’s hard. No question. I’ve always said with Will, he doesn’t let things bother him. He doesn’t let a negative play impact him. I also enjoy Will because he doesn’t get so overwhelmed because he made a great play. He wipes that clean and goes to the next play. He knows he made a poor throw early in that game, but he also knew this was going to be a four-quarter battle and he came back and made some terrific throws. He makes a terrific read on the give to Malik (Knowles). People don’t understand how hard that is when your wide receiver is coming in full-speed motion, you’re supposed to read one guy and keep it – which he’s done to success – or give it and let the guy go. It’s raining and it’s sloppy out there, he gets the snap and reads it perfectly, hands it to Malik, we cut down the outside guy with Harry (Trotter) and we’re out the gate. That was not easy to do coming off of what he had just experienced with the interception. That tells me all I need to know about Will. He’s such a competitor, and his best football is going to continue to be in front of him. I just appreciate the fact that he keeps learning from his positives and from some of his mistakes.”

On the struggle of Elijah Sullivan and Justin Hughes not being able to play...

“Yeah, especially when it’s something where you didn’t get injured. I didn’t turn my ankle in that game or pull my hamstring in that game. What frustrates any player more is getting through a week of preparation and getting pulled out of a meeting an hour before you get on a bus and saying, ‘You can’t play in a game.’ These kids love their teammates, and how much do you look at it like, ‘Man, I just let everybody down.’ Whether I don’t know how they got it or close contact – whatever it may be – to know that Coach (Conor) Riley is going to have to reshuffle the deck or Coach (Steve) Stanard is going to have to reshuffle and get the rotation back going. That stuff is really hard, but it’s happening to everyone across the country. That’s what I’m saying. Our kids are handling this really well. When you think of not having your starting two guards go on a trip, not having your two linebackers available to play, throwing an interception on the third play of the game knowing we just got beat the previous week pretty soundly and you’re down 6-0 showed me the resolve and belief that our players have in themselves, each other and what we’re doing, and we’re going to get this thing done here.”

DEUCE VAUGHN, FRESHMAN RUNNING BACK

On being a Texas kid and playing against Texas this week…

“It’s going to be pretty big, of course. Not necessarily in the fact that I’m playing against the team from right down the street and the team that my dad coached for when I moved to Texas and everything, but just that it’s another opportunity to come play with these guys in the locker room with me. These seniors, it’s going to be Senior Day for them and probably the last time that they’ll get to play at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. That’s the reason why it’s going to be big for me – another opportunity to play with these guys. As far as everything with UT goes and being right down the street from my home, of course it puts a pretty big magnitude on it. But I’m just doing this for my guys this week.”

On if Texas showed any recruiting interest in him…

“I went to a few camps and stuff like that when I was younger, freshman and sophomore. Not really. No phone calls or texts or anything like that.”

On the offensive struggles in the third quarter…

“I feel like we have to execute better as a team coming out of the locker room. It’s a pretty big emphasis. Even when we were in the locker room, we knew we couldn’t come out and lose that same spark that we had in the first quarter. Finding that rhythm. I feel like once we get that first first down, we kind of get rolling, but we just couldn’t execute and get that first first down on those drives. That’s something we have to work on.”

On if he had any personal goals coming in as a freshman…

“Not really. Really, I just wanted to come in and prove myself through fall camp and everything. Whatever happens, happens. I wanted to be a team player. Whatever role I got, I wanted to go play in it. As far as statistics, when I was younger, I wanted to be a 500-500 guy, like 500 receiving and 500 rushing. I thought that would be a pretty cool thing, 1,000 all-purpose yards and things like that. I’ve never really been wrapped up in statistics. Really, it’s all about getting the win at the end of the day.”

On the challenges he’s faced as a freshman…

“Just speed of the game. Of course, when you’re playing high school and play varsity for three years, you get this comfort when you get to your senior year. You go out there and play in the games, and everything has slowed down. Playing as a freshman in the Big 12 against some of the fastest players in the nation, it’s starting to slow down a little bit, but it’s still super fast. That will just come with experience. That’s the biggest thing, just the speed of the game, just trying to allow it to slow down more and more with reps and things like that.”

On Texas not showing interest in him…

“I wouldn’t say that I was upset or anything like that when no interest was shown. Really, my dad was who kept me level headed. He was like, ‘Your opportunity is going to come wherever it’s going to come from. It doesn’t have to be UT, Baylor or any of these teams right here. Somebody is going to see what I see and what everyone else here sees. Whenever you get the opportunity, you have to take it and take it day by day.’ Of course I’ve been put in the situation I am now, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

On if he knew what the culture at K-State would like before arriving as a freshman…

“I automatically knew when I met Coach Klieman and all the coaches here how genuine it was. Whenever I came up for the Spring Game, I walked in and everyone was conversating. Everyone was genuine here, the culture they were trying to build here was going to be amazing. I knew this was a place I could see myself in. Throughout the summer whenever I got here, nothing faltered. Everything was the same. That genuine coach and all the coaches here all love us and are going to do the best they can to put us in situations to be the best players and men that we can be. That’s the biggest thing for me, and nothing has faltered.”

On some of his best games being against schools from Texas…

“Not really. That is a pretty weird coincidence. I feel like I’ve never gone into a game against a Texas school thinking that I need to show them what they’re missing out on or anything like that. Once I start playing, I try to let the game come to me and not try to force anything, because once you start forcing stuff, you start missing things. No vendetta or anything against Texas schools or anything like that.”

On how important Saturday’s performance against Baylor was for his confidence…

“It did a lot. The past three games I had been bottled up quite a bit. This last game I got to get out and run a little bit, use my abilities and stuff like that. It’s a pretty big confidence gainer, but still a lot of work to do.”

COOPER BEEBE, REDSHIRT FRESHMAN OFFENSIVE LINE

On moving form tackle to guard during the Baylor game…

“I knew once we lost Josh (Rivas) and Ben (Adler) on Friday that coach needed me to go in. He thought I needed to go in at left guard, but I felt really comfortable being on the inside. It felt more natural to me.”

On if he has had any practice with guard this season…

“Not much this season, maybe like five total reps this season. When I first got here, my first year I did a lot of both. But this year not many at all.”

On how much playing inside was just remembering from high school…

“A lot of it was. The footwork isn’t much different, it’s just the time you have for people to get on you is something you have to get used to. With tackle, there is a lot more time and space you have to work with. Then, when you move to guard, they’re right up in your face. So, you just got to get used to the transition.”

On how the team found out Josh Rivas and Ben Adler were out on for the Baylor game…

“We all tested that Friday, and we’re all just waiting in the locker rooms, waiting for meetings. Our athletic trainers came and grabbed Josh and Ben, and we realized when that happens, that’s something we are afraid of when you see the training staff on those days. So, we knew they would probably be out. Then it’s just next man up.”

On being able to play so well against Baylor…

“Dawson (Delforge) and Taylor (Poitier), it was just the next man up. We didn’t even flinch when they went down. Taylor and Dawson stepped up, Taylor had a heck of a game, and we just took a step forward and continued to grind it out.”

On how weird it is to lose players mid-week…

“Yes, definitely, but if we can have people prepared like we had with Taylor (Poitier) and them, it doesn’t really affect me because we have other people that can step up and play in that big role. So, it doesn’t bother me too much.”

On the motivation for beating Texas…

“The last couple of weeks have been tough for us. I think we are taking steps. We are definitely motivated for Senior Day and to get these seniors a win.”

On how the offensive line has grown since the first game…

“I just think that the repetition and the amount of reps we have taken in live games has helped. Coming in, none of our linemen have had any live reps, and we are starting to build and mold together. I think the continued reps in practice and the games have really bonded us together. We are starting to build chemistry with each other.”

On how much his redshirt season helped him…

“It did a whole lot. Those seniors, when I was a freshman, they helped me tremendously. We had days where Scott (Frantz) after practice would have me working on tackle footwork. Another day, it’s Mitch (Tyler Mitchell) helping me with guard. They really took me under their wing and really got me to where I am at right now.”

DREW WILEY, SENIOR DEFENSIVE TACKLE

On the decision process of possibly returning next season…

“Yeah. Obviously, that’s a huge decision. I’ve put a lot of thought into it, actually, and I do kind of have my mind made up, but I don’t really think this is the place to discuss it right now. The process was a lot of consulting people that I trusted. A lot of talking to my family, talking to coaches. Doing a little bit of praying trying to figure out what was the path or what will be the right path moving forward.”

On how often the seniors discuss the possibility of returning next season…

“I think it comes up pretty much every day, talking about that. It’s such a different situation. It’s kind of unprecedented. It’s never really happened before, so we discuss it quite often I think.”

On if the ability to return next season will affect his mindset on Senior Day…

“No, I don’t think so. I try to approach every game the same. Just trying to have a great week of preparation and following the same routine. So, I wouldn’t say it has changed the way I approach this game.”

On how the defensive line got so much penetration in the first half against Baylor…

“I think the coaches had a pretty great plan, and we were able to execute it pretty well there in the first half. All week we talked about doing some movement, trying to get the target off the d-line’s back. We’re going to move around a little bit, we’re going to throw some blitzes in there, we’re going to do some stuff to really mix it up up front. I think that the coaches had a really good plan there, and in the first half we executed it pretty well.”

On the defensive line this season…

“I think a lot of the credit goes to Coach Buddy Wyatt and Coach Tui (Mike Tuiasosopo). I think Coach Tui has put the d-tackles, in particular, in a really good spot, and he’s really been able to do a lot in terms of preparing us for the games and making sure we know what to look for and that we’re physically ready to go. I think that we’ve had, obviously, a lot of the success. It helps to have Wyatt Hubert on the d-line. He attracts a lot of attention. When teams pull up the game film on Sunday, he sticks out. So, he helps us all be better, but everybody has been having a really solid season. I think Eli Huggins doesn’t get enough credit for the ball he’s playing. I think he’s a great competitor and a great defensive tackle.”

On if he got an explanation for the personal foul called on him…

“I never got an on-field explanation. I didn’t really push too hard for one. I didn’t really feel it was my place. I was a little puzzled by the call, but I left that to the coaches and the officials.”

On if there are captains who are tasked with communicating with the officials…

 K-State Holds Weekly Football Press Conference Prior to Senior Day

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

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Luka Garza scored 35 points, 30 in the first half, and Jack Nunge added 18 as No. 3 Iowa stayed undefeated with a 99-58 home win over Western Illinois. It was the second consecutive game in which Garza scored 30 or more points in the first half. The preseason All-American also pulled down 10 rebounds. Nunge, who missed the Hawkeyes' first two games this season because of his father's death, matched his career scoring high.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes is putting together one of the best seasons of any quarterback in NFL history. The Broncos? Well, they're just happy to HAVE a quarterback. Drew Lock will be back under center when Denver visits Kansas City in the latest edition of their long-simmering AFC West rivalry Sunday night. Lock was deemed a high-risk close contact of infected quarterback Jeff Driskel — along with the rest of the Broncos' quarterbacks — and left his team without a true QB to face New Orleans last week. The Broncos turned to a practice squad wide receiver to take most of the snaps in a 31-3 rout.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — David McCormack scored 17 points, Ochai Agbaji added 16 and Jalen Wilson had 12, helping seventh-ranked Kansas cruise to a 89-54 victory over lower-division Washburn in the Jayhawks' long-delayed home opener. Kansas had opened with a pair of games in Florida and beat Kentucky in Indianapolis before returning to Allen Fieldhouse. But their first game played in the Phog since the COVID-19 pandemic began lacked much of the atmosphere that has made the building one of the toughest in college basketball. Levi Braun and Tyler Geiman scored nine points apiece to lead the Ichabods.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — For the second time this season, the Chiefs used a play dreamed up by quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Sunday's win over Tampa Bay. It didn't work perfectly with Travis Kelce's pass back to Mahomes getting batted down in the end zone, but it still may have served a purpose. Because in a stressful season made even more trying by the looming specter of COVID-19, the Chiefs have found a way to keep things light-hearted and fun.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kevin Molino scored twice in the first half and Minnesota United advanced to the MLS Western Conference finals, beating Sporting Kansas City 3-0 on Thursday night. Fourth-seeded Minnesota will play at No. 2 seed Seattle next Monday for a spot in the MLS Cup finals. Bakaye Dibassy also scored, and Emanuel Reynoso assists on all three goals. Molino opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a run up the left side to finish a feed from Reynoso. Eight minutes later, Molino wrapped his right foot around Reynoso's chip pass with just enough pace to get it past goalkeeper Tim Melia. Dibassy made it 3-0 with a header to finish Reynoso's corner in the 39th minute.

UNDATED (AP) — Iowa State receiver Landen Akers has ridden with the Cyclones from the bottom to the top of the Big 12. At 23, he is the oldest player on the team and was a member of former coach Paul Rhoads' final recruiting class in 2015. Akers is among 17 seniors who will be playing their final home game at Jack Trice Stadium when the Cyclones face West Virginia on Saturday. Akers paid his own way to school for a semester, worked at a grocery store and redshirted his first full year with the team. He's now the team's third-leading receiver.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — &nbsp;Tom Herman's tenure as the coach at Texas could be decided in the Sunflower State. The Longhorns begin a two-game finishing stretch against Kansas State and the Jayhawks with a trip to Manhattan on Saturday. The dominant storyline this week is whether Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte is counting down the days on Herman's time in Austin.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is taking nothing for granted in his team's visit to Illinois on Saturday. The Illini beat the Cornhuskers 41-23 two weeks ago and were idle last weekend. Iowa had to hang on to beat that same Nebraska team 26-20. The 24th-ranked Hawkeyes have been rolling. They are seeking their first five-game winning streak in five years,and their seventh consecutive win over Illinois.

— Remy Martin produced another impressive performance on California's home floor, finishing with 22 points, five assists and four rebounds as No. 25 Arizona State beat the Golden Bears 70-62 in the Pac-12 opener for both schools. Prized freshman Josh Christopher added 14 points for the Sun Devils, and Holland Woods knocked down a key 3-pointer with 2:24 remaining. Cal star Matt Bradley had 20 points and eight rebounds but was just 1 for 9 on 3-pointers.

— Keve Aluma had 17 points and 12 rebounds and No. 16 Virginia Tech won its 34th consecutive nonconference game at home, beating VMI 64-57 on Thursday night. Tyrece Radford added 13 points and Justyn Mutts had 10 points and nine rebounds for the Hokies. They led 30-23 at halftime and used a 9-0 run in the second half to take control. Radford had five points in the burst, including a three-point play to finish it. Myles Lewis had 13 points and 12 rebounds for VMI.

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