HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Leaders of various churches in the city along with Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper gathered for a roundtable discussion before a large number of area residents Tuesday night. The meeting was a follow up to the peaceful protest held Sunday at the Reno County Courthouse. The event was sponsored by the local NAACP.&nbsp;

Hooper started by making it clear that the actions that led to the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer will not be tolerated in Hutchinson.

“If officers under my leadership can not follow our core values and can not treat this community right and serve them, I’ll fire them,” Hooper said.

Hooper took most of the questions from the crowd. One of the questions surrounded the issue of law enforcement carrying firearms.

“The part of that question that saddens me is that they equate carrying a gun to power. Because in my opinion, that leads to fear,” Hooper said. “I hope that we can earn enough trust in our community to understand that carrying a firearm should not be about power.”

Pastor Charles Crumble of the New Resurrection Ministries says the amount of distrust among African American citizens and police starts early.

“We have to comfort our young brothers and sisters because eighty percent of the time, they’ve already been mistreated,” Crumble said. “They’ve already been out in the street, they’ve already been profiled. So when they come to us they are already beaten and broken.”

Crumble also stressed that there is love in the church but there is also a division that needs to be addressed.

“I believe there’s enough love in the church that it can overflow into the streets,” Crumble said. “There’s so much division in the church, there’s so much division between the churches. How can love overflow from the churches and reach the community when we all can’t stand together?”&nbsp;

Hooper said that the police department and community members need to have continuous dialogue and answers. Hooper said that the department needs to learn from the African-American community in the city to have a better relationship. Hooper went on to say that he will hold the department to a higher standard.

Other participating ministers also spoke of how modern-day issues of race, creed, and sexual preference are dividing the church and the church needs to come together to address racism and other issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591149357918.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Leaders of various churches in the city along with Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper gathered for a roundtable discussion before a large number of area residents Tuesday night. The meeting was a follow up to the peaceful protest held Sunday at the Reno County Courthouse. The event was sponsored by the local NAACP.&nbsp;Hooper started by making it clear that the actions that led to the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer will not be tolerated in Hutchinson.“If officers under my leadership can not follow our core values and can not treat this community right and serve them, I’ll fire them,” Hooper said.Hooper took most of the questions from the crowd. One of the questions surrounded the issue of law enforcement carrying firearms.“The part of that question that saddens me is that they equate carrying a gun to power. Because in my opinion, that leads to fear,” Hooper said. “I hope that we can earn enough trust in our community to understand that carrying a firearm should not be about power.”Pastor Charles Crumble of the New Resurrection Ministries says the amount of distrust among African American citizens and police starts early.“We have to comfort our young brothers and sisters because eighty percent of the time, they’ve already been mistreated,” Crumble said. “They’ve already been out in the street, they’ve already been profiled. So when they come to us they are already beaten and broken.”Crumble also stressed that there is love in the church but there is also a division that needs to be addressed.“I believe there’s enough love in the church that it can overflow into the streets,” Crumble said. “There’s so much division in the church, there’s so much division between the churches. How can love overflow from the churches and reach the community when we all can’t stand together?”&nbsp;Hooper said that the police department and community members need to have continuous dialogue and answers. Hooper said that the department needs to learn from the African-American community in the city to have a better relationship. Hooper went on to say that he will hold the department to a higher standard.Other participating ministers also spoke of how modern-day issues of race, creed, and sexual preference are dividing the church and the church needs to come together to address racism and other issues.

Ministers and HPD Chief part of NAACP round table

PRATT COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Pratt County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Buick&nbsp;Rendezvous driven by Jacob R. Davis, 35,&nbsp; Macksville,&nbsp;was southbound on NE 70th Avenue just North of 90th two miles northwest of Preston.

The vehicle left the roadway to the west, came back onto the roadway, entered the east ditch, struck the embankment and rolled.

Davis was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Larrison Mortuary in Pratt. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

PRATT COUNTY — One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Pratt County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Buick&nbsp;Rendezvous driven by Jacob R. Davis, 35,&nbsp; Macksville,&nbsp;was southbound on NE 70th Avenue just North of 90th two miles northwest of Preston.The vehicle left the roadway to the west, came back onto the roadway, entered the east ditch, struck the embankment and rolled.Davis was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Larrison Mortuary in Pratt. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV rollover crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The deadline to file for candidacy in the 2020 elections has come and gone. There will be some local races in the August primary.

In the Kansas Senate 34th district, Republican incumbent Ed Berger will be challenged by Mark Steffen of Hutchinson. In the house 114th district, Bob Booth of Sterling and Michael Murphy of Sylvia will face off on the Republican side.

Some of the other primary races include two Judge’s positions in the 27th district where now-former Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder will face Tad Dower in division two. In division four, Patty Macke Dick is opposed by local attorney Ben Fisher.

Other races in the county include the run for the district three Reno County Commission seat being vacated by Bob Bush. The candidates include Buhler mayor Daniel Friesen and Ronald Vincent of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The primary election is August 4 with the general election November 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588019148654.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The deadline to file for candidacy in the 2020 elections has come and gone. There will be some local races in the August primary.In the Kansas Senate 34th district, Republican incumbent Ed Berger will be challenged by Mark Steffen of Hutchinson. In the house 114th district, Bob Booth of Sterling and Michael Murphy of Sylvia will face off on the Republican side.Some of the other primary races include two Judge’s positions in the 27th district where now-former Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder will face Tad Dower in division two. In division four, Patty Macke Dick is opposed by local attorney Ben Fisher.Other races in the county include the run for the district three Reno County Commission seat being vacated by Bob Bush. The candidates include Buhler mayor Daniel Friesen and Ronald Vincent of Hutchinson.&nbsp;The primary election is August 4 with the general election November 3.

Several local races will highlight primary election

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. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell says that it is still too early to see what the full effects the pandemic will have on the budget and the sales tax base for the city.

“The first one (budget projection)&nbsp; that came in reportable under the COVID-19 period was down four percent. That really didn’t capture any impact of the event,” Cantrell said. “The next one came in at six, six and a half percent down. Still, in my opinion not reflective what so ever of the event.”

Cantrell says it will be the next report he gets that could reflect where the budget is heading. He says that the next budget meeting with the City Council on June 9 will allow staff to get a better handle on what the city is facing financially.

“This next budget work session that we’re proposing is one to kind of frame that piece of this. And to model it with the anticipation of certain loss levels.” Cantrell said. “It will be a . . . little fluid in dynamic as we go forward in what we project.”

Cantrell says he hopes the next meeting will allow staff to set goals for their budget and any reductions. Another area that might take a hit from the budget is the outside agencies that the city and county fund each year.

“This group may not know what their outside reserves are and their potential for surviving an event like this. Cause most of the time those outside agencies do have reserves,” Cantrell said. “To properly right-size those donations going out to those groups to the same commensurate level with what the city is anticipating to experience, might be the way to handle this.”

If Cantrell does convince the Council to make such reductions, the cuts could be significant.

“I think what you’ll see is staff making a recommendation, anyway, that that would be how we handle those,” Cantrell said. “We anticipate the city being down twenty percent. Outside agencies take a bite of the apple. We’re all in it together.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The June 9 budget meeting is set for 4 p.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575558898432.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell says that it is still too early to see what the full effects the pandemic will have on the budget and the sales tax base for the city.“The first one (budget projection)&nbsp; that came in reportable under the COVID-19 period was down four percent. That really didn’t capture any impact of the event,” Cantrell said. “The next one came in at six, six and a half percent down. Still, in my opinion not reflective what so ever of the event.”Cantrell says it will be the next report he gets that could reflect where the budget is heading. He says that the next budget meeting with the City Council on June 9 will allow staff to get a better handle on what the city is facing financially.“This next budget work session that we’re proposing is one to kind of frame that piece of this. And to model it with the anticipation of certain loss levels.” Cantrell said. “It will be a . . . little fluid in dynamic as we go forward in what we project.”Cantrell says he hopes the next meeting will allow staff to set goals for their budget and any reductions. Another area that might take a hit from the budget is the outside agencies that the city and county fund each year.“This group may not know what their outside reserves are and their potential for surviving an event like this. Cause most of the time those outside agencies do have reserves,” Cantrell said. “To properly right-size those donations going out to those groups to the same commensurate level with what the city is anticipating to experience, might be the way to handle this.”If Cantrell does convince the Council to make such reductions, the cuts could be significant.“I think what you’ll see is staff making a recommendation, anyway, that that would be how we handle those,” Cantrell said. “We anticipate the city being down twenty percent. Outside agencies take a bite of the apple. We’re all in it together.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The June 9 budget meeting is set for 4 p.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.

City budget workshop set for June 9

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says they continue to get many questions regarding restrictions that are put in place at nursing homes during the pandemic.&nbsp;

“They have to uphold to regulations set forth by CMS, CDC, KDHE and then some of those that are part of greater systems,” Baldetti said. “And so there will be some consistencies among the regulations as they’re upheld but also some differences among facilities.”

Baldetti says that the hospital has loosened its visitation restrictions in certain circumstances and says that nursing homes are taking some consideration for those who want to see loved ones in end-of-life situations.

“Both entities have been, in what’s been communicated to me, very open,” Baldetti said. “If they receive that communication they will try and work with the family to facilitate that.”

Baldetti says there is not a blanket policy among the nursing homes in the area but said they are willing to consider any request to see a loved one under various circumstances.

“They’re not openly communicating and/or have a blanket policy set in place,” Baldetti said. “That family just has direct communication with the housing entity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589983765832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti says they continue to get many questions regarding restrictions that are put in place at nursing homes during the pandemic.&nbsp;“They have to uphold to regulations set forth by CMS, CDC, KDHE and then some of those that are part of greater systems,” Baldetti said. “And so there will be some consistencies among the regulations as they’re upheld but also some differences among facilities.”Baldetti says that the hospital has loosened its visitation restrictions in certain circumstances and says that nursing homes are taking some consideration for those who want to see loved ones in end-of-life situations.“Both entities have been, in what’s been communicated to me, very open,” Baldetti said. “If they receive that communication they will try and work with the family to facilitate that.”Baldetti says there is not a blanket policy among the nursing homes in the area but said they are willing to consider any request to see a loved one under various circumstances.“They’re not openly communicating and/or have a blanket policy set in place,” Baldetti said. “That family just has direct communication with the housing entity.

Restrictions at retirement homes still in place, with some exceptions

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local daycare and learning center is chipping in to provide summer meals for area youth.

The Our Redeemer Early Learning Center at 407 East 12th started serving free Summer Lunches and Breakfast through the USDA Summer Lunch Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All children age 1-18 are welcome. The center will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, Monday through Friday. The meals are grab-and-go and each child will receive lunch plus breakfast for the next day.&nbsp; Children must be present to get lunch and walk-ups are welcome.&nbsp;

The center says they want to help ensure that all children in Hutchinson are able to have access to food.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591116808076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local daycare and learning center is chipping in to provide summer meals for area youth.The Our Redeemer Early Learning Center at 407 East 12th started serving free Summer Lunches and Breakfast through the USDA Summer Lunch Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;All children age 1-18 are welcome. The center will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, Monday through Friday. The meals are grab-and-go and each child will receive lunch plus breakfast for the next day.&nbsp; Children must be present to get lunch and walk-ups are welcome.&nbsp;The center says they want to help ensure that all children in Hutchinson are able to have access to food.

Local learning center providing summer meals

A Tuesday morning accident on K-96 resulted in minor injuries.

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, 41-year-old Pamela Ullum of South Hutchinson was distracted and looked away from the road while driving on the highway. When she looked back, she saw a red truck slowing down to make a right turn. Ullum's vehicle rear-ended the truck and went into the ditch west of Worthington Road. 

Driver 28-year-old Ivan Perales from Great Bend and passenger, 38-year-old Arturo Perales Campa were in the truck. Ullum and Campa reported minor injuries. The airbags deployed in Ullum's vehicle, but not in the truck. No one was taken in for medical treatment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Tuesday morning accident on K-96 resulted in minor injuries.According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, 41-year-old Pamela Ullum of South Hutchinson was distracted and looked away from the road while driving on the highway. When she looked back, she saw a red truck slowing down to make a right turn. Ullum's vehicle rear-ended the truck and went into the ditch west of Worthington Road. Driver 28-year-old Ivan Perales from Great Bend and passenger, 38-year-old Arturo Perales Campa were in the truck. Ullum and Campa reported minor injuries. The airbags deployed in Ullum's vehicle, but not in the truck. No one was taken in for medical treatment.

Accident with minor injuries on K-96 Tuesday

The bid for painting the Avenue A and Adams water tower in Hutchinson was approved on Tuesday. Public Works Director Brian Clennan explained the scope of the project.

"This project is going to include recoating of the interior and the exterior of the tank and the columns that support the tank," Clennan said. "We're also going to be adding a rail on top to mount antennas from on top of that tank. There's also going to be some brackets that we'll be installing to better organize those communication cables that feed those antennas. We're also going to be making improvements to the ladder safety climb system on that facility and we're also going to be increasing the size of the access port. Right now, it's about 18 inches in diameter, roughly. We're going to increase that to 30 inches."

The council approved awarding the project to G&amp;L Tank Sandblasting &amp; Coatings LLC at $347,300.

"We're going to have a pre-construction meeting and at that point in time, they will lay out their schedule," Clennan said. "The other thing that we understand is that they've got a crew that is ready to go. That was one of the reasons we believe they came in so good. They didn't want to lose that crew."

The council also approved a contract with MKEC for construction inspection services, which includes putting together that pre-construction meeting. Those inspections are at an hourly cost not to exceed $39,850. 

Right now, the council has set aside the idea of lighting the tower to save money.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583253455692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The bid for painting the Avenue A and Adams water tower in Hutchinson was approved on Tuesday. Public Works Director Brian Clennan explained the scope of the project."This project is going to include recoating of the interior and the exterior of the tank and the columns that support the tank," Clennan said. "We're also going to be adding a rail on top to mount antennas from on top of that tank. There's also going to be some brackets that we'll be installing to better organize those communication cables that feed those antennas. We're also going to be making improvements to the ladder safety climb system on that facility and we're also going to be increasing the size of the access port. Right now, it's about 18 inches in diameter, roughly. We're going to increase that to 30 inches."The council approved awarding the project to G&amp;L Tank Sandblasting &amp; Coatings LLC at $347,300."We're going to have a pre-construction meeting and at that point in time, they will lay out their schedule," Clennan said. "The other thing that we understand is that they've got a crew that is ready to go. That was one of the reasons we believe they came in so good. They didn't want to lose that crew."The council also approved a contract with MKEC for construction inspection services, which includes putting together that pre-construction meeting. Those inspections are at an hourly cost not to exceed $39,850. Right now, the council has set aside the idea of lighting the tower to save money.

Water tower painting approved

USDA boxes to be provided to meal recipients Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
It still remains to be seen if the special session of the Kansas Legislature due to start this week in Topeka sticks to COVID-19 response, but Representative Paul Waggoner notes that whatever is done will have to start from scratch.

"All of the old bills are dead," Waggoner said. "We're literally starting with a blank slate. Whatever happens, I mean, you would have to have committee hearings and things pass out of committee and go to the floor for a vote and I imagine that's exactly what's going to happen. I take it, of course, since she vetoed the bill that was passed at Sine Die that she has issues, though I don't know if she's exactly specified."

How much will get accomplished or how fast it might go are also open questions.

"I think the whole question of business liability on COVID-19 is an important one," Waggoner said. "I think there's going to be federal legislation which may solve that, but just the fact that businesses could be sued, just randomly was something addressed in the bill that the Governor vetoed. Also, about the power of local officials."

Waggoner doesn't have an issue with counties making decisions, but the last word coming from someone who is not elected is what gives him pause.

"Throwing things back to the county is fine in one sense, but, the current statute, I mean, the county public health officer, he or she does not even have to have the approval of the County Commission to shut down every business in the county," Waggoner said. "People didn't realize that was the case and that was tried to be corrected by the bill that the Governor vetoed. I would think that's something that, going forward, really needs to be handled."

The legislature convenes Wednesday at 8 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587035426296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
It still remains to be seen if the special session of the Kansas Legislature due to start this week in Topeka sticks to COVID-19 response, but Representative Paul Waggoner notes that whatever is done will have to start from scratch."All of the old bills are dead," Waggoner said. "We're literally starting with a blank slate. Whatever happens, I mean, you would have to have committee hearings and things pass out of committee and go to the floor for a vote and I imagine that's exactly what's going to happen. I take it, of course, since she vetoed the bill that was passed at Sine Die that she has issues, though I don't know if she's exactly specified."How much will get accomplished or how fast it might go are also open questions."I think the whole question of business liability on COVID-19 is an important one," Waggoner said. "I think there's going to be federal legislation which may solve that, but just the fact that businesses could be sued, just randomly was something addressed in the bill that the Governor vetoed. Also, about the power of local officials."Waggoner doesn't have an issue with counties making decisions, but the last word coming from someone who is not elected is what gives him pause."Throwing things back to the county is fine in one sense, but, the current statute, I mean, the county public health officer, he or she does not even have to have the approval of the County Commission to shut down every business in the county," Waggoner said. "People didn't realize that was the case and that was tried to be corrected by the bill that the Governor vetoed. I would think that's something that, going forward, really needs to be handled."The legislature convenes Wednesday at 8 a.m.

Waggoner: Process must start from beginning in special session


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson chapter of the NAACP is asking the public to join faith leaders and civic leadership for a round table discussion about what Hutchinson can do to prevent a death like that of George Floyd. 

That meeting is Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall at 101 South Walnut. Time will be offered for audience questions and concerns. 

Precautions regarding COVID-19 are encouraged. Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer will help keep our gathering safer and are recommended by the Health Department. Seating will be arranged to accommodate social distancing. 

This meeting will be held in lieu of the NAACP regular monthly meeting. It will also be streamed on the group's Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591092788258.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson chapter of the NAACP is asking the public to join faith leaders and civic leadership for a round table discussion about what Hutchinson can do to prevent a death like that of George Floyd. That meeting is Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall at 101 South Walnut. Time will be offered for audience questions and concerns. Precautions regarding COVID-19 are encouraged. Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer will help keep our gathering safer and are recommended by the Health Department. Seating will be arranged to accommodate social distancing. This meeting will be held in lieu of the NAACP regular monthly meeting. It will also be streamed on the group's Facebook page.

NAACP chapter to hold community forum Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Reno County is starting to come out of the hibernation that was brought on by the pandemic.&nbsp;

“Now that we are back to a new sense of some normalcy businesses are reopening and traffic is picking up,” Chamber President Debra Teufel said. “I think there was just a lot of pent up demand and desire for people to get out and about again so we’ve seen traffic pick up again around Hutchinson and Reno County for sure.”

Teufel says while the unemployment numbers in Hutchinson were hard to look at, the city and county fared better than others in the area.

“Unemployment was at 11% for Hutchinson and at 10.2% for Reno County,” Teufel noted. “If there is any silver lining in that is that we’re lower than some of our neighboring counties. So in that respect, I think because of the diversification of the economy we will come out of this healthier than most, but there’s still going to be an uphill climb.”

Teufel says that the small mom and pop businesses are also moving forward again but in some cases, it will take some time to recover.

“The small mom and pop businesses are moving forward carefully,” Teufel said. “They want to protect themselves and their employees and their customers as well. So there’s been a lot of conversation about mask wearing and the importance of that just in protecting everyone.”

Teufel says many small businesses took advantage of the PPP program and the CARES Act.

“That’s been a blessing and so the quicker they could reopen and maximize the use of that program has been great.”

Teufel says the Rally Reno program has been great for the city and county providing support for those in need during the pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580397097469.jpeg" alt="Debra Teufel Hutchinson Chamber CEO" />
 <figcaption>Debra Teufel Hutchinson Chamber CEO</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Rod Zookhutchpost.comHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Reno County is starting to come out of the hibernation that was brought on by the pandemic.&nbsp;“Now that we are back to a new sense of some normalcy businesses are reopening and traffic is picking up,” Chamber President Debra Teufel said. “I think there was just a lot of pent up demand and desire for people to get out and about again so we’ve seen traffic pick up again around Hutchinson and Reno County for sure.”Teufel says while the unemployment numbers in Hutchinson were hard to look at, the city and county fared better than others in the area.“Unemployment was at 11% for Hutchinson and at 10.2% for Reno County,” Teufel noted. “If there is any silver lining in that is that we’re lower than some of our neighboring counties. So in that respect, I think because of the diversification of the economy we will come out of this healthier than most, but there’s still going to be an uphill climb.”Teufel says that the small mom and pop businesses are also moving forward again but in some cases, it will take some time to recover.“The small mom and pop businesses are moving forward carefully,” Teufel said. “They want to protect themselves and their employees and their customers as well. So there’s been a lot of conversation about mask wearing and the importance of that just in protecting everyone.”Teufel says many small businesses took advantage of the PPP program and the CARES Act.“That’s been a blessing and so the quicker they could reopen and maximize the use of that program has been great.”Teufel says the Rally Reno program has been great for the city and county providing support for those in need during the pandemic.

Businesses starting to move forward again in the area

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many local small businesses took advantage of the PPP program to help keep the doors open during the pandemic. Now the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce will host a special webinar to help with the follow-up questions regarding the program. 

The program will run Wednesday, from 12:00-12:30 p.m. Representatives from Adams Brown Beran &amp; Ball will host the program entitled Navigating PPP Loan Forgiveness, to learn about advice and steps you can take in the days and weeks ahead to aid in tying up the loose ends of your PPP loan. 

Key topics include: loan forgiveness strategies, calculating full-time equivalent (FTE) employee count, managing proper documentation, and limitations on officer compensation.  

For more information or to register, go to <a href="http://hutchchamber.com">hutchchamber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578348454191.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many local small businesses took advantage of the PPP program to help keep the doors open during the pandemic. Now the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce will host a special webinar to help with the follow-up questions regarding the program. The program will run Wednesday, from 12:00-12:30 p.m. Representatives from Adams Brown Beran &amp; Ball will host the program entitled Navigating PPP Loan Forgiveness, to learn about advice and steps you can take in the days and weeks ahead to aid in tying up the loose ends of your PPP loan. Key topics include: loan forgiveness strategies, calculating full-time equivalent (FTE) employee count, managing proper documentation, and limitations on officer compensation. For more information or to register, go to <a href="http://hutchchamber.com">hutchchamber.com</a>.

Chamber to host webinar on PPP loan forgiveness

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time in nearly 20-years, Reno County has a new District Attorney. Tom Stanton took over the reins of the DA’s office after Keith Schroeder stepped down to pursue a judge’s position in the 27th Judicial District.

“I hope to do the same types of things we’ve been doing all along,” Stanton said. “This has been a very professional office, high integrity as far as ethics are concerned and that’s what I intend to do in this office.”

Stanton says that he wants to expand the offices connections with the area civic organizations as well as law enforcement.

“I’m hoping to open conversations with whatever groups or organizations wish to have input into jurisprudence and obtaining justice in Reno County,” Stanton said. “I’ve been asked to train at the sheriff’s office already. I’m sure I’ll have opportunities to train officers in the police department. Our communication lines are very good.”

Stanton says he has meetings with the Hutchinson Police Department on a fairly regular basis and hopes to expand that with the Sheriff’s department.  

He wants all law enforcement to feel free to come to his office if there is a question or an issue and  get them resolved.

Stanton was named deputy District Attorney the same day Schroeder was sworn in as the DA in September of 2001. He held that position until Monday when he became the DA. Stanton says he will run for office in the upcoming election.

Stanton received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1988, and his Law Degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1990. He was an Assistant Saline County Attorney from 1991 to 1995 and served as First Assistant Saline County Attorney from 1995 to 2001.

Stanton was also past President of the Kansas County District. Attorneys Association (KCDAA) for two terms; President of the Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (KADEC);&nbsp; President of the Kansas Prosecutors Foundation; and former Chief of the Legal Staff for Kansas Top Gun. Tom has received the following awards/recognition in his career: Governor’s Certificate of Recognition in the Fight Against Illegal Drugs in Kansas in 1997; Kansas Prosecutor of the Year in 2005 (presented by the KCDAA); Outstanding Drug Endangered Children Leadership Award in 2006 (presented by the KADEC); Prosecutor of the Year in 2017 (presented by the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association); and KCDAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577811770610.jpeg" alt="Tom Stanton stands as the new&nbsp;District Attorney" />
 <figcaption>Tom Stanton stands as the new&nbsp;District Attorney</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For the first time in nearly 20-years, Reno County has a new District Attorney. Tom Stanton took over the reins of the DA’s office after Keith Schroeder stepped down to pursue a judge’s position in the 27th Judicial District.“I hope to do the same types of things we’ve been doing all along,” Stanton said. “This has been a very professional office, high integrity as far as ethics are concerned and that’s what I intend to do in this office.”Stanton says that he wants to expand the offices connections with the area civic organizations as well as law enforcement.“I’m hoping to open conversations with whatever groups or organizations wish to have input into jurisprudence and obtaining justice in Reno County,” Stanton said. “I’ve been asked to train at the sheriff’s office already. I’m sure I’ll have opportunities to train officers in the police department. Our communication lines are very good.”Stanton says he has meetings with the Hutchinson Police Department on a fairly regular basis and hopes to expand that with the Sheriff’s department. He wants all law enforcement to feel free to come to his office if there is a question or an issue and get them resolved.Stanton was named deputy District Attorney the same day Schroeder was sworn in as the DA in September of 2001. He held that position until Monday when he became the DA. Stanton says he will run for office in the upcoming election.Stanton received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1988, and his Law Degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1990. He was an Assistant Saline County Attorney from 1991 to 1995 and served as First Assistant Saline County Attorney from 1995 to 2001.Stanton was also past President of the Kansas County District. Attorneys Association (KCDAA) for two terms; President of the Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (KADEC);&nbsp; President of the Kansas Prosecutors Foundation; and former Chief of the Legal Staff for Kansas Top Gun. Tom has received the following awards/recognition in his career: Governor’s Certificate of Recognition in the Fight Against Illegal Drugs in Kansas in 1997; Kansas Prosecutor of the Year in 2005 (presented by the KCDAA); Outstanding Drug Endangered Children Leadership Award in 2006 (presented by the KADEC); Prosecutor of the Year in 2017 (presented by the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association); and KCDAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Stanton now Reno Co. DA

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Like any other tax-funded entity, Hutchinson Community College is feeling the budget pinch connected to the COVID 19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“We face kind of an uncertain future of knowing what our revenue collections are going to be in the upcoming fiscal year," Hutch CC President Dr. Carter File said. “Every indication that we’re getting at this moment is showing and telling us that we’re going to be facing significant revenue shortfalls next year.”

File says they have made a number of furloughs at the school but have been able to keep most of the faculty positions intact.

“So far we’ve furloughed...a number of individuals for between three and eight weeks, for the summer and that, will generate some cost savings,” File said. “We have a number of open positions that we’re not going to fill and those are due to retirement or because individuals have quit.”

The positions furloughed do not include faculty although some have retired or left and those positions will be left vacant, according to File.

File says one thing that might ease some of the financial blow is that more students may be staying closer to home in these tough financial times and taking more classes locally online.

“We really hope to see that online enrollment is up and that even the face-to-face enrollment is up as students want to stay closer to home or want to go to a smaller institution,” File said. “A lot of students are talking about taking a gap year between their senior year and starting college.”

File stressed that if students take a year off that they at least get some online classes done so they can get off to a good start when they decide to attend school full time.

File says the cuts amount to about 7% or about $3 million.

“We are trying to plan for what we think is a realistic reduction in revenue.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Like any other tax-funded entity, Hutchinson Community College is feeling the budget pinch connected to the COVID 19 pandemic.&nbsp;“We face kind of an uncertain future of knowing what our revenue collections are going to be in the upcoming fiscal year," Hutch CC President Dr. Carter File said. “Every indication that we’re getting at this moment is showing and telling us that we’re going to be facing significant revenue shortfalls next year.”File says they have made a number of furloughs at the school but have been able to keep most of the faculty positions intact.“So far we’ve furloughed...a number of individuals for between three and eight weeks, for the summer and that, will generate some cost savings,” File said. “We have a number of open positions that we’re not going to fill and those are due to retirement or because individuals have quit.”The positions furloughed do not include faculty although some have retired or left and those positions will be left vacant, according to File.File says one thing that might ease some of the financial blow is that more students may be staying closer to home in these tough financial times and taking more classes locally online.“We really hope to see that online enrollment is up and that even the face-to-face enrollment is up as students want to stay closer to home or want to go to a smaller institution,” File said. “A lot of students are talking about taking a gap year between their senior year and starting college.”File stressed that if students take a year off that they at least get some online classes done so they can get off to a good start when they decide to attend school full time.File says the cuts amount to about 7% or about $3 million.“We are trying to plan for what we think is a realistic reduction in revenue.”

Hutch CC taking cost cutting measures 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — All eyes are on the winter wheat crop as the harvest is now just a couple of weeks away. Things are still looking good in south-central Kansas including Reno County. 

“South-central Kansas is probably one of the areas where the wheat looks the best in the state,” Marsha Boswell, Director of Communications for Kansas Wheat, said. “ In north-central Kansas and in central Kansas though, there’s quite a bit of freeze damage from that April 13th freeze.” 

Farmers are still dealing with a few minor issues in south-central Kansas.

“We did a virtual wheat tour a couple of weeks ago and had extension agents and people around these different areas reporting back to us what the conditions were,” Boswell said. “Stripe rust has kind of been a bit of an issue but, as long as farmers got some fungicide sprayed that shouldn’t be a major issue. So I think the south-central part of the state is doing pretty well right now” 

WIth the hot windy weather in the forecast for the next week to ten days, Boswell expects some test cutting in the far southern counties of Kansas as early as June 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589382984418.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — All eyes are on the winter wheat crop as the harvest is now just a couple of weeks away. Things are still looking good in south-central Kansas including Reno County. “South-central Kansas is probably one of the areas where the wheat looks the best in the state,” Marsha Boswell, Director of Communications for Kansas Wheat, said. “ In north-central Kansas and in central Kansas though, there’s quite a bit of freeze damage from that April 13th freeze.” Farmers are still dealing with a few minor issues in south-central Kansas.“We did a virtual wheat tour a couple of weeks ago and had extension agents and people around these different areas reporting back to us what the conditions were,” Boswell said. “Stripe rust has kind of been a bit of an issue but, as long as farmers got some fungicide sprayed that shouldn’t be a major issue. So I think the south-central part of the state is doing pretty well right now” WIth the hot windy weather in the forecast for the next week to ten days, Boswell expects some test cutting in the far southern counties of Kansas as early as June 10.

Wheat harvest quickly approaching in southern Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The nation’s top bulls and rising world-class cowboys, who buck up a storm on the pro rodeo circuit, will kick off the 2020 Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

Tickets went on sale Monday for the Nex-Gen Bull Riding Tour, which will deliver a night of adrenaline-pumping action starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.&nbsp;

The tour features 30 of the toughest skilled bull riders from across the United States, who will go head to head against some of the fiercest animals in the business.&nbsp;

World-traveling rodeo clown Matt Merritt, one of the best entertainers in the business, will keep crowds laughing. Known for his dancing skills, Merritt loves to create an atmosphere that's fun for the audience.

Grandstand reserved seating is $35 and includes gate admission. General admission tickets are $20 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. General admission seating does not include gate admission.

Fair officials advise fairgoers to be cautious when purchasing tickets. Etix is the only authorized seller for Fair tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Etix by visiting the Kansas State Fair’s website — kansasstatefair.com. Also, tickets can be purchased by calling 620-669-3618.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590971010310.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The nation’s top bulls and rising world-class cowboys, who buck up a storm on the pro rodeo circuit, will kick off the 2020 Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;Tickets went on sale Monday for the Nex-Gen Bull Riding Tour, which will deliver a night of adrenaline-pumping action starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.&nbsp;The tour features 30 of the toughest skilled bull riders from across the United States, who will go head to head against some of the fiercest animals in the business.&nbsp;World-traveling rodeo clown Matt Merritt, one of the best entertainers in the business, will keep crowds laughing. Known for his dancing skills, Merritt loves to create an atmosphere that's fun for the audience.Grandstand reserved seating is $35 and includes gate admission. General admission tickets are $20 for adults 13 and older and $5 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. General admission seating does not include gate admission.Fair officials advise fairgoers to be cautious when purchasing tickets. Etix is the only authorized seller for Fair tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Etix by visiting the Kansas State Fair’s website — kansasstatefair.com. Also, tickets can be purchased by calling 620-669-3618.

Bull riding to kick off fair

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board will hold another special meeting this evening as they continue to try and come up with a viable plan for renovating the football field and surrounding track. 

The Board has been discussing how to get both projects done without interfering with the spring sports seasons. There’s also the issue of coming up with enough of a water use allowance to maintain the playing fields. 

The district is looking at various options including getting water from the city and maybe even adjacent landowners.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the school district offices at 4501 West 4th Avenue just west of Fun Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585943325915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board will hold another special meeting this evening as they continue to try and come up with a viable plan for renovating the football field and surrounding track. The Board has been discussing how to get both projects done without interfering with the spring sports seasons. There’s also the issue of coming up with enough of a water use allowance to maintain the playing fields. The district is looking at various options including getting water from the city and maybe even adjacent landowners.Tonight’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the school district offices at 4501 West 4th Avenue just west of Fun Valley.

Nickerson School Board to continue discussion of athletic facilities

McPherson County's COVID-19 case count as of Monday is at 28, with 25 recovered and one hospitalized.

The newest positive case is a male in his 50s recovering at home with unknown exposure.

McPherson County continues to mandate a 14-day home quarantine if out of state travel was taken to New York on or after March 15, Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23, Connecticut on or after April 6, Massachusetts or Rhode Island on or after April 30 or Maryland on or after May 12 or any international, cruise ship or river cruise travel after March 15.

Residents are asked to maintain social distancing, avoid gathering in groups larger than 15, wear cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public and practice proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette.

For more information, call the McPherson County Health Department at (620) 241-1753.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590897165309.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>McPherson County's COVID-19 case count as of Monday is at 28, with 25 recovered and one hospitalized.The newest positive case is a male in his 50s recovering at home with unknown exposure.McPherson County continues to mandate a 14-day home quarantine if out of state travel was taken to New York on or after March 15, Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23, Connecticut on or after April 6, Massachusetts or Rhode Island on or after April 30 or Maryland on or after May 12 or any international, cruise ship or river cruise travel after March 15.Residents are asked to maintain social distancing, avoid gathering in groups larger than 15, wear cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public and practice proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette.For more information, call the McPherson County Health Department at (620) 241-1753.

McPherson County case count now at 28, 25 recovered, 1 in hospital

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

June 2020. How in the world did we get to June? I’ve had many instances lately that made me reflect on the past few months after realizing it’s now June. I have caught myself on more than one occasion asking myself, “Did I really complete that project only a few weeks ago?” or “Did that Zoom meeting really only happen last month?” It all seems like a lifetime ago. 

Since mid-March, I’ve been working remotely, the kids have been schooling virtually and my family has practiced social distancing to the best of our abilities. Our daily behaviors and weekly routines have radically changed. Yet, at the same time we have also stayed on schedule with farming.

While jobs that I completed from home in mid-March, April and even May seem like a lifetime ago, the growth on the farm indicates life is still happening in real-time.

The bees are buzzing and making collections from blooms that have appeared on time just like previous years. Corn planted in April has transformed from seeds below ground into healthy plants gaining height above ground at the same pace as previous years. The wheat is on schedule as it continues to turn from its vivid green into a golden yellow. 

The progress indicates the wheat will be ripe for harvest within the month — an event that happens around the same time every year. The continued growth evidenced on the farm maintains its place in time and space as in years before.

These visual reminders show life continues in real-time as opposed to my perceived warp-speed. 

The field of wheat I ride past on my evening bike rides serve as an anchor which grounds me and helps me recognize that while it may truly seem like a lifetime ago, the world continues to spin at the exact same rate it always has.

While the dizzying time spent in the farm office tackling school and work tasks in March, April and May seem like a blur now, the growth of the corn that my husband planted during that same time period serve as daily reminders we are, in fact, still living and operating in “normal” time. 

I’ve always appreciated June, and I think this year will be no different. The month has always served as a gateway allowing me to recognize, experience and appreciate time. Time where I can catch my breath and enjoy more moments with my kids who are now “home” for the summer. Time where the sunlight is available to enjoy for an extended period, and where I can walk through a field of growing corn and feel the wind while hearing a train whistle in the distance. Time where we can stop, sit and enjoy a meal in the field together as a family during wheat harvest. 

While the world around us may seem to be moving incredibly fast, there are constant reminders time has not changed. Seek out those reminders. Find those things that provide evidence that life continues at a “normal” pace and breathe them in. For me, those reminders are always present on the farm — especially in June.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587998382293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherJune 2020. How in the world did we get to June? I’ve had many instances lately that made me reflect on the past few months after realizing it’s now June. I have caught myself on more than one occasion asking myself, “Did I really complete that project only a few weeks ago?” or “Did that Zoom meeting really only happen last month?” It all seems like a lifetime ago. Since mid-March, I’ve been working remotely, the kids have been schooling virtually and my family has practiced social distancing to the best of our abilities. Our daily behaviors and weekly routines have radically changed. Yet, at the same time we have also stayed on schedule with farming.While jobs that I completed from home in mid-March, April and even May seem like a lifetime ago, the growth on the farm indicates life is still happening in real-time.The bees are buzzing and making collections from blooms that have appeared on time just like previous years. Corn planted in April has transformed from seeds below ground into healthy plants gaining height above ground at the same pace as previous years. The wheat is on schedule as it continues to turn from its vivid green into a golden yellow. The progress indicates the wheat will be ripe for harvest within the month — an event that happens around the same time every year. The continued growth evidenced on the farm maintains its place in time and space as in years before.These visual reminders show life continues in real-time as opposed to my perceived warp-speed. The field of wheat I ride past on my evening bike rides serve as an anchor which grounds me and helps me recognize that while it may truly seem like a lifetime ago, the world continues to spin at the exact same rate it always has.While the dizzying time spent in the farm office tackling school and work tasks in March, April and May seem like a blur now, the growth of the corn that my husband planted during that same time period serve as daily reminders we are, in fact, still living and operating in “normal” time. I’ve always appreciated June, and I think this year will be no different. The month has always served as a gateway allowing me to recognize, experience and appreciate time. Time where I can catch my breath and enjoy more moments with my kids who are now “home” for the summer. Time where the sunlight is available to enjoy for an extended period, and where I can walk through a field of growing corn and feel the wind while hearing a train whistle in the distance. Time where we can stop, sit and enjoy a meal in the field together as a family during wheat harvest. While the world around us may seem to be moving incredibly fast, there are constant reminders time has not changed. Seek out those reminders. Find those things that provide evidence that life continues at a “normal” pace and breathe them in. For me, those reminders are always present on the farm — especially in June."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Time In June


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A large group of tests came back all at once from a Kansas lab over the weekend.

"Quest Labs out of Lenexa, we had 295 tests that took five days or more to get a response and 178 of those took 10 days or more," said Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti. "After communicating with Quest Labs, it looks to be like they just got inundated with drive-through testing throughout the state and it just looks like they're trying to catch back up."

None of the tests that came back were positive, that turnaround time is not normal, though.

"What we've grown accustomed to is a day to a day and a half turnaround time," Baldetti said. "At max, two."

One to two days has been standard since the beginning of April.

"You can understand the frustration of someone who got tested and they all came back negative," Baldetti said. "They've been asked to self-quarantine for 5 to 10 days. It can be problematic for the individual, epidemiologically, assuming that the individual is quarantining themselves, I don't know that there's much of a challenge."

Baldetti plans to update the media when he has an idea where the batch of tests originally came from.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589983765832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A large group of tests came back all at once from a Kansas lab over the weekend."Quest Labs out of Lenexa, we had 295 tests that took five days or more to get a response and 178 of those took 10 days or more," said Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti. "After communicating with Quest Labs, it looks to be like they just got inundated with drive-through testing throughout the state and it just looks like they're trying to catch back up."None of the tests that came back were positive, that turnaround time is not normal, though."What we've grown accustomed to is a day to a day and a half turnaround time," Baldetti said. "At max, two."One to two days has been standard since the beginning of April."You can understand the frustration of someone who got tested and they all came back negative," Baldetti said. "They've been asked to self-quarantine for 5 to 10 days. It can be problematic for the individual, epidemiologically, assuming that the individual is quarantining themselves, I don't know that there's much of a challenge."Baldetti plans to update the media when he has an idea where the batch of tests originally came from.

Testing batch took a long time to get back, health department says


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;STRATACA is prepared to bring guests back underground starting Tuesday.

"We've done a lot of changes, just like many of the other businesses," said Tonya Gehring with STRATACA. "We've got hand sanitizing stations. We've got plexiglass where there's a transaction with money and we have our staff wearing masks right now for their protection."

Going underground and getting back up may take a little longer, too.

"We have a limited number of guests that can ride the elevator to begin with," Gehring said. "Thirty is our normal capacity, but for the first two weeks that we're open, we're only taking 10 people at a time underground."

That means there will be more times available to make the trip.

"We've doubled the amount of tours that we can have every day," Gehring said. "Ten people are going on a tour every 10 minutes. Because of that, it's summer travel, things are opening up. We're highly recommending reservations to make it an easy transition to come in, check in, get your ticket and head underground for a couple hours for a good time."

Strataca will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Open Sunday 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Reservations can be made at <a href="https://www.underkansas.org/tickets">underkansas.org/tickets</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583430947858.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;STRATACA is prepared to bring guests back underground starting Tuesday."We've done a lot of changes, just like many of the other businesses," said Tonya Gehring with STRATACA. "We've got hand sanitizing stations. We've got plexiglass where there's a transaction with money and we have our staff wearing masks right now for their protection."Going underground and getting back up may take a little longer, too."We have a limited number of guests that can ride the elevator to begin with," Gehring said. "Thirty is our normal capacity, but for the first two weeks that we're open, we're only taking 10 people at a time underground."That means there will be more times available to make the trip."We've doubled the amount of tours that we can have every day," Gehring said. "Ten people are going on a tour every 10 minutes. Because of that, it's summer travel, things are opening up. We're highly recommending reservations to make it an easy transition to come in, check in, get your ticket and head underground for a couple hours for a good time."Strataca will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Open Sunday 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the last tour at 4:00 p.m. Reservations can be made at <a href="https://www.underkansas.org/tickets">underkansas.org/tickets</a>.

STRATACA ready for Tuesday start


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — With vehicles adorned with the words "Black Lives Matter" and other signs, a group gathered for a peaceful protest in the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer. Local teacher Naee Williams put the gathering together with support from the local chapter of the NAACP and Hutchinson Police.&nbsp;

“I actually noticed some underlying racism here in the community of Hutchinson,” Williams said. “And then with everything going on with the George Floyd case and the Ahmaud Arbery case, I decided we needed to use our platform here to take a stand.”

Guests included officials from the NAACP along with Rep. Jason Probst and Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho.

“Tell me what you want and I’ll do it,” Probst announced. “Day after day I see or read another story of people of color suffering unjust deaths.”

The meeting was set by Williams with support from the NAACP and a meeting with the Hutchinson Police Department.

“The events are tragic and unfortunate,” Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said. “What’s amazing about Hutchinson and amazing about what’s happened here is that everybody came together with an effort to build things up as opposed to tearing them down.”

Hooper met with Williams on Thursday and was very positive about the meeting.

“It was a really great conversation, I think we met for a couple of hours on Thursday . . . with her and her group and members of the NAACP,” Hooper said. “She’s a really great young lady, had the right frame of mind and really wanted to get the message out.”

Darrell Pope with the local chapter of the NAACP says it was great to see a large and diverse crowd on hand despite the hot weather.

“We all live in this world together,” Pope said. “It takes all of us to make sure that if there’s justice for one, there’s justice for everyone. And so when we all come together and work together and support what’s right, then that’s when we see people living together and peaceful coexistence.”&nbsp;

For Williams, she hopes it is the start of continued dialogue between law enforcement and the community to address the issues.

“Our political leaders definitely need to do what they're supposed to prevent history from repeating itself,” Williams said. “People just need to stop being so oblivious to what’s going on.”

By
ROD ZOOK
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — With vehicles adorned with the words "Black Lives Matter" and other signs, a group gathered for a peaceful protest in the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer. Local teacher Naee Williams put the gathering together with support from the local chapter of the NAACP and Hutchinson Police.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590964256594.jpeg" alt="Naee Williams speaks to the group about the injustice that is happening in the world. Photos by Tabitha Barr." />
 <figcaption>Naee Williams speaks to the group about the injustice that is happening in the world. Photos by Tabitha Barr.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I actually noticed some underlying racism here in the community of Hutchinson,” Williams said. “And then with everything going on with the George Floyd case and the Ahmaud Arbery case, I decided we needed to use our platform here to take a stand.”Guests included officials from the NAACP along with Rep. Jason Probst and Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho.“Tell me what you want and I’ll do it,” Probst announced. “Day after day I see or read another story of people of color suffering unjust deaths.”The meeting was set by Williams with support from the NAACP and a meeting with the Hutchinson Police Department.“The events are tragic and unfortunate,” Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said. “What’s amazing about Hutchinson and amazing about what’s happened here is that everybody came together with an effort to build things up as opposed to tearing them down.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590964278230.jpeg" alt="Santalena Caudillo-Nisly talks about the white/brown privilege that needs to be used for good to help black lives. Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper holds a sign to bring awareness to the situation." />
 <figcaption>Santalena Caudillo-Nisly talks about the white/brown privilege that needs to be used for good to help black lives. Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper holds a sign to bring awareness to the situation.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hooper met with Williams on Thursday and was very positive about the meeting.“It was a really great conversation, I think we met for a couple of hours on Thursday . . . with her and her group and members of the NAACP,” Hooper said. “She’s a really great young lady, had the right frame of mind and really wanted to get the message out.”Darrell Pope with the local chapter of the NAACP says it was great to see a large and diverse crowd on hand despite the hot weather.“We all live in this world together,” Pope said. “It takes all of us to make sure that if there’s justice for one, there’s justice for everyone. And so when we all come together and work together and support what’s right, then that’s when we see people living together and peaceful coexistence.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590964813456.jpeg" alt="Protesters hold signs to show support for those like George Floyd." />
 <figcaption>Protesters hold signs to show support for those like George Floyd.</figcaption>
 </figure>For Williams, she hopes it is the start of continued dialogue between law enforcement and the community to address the issues.“Our political leaders definitely need to do what they're supposed to prevent history from repeating itself,” Williams said. “People just need to stop being so oblivious to what’s going on.”

Peaceful protest held in front of Reno County Courthouse


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Museum opens Tuesday.

"We've got plexiglass barriers for the entranceway, we're expecting to have social distancing restrictions throughout the Museum," said Michael Ables with the Reno County Museum. "We're limiting our ability for guests to go into the Oodleplex. Overall, we're trying to create that safe environment."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585942813076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Museum opens Tuesday."We've got plexiglass barriers for the entranceway, we're expecting to have social distancing restrictions throughout the Museum," said Michael Ables with the Reno County Museum. "We're limiting our ability for guests to go into the Oodleplex. Overall, we're trying to create that safe environment."There are also hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility. The museum is already having conversations about preserving the history of the pandemic, as well. "We believe that, six months from now, a year from now, we're definitely going to have some of these artifacts inside the museum," Ables said. "In fact, we're collecting the stories already. We have a program right now that's called Share Your Story and it's an opportunity for residents of Reno County to go ahead and share their stories of what they are dealing with as Reno County."The page to share your observations is at <a href="https://www.renocomuseum.org/share-your-story">https://www.renocomuseum.org/share-your-story.</a>"We've had photos sent in," Ables said. "We had one individual that was in quarantine because they had COVID-19 and they wrote in and shared their story about what they've dealt with, what they were looking at and how they've passed their time and it's amazing. We expect to see more of that as we move beyond this point."The museum’s operating hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.