HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of Reno County Commissioners plans to leave the decision on mask wearing in schools in the county regarding elementary school students to local school boards and will propose a resolution to that effect at their Tuesday meeting.

The resolution reads, in part, "Requiring students in grades K through 6 to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or face covering at all times while at school attendance centers shall not be required of public and private school governing bodies or administrators within Reno County."

Also on the agenda Tuesday is an update from Health Department Director Nick Baldetti and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar, the consent agenda, including setting the canvass of the August 4 primary election for August 13, the county's 2021 budget hearing and also the disbursement of the first round of SPARK money to public entities for COVID-19 related expenses.

The Reno County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in Commission Chambers. The Canvass of the August 4th Primary Election will be at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in the Annex Conference Room.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of Reno County Commissioners plans to leave the decision on mask wearing in schools in the county regarding elementary school students to local school boards and will propose a resolution to that effect at their Tuesday meeting.The resolution reads, in part, "Requiring students in grades K through 6 to cover their mouths and noses with a mask or face covering at all times while at school attendance centers shall not be required of public and private school governing bodies or administrators within Reno County."Also on the agenda Tuesday is an update from Health Department Director Nick Baldetti and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar, the consent agenda, including setting the canvass of the August 4 primary election for August 13, the county's 2021 budget hearing and also the disbursement of the first round of SPARK money to public entities for COVID-19 related expenses.The Reno County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in Commission Chambers. The Canvass of the August 4th Primary Election will be at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in the Annex Conference Room.

Reno County Commissioners to loosen mask strings on elementary schools Tuesday


BUHLER,
Kan. —The Buhler USD 313 school board will have their regular meeting Monday in the Buhler High School Library.

On the agenda for the 6 p.m. meeting is the 2020-2021 budget hearing along with reports from the finance director and superintendent and their consent agenda.

The board will also look at the 2020 dual credit courses for Crusaders and the treasurer's report and have several executive sessions regarding personnel, legal matters and real estate. 

Each of those could possibly be followed by action from the board. Buhler USD 313 plans to start school September 2.

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BUHLER,
Kan. —The Buhler USD 313 school board will have their regular meeting Monday in the Buhler High School Library.On the agenda for the 6 p.m. meeting is the 2020-2021 budget hearing along with reports from the finance director and superintendent and their consent agenda.The board will also look at the 2020 dual credit courses for Crusaders and the treasurer's report and have several executive sessions regarding personnel, legal matters and real estate. Each of those could possibly be followed by action from the board. Buhler USD 313 plans to start school September 2.

Budget hearing part of USD 313 Board meeting Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti is leaving the county later this month to go to McPherson College to become its executive director of Health Care Initiatives on August 10. Last fall, McPherson College announced the new academic program focused on creating health-related career pathways for students while engaging them in the community. McPherson College President Michael Schneider briefly explained the program's goal.

"Our program is market-driven," said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. "Very much a broad program that students can study health science or healthcare management, with emphasis in public health, behavioral health management, clinical health, so that they can go out and pursue multiple pathways to a career in health care."

Every student will participate in multiple field experiences or rotations, and McPherson Health Science Scholars will be matched with signature outreach being developed to solve issues in the community. Schneider says they already have a robust cohort of students coming in.

"I'm excited that we've got over 30 new Health Science majors coming in," Schneider said, we have eight Health Science Scholars."

Two outreach opportunities have been secured for the Health Care Scholars. They will get hands-on experience at McPherson County Health Department and Disability Supports of McPherson. Sophomores in the program will participate in orientation and introduction to health care professions at the McPherson Hospital, and an introductory class in health systems is offered for freshmen. Students interested will also have the ability to obtain CNA certification to supplement their degree with Hutchinson Community College, The Cedars, and Moundridge Manor. The long term goal is for the Health Care initiatives program to potentially be as big or bigger than the college's Auto Restoration program, which currently has between 150 and 160 students.

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NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti is leaving the county later this month to go to McPherson College to become its executive director of Health Care Initiatives on August 10. Last fall, McPherson College announced the new academic program focused on creating health-related career pathways for students while engaging them in the community. McPherson College President Michael Schneider briefly explained the program's goal."Our program is market-driven," said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. "Very much a broad program that students can study health science or healthcare management, with emphasis in public health, behavioral health management, clinical health, so that they can go out and pursue multiple pathways to a career in health care."Every student will participate in multiple field experiences or rotations, and McPherson Health Science Scholars will be matched with signature outreach being developed to solve issues in the community. Schneider says they already have a robust cohort of students coming in."I'm excited that we've got over 30 new Health Science majors coming in," Schneider said, we have eight Health Science Scholars."Two outreach opportunities have been secured for the Health Care Scholars. They will get hands-on experience at McPherson County Health Department and Disability Supports of McPherson. Sophomores in the program will participate in orientation and introduction to health care professions at the McPherson Hospital, and an introductory class in health systems is offered for freshmen. Students interested will also have the ability to obtain CNA certification to supplement their degree with Hutchinson Community College, The Cedars, and Moundridge Manor. The long term goal is for the Health Care initiatives program to potentially be as big or bigger than the college's Auto Restoration program, which currently has between 150 and 160 students.

McPherson College program off to good start with Baldetti coming in

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks put out a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD308/videos/2646967445558267">video</a> for parents and stakeholders Thursday morning on Facebook.

"I just appreciate immensely what a great attitude everyone has about getting school started, whether that's remotely or in our traditional sense," Folks said. 

Folks noted that more details about how school is going to work will be coming soon.

"We have a Salthawk reopening plan that our board of education is going to look at and hopefully approve on Monday night, August 10," Folks said. "It would have been great to have that out prior to enrollment. I think there's a lot of details and answers to questions that parents and staff have. It was just unfortunate that we could not have that ready to go with so much uncertainty and change prior to enrollment."

If you have some doubts about how USD 308 is going to operate, the goal is to alleviate those as much as possible.

"I think that will help," Folks said. "We'll try to get that out Tuesday morning to everyone across the district. I think it's going to answer a lot of those detailed questions that people have as far as, hey what's school really going to look like? How are we going to handle specific situations around the district."

Folks also said they are considering having an additional walk-in enrollment date after the plan is released, if they believe it is necessary.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks put out a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD308/videos/2646967445558267">video</a> for parents and stakeholders Thursday morning on Facebook. "I just appreciate immensely what a great attitude everyone has about getting school started, whether that's remotely or in our traditional sense," Folks said. Folks noted that more details about how school is going to work will be coming soon."We have a Salthawk reopening plan that our board of education is going to look at and hopefully approve on Monday night, August 10," Folks said. "It would have been great to have that out prior to enrollment. I think there's a lot of details and answers to questions that parents and staff have. It was just unfortunate that we could not have that ready to go with so much uncertainty and change prior to enrollment."If you have some doubts about how USD 308 is going to operate, the goal is to alleviate those as much as possible."I think that will help," Folks said. "We'll try to get that out Tuesday morning to everyone across the district. I think it's going to answer a lot of those detailed questions that people have as far as, hey what's school really going to look like? How are we going to handle specific situations around the district."Folks also said they are considering having an additional walk-in enrollment date after the plan is released, if they believe it is necessary.

Folks: USD 308 reopening plan to be revealed Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The Salvation Army is teaming up with Walmart to provide new school supplies to local children in need during the Stuff the Bus campaign at Hutchinson Walmart from now through Sunday.

For kids preparing for the upcoming school year, school supplies remain critical to their success. In light of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has adapted its services to ensure that children in every community can continue receiving the educational support they deserve. This year, the Stuff the Bus campaign in Hutchinson is one of more than 4,500 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army has provided more than 65 million meals through a combination of prepared meals and food boxes, 1.45 million nights of safe shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to more than 778,000 people, in addition to the financial assistance, hygiene kits, and youth programs the organization provides in almost every zip code in America.

All donations made at Stuff the Bus events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The Salvation Army is teaming up with Walmart to provide new school supplies to local children in need during the Stuff the Bus campaign at Hutchinson Walmart from now through Sunday.For kids preparing for the upcoming school year, school supplies remain critical to their success. In light of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has adapted its services to ensure that children in every community can continue receiving the educational support they deserve. This year, the Stuff the Bus campaign in Hutchinson is one of more than 4,500 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country.&nbsp;Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army has provided more than 65 million meals through a combination of prepared meals and food boxes, 1.45 million nights of safe shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to more than 778,000 people, in addition to the financial assistance, hygiene kits, and youth programs the organization provides in almost every zip code in America.All donations made at Stuff the Bus events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.

Salvation Army holding Stuff the Bus event through Sunday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Former Hutchinson City Manager John Deardoff has consulted along with former Reno County Administrator Gary Meagher on putting together a proposal for how Reno County will allocate the SPARK money distributed to it by the state from the federal government.

"The state of Kansas recieved $1.25 billion," Deardoff said. "They've distributed that around the state to each county, based on population for the most part. Reno County ended up with $12.6 million. Round one was really directed specifically at public entities, schools, cities, counties any taxing entities, here we included Hutch Rec and the library."

Deardoff said the school districts in particular have been eager to access those funds.

"It's important to get our kids back to school as soon as we can in a safe manner," Deardoff said. "Schools are looking at things like reimbursables for hand sanitizing stations, those kind of things. Really preparing themselves for distance learning or virtual learning. That's a big expense a lot of them are going to have is just being able to prepare students at home to be able to learn should schools get shut down again. There's been a lot of money driven to that. Subscriptions to these virtual learning programs, setting up classrooms with distance learning. Simple things like microphones for teachers that might be teaching with masks on and the list goes on."

There are more requests than the county has funds to disburse just among the public entities.

"We're actually just shy of a million dollars over the $12.6, which is a little bit surprising," Deardoff said. "We thought it would be under that. Over the last couple of days the USDs and all the entities have really looked at their submittals in trying to cut some of those down. Not only the USDs but the counties and the cities are going to be looking at the same thing."

The cuts were going to be made over the weekend, with a final proposal to go before the county commission on Tuesday so it can be filed by August 15.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Former Hutchinson City Manager John Deardoff has consulted along with former Reno County Administrator Gary Meagher on putting together a proposal for how Reno County will allocate the SPARK money distributed to it by the state from the federal government."The state of Kansas recieved $1.25 billion," Deardoff said. "They've distributed that around the state to each county, based on population for the most part. Reno County ended up with $12.6 million. Round one was really directed specifically at public entities, schools, cities, counties any taxing entities, here we included Hutch Rec and the library."Deardoff said the school districts in particular have been eager to access those funds."It's important to get our kids back to school as soon as we can in a safe manner," Deardoff said. "Schools are looking at things like reimbursables for hand sanitizing stations, those kind of things. Really preparing themselves for distance learning or virtual learning. That's a big expense a lot of them are going to have is just being able to prepare students at home to be able to learn should schools get shut down again. There's been a lot of money driven to that. Subscriptions to these virtual learning programs, setting up classrooms with distance learning. Simple things like microphones for teachers that might be teaching with masks on and the list goes on."There are more requests than the county has funds to disburse just among the public entities."We're actually just shy of a million dollars over the $12.6, which is a little bit surprising," Deardoff said. "We thought it would be under that. Over the last couple of days the USDs and all the entities have really looked at their submittals in trying to cut some of those down. Not only the USDs but the counties and the cities are going to be looking at the same thing."The cuts were going to be made over the weekend, with a final proposal to go before the county commission on Tuesday so it can be filed by August 15.

SPARK money to go to public entities first, Deardoff says

CHENEY, Kan. — Good news for area lake goers. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has eased the Blue/ Green alerts for both Marion County Lake and Marion Reservoir as well as Cheney Reservoir.

The alerts have been downgraded to watches which means some of the toxic blooms are still in areas of the lake. People are encouraged to stay out of the water where the algae are present and to make sure you clean fish thoroughly. Boating and fishing are safe but other water activities such as skiing and swimming are discouraged.

The algae is toxic to animals and pets even if found dry along the bank. The lake updates are provided by KDHE every Thursday.

<figure>
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 </figure>CHENEY, Kan. — Good news for area lake goers. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has eased the Blue/ Green alerts for both Marion County Lake and Marion Reservoir as well as Cheney Reservoir.The alerts have been downgraded to watches which means some of the toxic blooms are still in areas of the lake. People are encouraged to stay out of the water where the algae are present and to make sure you clean fish thoroughly. Boating and fishing are safe but other water activities such as skiing and swimming are discouraged.The algae is toxic to animals and pets even if found dry along the bank. The lake updates are provided by KDHE every Thursday.

Algae threat lessens at Cheney

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will set a public hearing date for the budget during their regular agenda session.&nbsp;

If approved the hearing would be held August 24th at 5:50 p.m. just prior to the regular agenda session. The Board will also go over a proposal for increasing pay for substitute teachers. The district feels the increase is necessary to keep the shallow pool of substitute teachers in place for the district.&nbsp;

Human Resources Director Rick Kraus had indicated several months ago that finding enough teachers to fill in might be a problem due to the pandemic. If approved the pay would increase from $104.00 per day to $110.00.&nbsp;

And the district will seek Board approval to purchase 160 additional Apple iPads for student use. Blended and distance learning planning changed the plan for Pre-K through grade three students to have a device assigned to each student to enable quick and efficient transition to distance learning if needed.

The new devices will complete a 1:1 iPad ratio for grades Pre-K through grade 3 beginning with the 20-21 school year. Total price of iPads is $70,532.00. The equipment will be purchased using SPARK funds.

Monday’s meeting of the Hutchinson USD 308 School Board begins at 6 p.m. at the Mid Town center at 200 E Sherman.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will set a public hearing date for the budget during their regular agenda session.&nbsp;If approved the hearing would be held August 24th at 5:50 p.m. just prior to the regular agenda session. The Board will also go over a proposal for increasing pay for substitute teachers. The district feels the increase is necessary to keep the shallow pool of substitute teachers in place for the district.&nbsp;Human Resources Director Rick Kraus had indicated several months ago that finding enough teachers to fill in might be a problem due to the pandemic. If approved the pay would increase from $104.00 per day to $110.00.&nbsp;And the district will seek Board approval to purchase 160 additional Apple iPads for student use. Blended and distance learning planning changed the plan for Pre-K through grade three students to have a device assigned to each student to enable quick and efficient transition to distance learning if needed.The new devices will complete a 1:1 iPad ratio for grades Pre-K through grade 3 beginning with the 20-21 school year. Total price of iPads is $70,532.00. The equipment will be purchased using SPARK funds.Monday’s meeting of the Hutchinson USD 308 School Board begins at 6 p.m. at the Mid Town center at 200 E Sherman.

USD 308 to set public hearing for budget

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. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti said Friday it is still too early to tell if mask wearing specifically is working in the county, but mitigation measures more generally are working.

"We're certainly going in the right direction," Baldetti said. "This week would really be the beginning in terms of the lag in the testing data and the positive case rates and symptom onset data. It does suggest that, I would say if this trend continues into next week or even falls lower that I would feel comfortable saying that the mask use seems to be representing itself in the data."

Whether the numbers immediately get better or not, Baldetti's message hasn't changed.

"It's an inverse relationship, in that, as numbers get better, we should lean further into those mitigating strategies to make sure that we continue that way, to try and have as long of a normal fall as possible with kids being in school," Baldetti said.

Schools across the county are choosing different opening dates based on their ability to train staff and obtain personal protective equipment.

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NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti said Friday it is still too early to tell if mask wearing specifically is working in the county, but mitigation measures more generally are working."We're certainly going in the right direction," Baldetti said. "This week would really be the beginning in terms of the lag in the testing data and the positive case rates and symptom onset data. It does suggest that, I would say if this trend continues into next week or even falls lower that I would feel comfortable saying that the mask use seems to be representing itself in the data."Whether the numbers immediately get better or not, Baldetti's message hasn't changed."It's an inverse relationship, in that, as numbers get better, we should lean further into those mitigating strategies to make sure that we continue that way, to try and have as long of a normal fall as possible with kids being in school," Baldetti said.Schools across the county are choosing different opening dates based on their ability to train staff and obtain personal protective equipment.

Baldetti: Lean into mitigation measures, even as we wait on data

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair might be canceled, but deep-fried cuisine will live on for one weekend in August.&nbsp;

State Fair food lovers will still be able to get their fix of Pronto Pups, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and much more during the Fair’s Food and Tunes Weekend Aug. 21 and 22. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation.

A dozen vendors will be featured in the event. Along with the fair foods available for purchase, a special evening of tunes will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.

The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation also will have a booth selling T-shirts and taking donations for the Fair’s current Kansas Cares About the Fair Campaign. The Fair is a fee-funded agency that survives on the income it makes from each Fair. With the lack of anticipated revenue after the 2020 Fair was canceled, the Foundation is helping to raise funds to ensure the Fair tradition continues for future generations.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair might be canceled, but deep-fried cuisine will live on for one weekend in August.&nbsp;State Fair food lovers will still be able to get their fix of Pronto Pups, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and much more during the Fair’s Food and Tunes Weekend Aug. 21 and 22. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation.A dozen vendors will be featured in the event. Along with the fair foods available for purchase, a special evening of tunes will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation also will have a booth selling T-shirts and taking donations for the Fair’s current Kansas Cares About the Fair Campaign. The Fair is a fee-funded agency that survives on the income it makes from each Fair. With the lack of anticipated revenue after the 2020 Fair was canceled, the Foundation is helping to raise funds to ensure the Fair tradition continues for future generations.&nbsp;

State Fair to host food and tunes event

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Thursday that a portion of Langdon Road between Pleasant Valley and Castleton Roads will be closed starting Tuesday, August 11th.

The road will be closed for a cross pipe replacement project. The area is located just south of the Fairfield school complex. Weather permitting, the project should be finished by the end of the day Thursday.

As always, if you have any questions or need more information about this or any other county road project contact Public Works at 620-694-2976.

<figure>
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 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Thursday that a portion of Langdon Road between Pleasant Valley and Castleton Roads will be closed starting Tuesday, August 11th.The road will be closed for a cross pipe replacement project. The area is located just south of the Fairfield school complex. Weather permitting, the project should be finished by the end of the day Thursday.As always, if you have any questions or need more information about this or any other county road project contact Public Works at 620-694-2976.

Portion of Langdon Rd. closed starting Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Planning Commission will look over the long list of capital projects as part of their Tuesday meeting.

The Commission must approve the projects as conforming with city planning and zoning laws.

The list includes the deferred 11th Avenue reconstruction project from 2019. The work will run from Main west to the Harsha Canal. The construction cost is estimated at $2.6-million. Another project involving 11th Avenue is a small bridge replacement at 11th and Cochran Street on the east side of the city. That project is expected to run around $690,000.

Other approved projects for 2021 include making the traffic signal at 30th and Lucille permanent at a coast of $232,000 and improvements to the parking lots at Fun Valley, the Sports Arena and Carey Park Golf Course.

A complete list of projects for next year can be found in the agenda section at hutchgov.com. Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5:30 at the Hutchinson city offices and can be viewed via Zoom.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Planning Commission will look over the long list of capital projects as part of their Tuesday meeting.The Commission must approve the projects as conforming with city planning and zoning laws.The list includes the deferred 11th Avenue reconstruction project from 2019. The work will run from Main west to the Harsha Canal. The construction cost is estimated at $2.6-million. Another project involving 11th Avenue is a small bridge replacement at 11th and Cochran Street on the east side of the city. That project is expected to run around $690,000.Other approved projects for 2021 include making the traffic signal at 30th and Lucille permanent at a coast of $232,000 and improvements to the parking lots at Fun Valley, the Sports Arena and Carey Park Golf Course.A complete list of projects for next year can be found in the agenda section at hutchgov.com. Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5:30 at the Hutchinson city offices and can be viewed via Zoom.

Planning Commission to look over city capital projects Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A lawsuit filed against Reno County by a company that wants to build a wind farm in southern Reno County will move ahead. Reno County District Judge&nbsp;Tim Chambers issued an order denying a motion by Pretty Prairie Wind for an immediate appeal on an earlier ruling in the case.

In a document provided to Hutch Post and Eagle Radio, Judge Chambers noted in his brief that he could not find any substantial grounds for difference of opinion on the law that he used in making an earlier ruling to allow an interlocutory appeal.&nbsp;

Pretty Prairie Wind was denied a conditional use permit to build the wind farm after many landowners in the area objected to the complex. The County Commission did vote 2-1 to approve the CUP but it needed a unanimous decision which was not the case. Pretty Prairie Wind filed legal action in the matter and the case has been making its way through the court system since.

No resolution to this will come soon. With the ruling by Judge Chambers, Pretty Prairie Wind will have 90 days to file briefs on the issue of whether actions of the Commission were "unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.”

The defendants, including Reno County and the landowners opposing the project, will also have three months to respond. Pretty Prairie Wind would then have another 45 days for the developer to offer a rebuttal. Once all of that happens, both sides will then get to provide written arguments.

Then the case will be set for oral argument.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A lawsuit filed against Reno County by a company that wants to build a wind farm in southern Reno County will move ahead. Reno County District Judge&nbsp;Tim Chambers issued an order denying a motion by Pretty Prairie Wind for an immediate appeal on an earlier ruling in the case.In a document provided to Hutch Post and Eagle Radio, Judge Chambers noted in his brief that he could not find any substantial grounds for difference of opinion on the law that he used in making an earlier ruling to allow an interlocutory appeal.&nbsp;Pretty Prairie Wind was denied a conditional use permit to build the wind farm after many landowners in the area objected to the complex. The County Commission did vote 2-1 to approve the CUP but it needed a unanimous decision which was not the case. Pretty Prairie Wind filed legal action in the matter and the case has been making its way through the court system since.No resolution to this will come soon. With the ruling by Judge Chambers, Pretty Prairie Wind will have 90 days to file briefs on the issue of whether actions of the Commission were "unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.”The defendants, including Reno County and the landowners opposing the project, will also have three months to respond. Pretty Prairie Wind would then have another 45 days for the developer to offer a rebuttal. Once all of that happens, both sides will then get to provide written arguments.Then the case will be set for oral argument.

Lawsuit in wind farm case continues


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The technological divide among K-12 students across the country and in parts of Kansas became incredibly visible in light of the pivot to remote learning as a result of COVID-19. It is with that in mind that the Kansas Association of School Boards is advocating for additional funding to be rolled into the proposed coronavirus relief bill to address the issue.

"The homework gap is the gap between internet haves and have nots," said Leah Fliter, Advocacy and Outreach Director for KASB. "In Kansas, a recent study found that more than 150,000 Kansas students don't have reliable home broadband internet access."

Wireless hotspots may be the quickest way to get students on to the internet right now.

"What this bill would do is, it would allow the schools and the libraries to purchase those devices for kids to use during this public health emergency," Fliter said. "Hopefully, as the emergency subsides and perhaps some physical build-out can happen of broadband the schools and libraries would be able to take back those devices and they would be able to just continue to loan them out on an as-needed basis."

Right now, this is generally falling along partisan lines.

"The Senate bill has many sponsors," Fliter said. "All of the folks who have officially signed on to support it are Democrats. I'm not aware of why the Republicans seem to be taking a hands-off on it. I think they're trying to just maybe, bide their time and see how the negotiations go."

It also could be about money, as the bill would appropriate an additional $4 billion, which is over and above what will already be spent on stimulus checks and the like.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The technological divide among K-12 students across the country and in parts of Kansas became incredibly visible in light of the pivot to remote learning as a result of COVID-19. It is with that in mind that the Kansas Association of School Boards is advocating for additional funding to be rolled into the proposed coronavirus relief bill to address the issue."The homework gap is the gap between internet haves and have nots," said Leah Fliter, Advocacy and Outreach Director for KASB. "In Kansas, a recent study found that more than 150,000 Kansas students don't have reliable home broadband internet access."Wireless hotspots may be the quickest way to get students on to the internet right now."What this bill would do is, it would allow the schools and the libraries to purchase those devices for kids to use during this public health emergency," Fliter said. "Hopefully, as the emergency subsides and perhaps some physical build-out can happen of broadband the schools and libraries would be able to take back those devices and they would be able to just continue to loan them out on an as-needed basis."Right now, this is generally falling along partisan lines."The Senate bill has many sponsors," Fliter said. "All of the folks who have officially signed on to support it are Democrats. I'm not aware of why the Republicans seem to be taking a hands-off on it. I think they're trying to just maybe, bide their time and see how the negotiations go."It also could be about money, as the bill would appropriate an additional $4 billion, which is over and above what will already be spent on stimulus checks and the like.

Bill to alleviate homework gap in U.S. Senate

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Sheriff's Office took a report from the contractor working on the K-14 West 4th Avenue interchange that someone drove through the work zone damaging a portion of the work site.

The driver went through a section of wet concrete on Tuesday causing about $40,000 in damage and forcing crews to tear out that section of the road and start over. KDOT spokesperson Tim Potter says the area measured about 18 feet by 50 feet.

Potter says the damage will delay the project by about two days. The work is now projected to finish up August 13, weather permitting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596728644302.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Sheriff's Office took a report from the contractor working on the K-14 West 4th Avenue interchange that someone drove through the work zone damaging a portion of the work site.The driver went through a section of wet concrete on Tuesday causing about $40,000 in damage and forcing crews to tear out that section of the road and start over. KDOT spokesperson Tim Potter says the area measured about 18 feet by 50 feet.Potter says the damage will delay the project by about two days. The work is now projected to finish up August 13, weather permitting.

Motorist damages construction site at K-14 and West 4th

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools announced that they are now sponsoring an adult high school completion program. The school will be housed in the Mid Town Center at 200 E Sherman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The staff at Mid Town Center will assist adult students in establishing an individualized learning plan to achieve the goal of obtaining a Hutchinson High School diploma. Courses can be in person or online. The diploma will be recognized by military recruiters, employers, colleges, and universities. The district will also help will career and college planning.

Enrollment will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 11 at MidTown Center, 200 E. Sherman.

For more information, go to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/MidTown2020">tinyurl.com/MidTown2020</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579011979634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools announced that they are now sponsoring an adult high school completion program. The school will be housed in the Mid Town Center at 200 E Sherman.&nbsp;&nbsp;The staff at Mid Town Center will assist adult students in establishing an individualized learning plan to achieve the goal of obtaining a Hutchinson High School diploma. Courses can be in person or online. The diploma will be recognized by military recruiters, employers, colleges, and universities. The district will also help will career and college planning.Enrollment will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 11 at MidTown Center, 200 E. Sherman.For more information, go to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/MidTown2020">tinyurl.com/MidTown2020</a>.

USD 308 offering adult learning program

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three teens were injured in an ATV accident just east of Hutchinson Wednesday afternoon.

The Reno County Sheriff's Office reports that they were summoned along with EMS to 700 N Obee Road around 1:20 p.m.

Reports say that three 13-year-old females were operating a side by side ATV when they lost control of the vehicle rolling it on its side ejecting the passengers.

Two of the teens were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The third refused treatment.

Speed is believed to have been a factor in the accident, which is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560362354225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three teens were injured in an ATV accident just east of Hutchinson Wednesday afternoon.The Reno County Sheriff's Office reports that they were summoned along with EMS to 700 N Obee Road around 1:20 p.m.Reports say that three 13-year-old females were operating a side by side ATV when they lost control of the vehicle rolling it on its side ejecting the passengers.Two of the teens were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. The third refused treatment.Speed is believed to have been a factor in the accident, which is still under investigation.

ATV accident injures 3


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Emporia State political science professor Michael Smith notes that the Republican primary winners for U.S. Senate and in the Second District Congressional race in Kansas used a similar strategy to get the job done.

"Roger Marshall and also Jake LaTurner in the Second District ran great campaigns," Smith said. "What they did was, they reframed the issue away from who's the most conservative to who is the most competent. Marshall and LaTurner both put a lot of emphasis on saying, I'm a conservative. They are. They're both quite conservative. That wasn't a big leap."

In the state house and senate races, Kansas Republicans seemed to go farther to the right.

"When a person is tacking conservative and they don't have baggage like Kobach or Watkins, they can still do very well in the Kansas Republican primary," Smith said. 

This fits what has been the conventional wisdom that conservatives tend to be the ones that vote in Republican primaries in Kansas, but Smith cautions not to take that thought too far.

"The winners in the Republican side were definitely conservatives," Smith said. "There's no question about that, maybe not firebrand. We have to be so careful making a leap from primary results to general election results, because the turnout is so much higher in the general, especially in a Presidential election year."

It will also be interesting to see how Medicaid expansion proposals move or don't now that Missouri has voted to expand by ballot initiative. That isn't an option in Kansas. The legislature must pass expansion if it is to happen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591302118267.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Emporia State political science professor Michael Smith notes that the Republican primary winners for U.S. Senate and in the Second District Congressional race in Kansas used a similar strategy to get the job done."Roger Marshall and also Jake LaTurner in the Second District ran great campaigns," Smith said. "What they did was, they reframed the issue away from who's the most conservative to who is the most competent. Marshall and LaTurner both put a lot of emphasis on saying, I'm a conservative. They are. They're both quite conservative. That wasn't a big leap."In the state house and senate races, Kansas Republicans seemed to go farther to the right."When a person is tacking conservative and they don't have baggage like Kobach or Watkins, they can still do very well in the Kansas Republican primary," Smith said. This fits what has been the conventional wisdom that conservatives tend to be the ones that vote in Republican primaries in Kansas, but Smith cautions not to take that thought too far."The winners in the Republican side were definitely conservatives," Smith said. "There's no question about that, maybe not firebrand. We have to be so careful making a leap from primary results to general election results, because the turnout is so much higher in the general, especially in a Presidential election year."It will also be interesting to see how Medicaid expansion proposals move or don't now that Missouri has voted to expand by ballot initiative. That isn't an option in Kansas. The legislature must pass expansion if it is to happen.

Smith: Conservatives win GOP primaries, even as Kobach, Watkins lose


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 plans to start school in person September 2, but they know that the plans they are making will require adjustment once everyone gets into the buildings.

"We're doing what we call a slow start," said USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "September 2, we're just going to have 1st grade through 5th grade and 6th grade in our middle school and 9th grade in our high school. Then, the 2nd day, we're going to do everybody 1st through 12th. Our kindergarteners don't come for another week, due to testing. We're going to take a look at doing just a two-hour early dismissal the 3rd. Then, on Friday, we're going to take a half day of professional development and a half-day workday with our staff and say, hey, let's reevaluate, what worked and what didn't work?"

Parents and stakeholders in the district should expect communication in the days immediately following that meeting on any changes that are deemed neccessary.

"We'll have then Friday to Monday, that's a holiday weekend in there, to communicate, if there are some shifts that are going to have to happen. We will do that through probably our all alert email if there's something that needs to be changed. Flexibility is going to be key this year. I think that we're going to learn to adapt very quickly. The state likes to use the word pivot. I think we're going to have to be ready to pivot on a dime."

Kids need love and encouragement from their educators and that is something Couchman looks forward to providing, while still keeping them safe.

"That's one of the reasons we're excited and ready to have our kids back in wearing facemasks," Couchman said. "With a facemask, you can get a hug in occasionally and you can get closer than your six feet away. That's the advantage of having a facemask on. We are going to be within six feet. That's just going to have to happen in a school setting. That's one of the advantages of being on site is, I think kids need that physical interaction and so do our staff."

Couchman said one thing parents can do to help is really teach and stress the importance of handwashing along with mask wearing as they prepare kids for school. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 plans to start school in person September 2, but they know that the plans they are making will require adjustment once everyone gets into the buildings."We're doing what we call a slow start," said USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "September 2, we're just going to have 1st grade through 5th grade and 6th grade in our middle school and 9th grade in our high school. Then, the 2nd day, we're going to do everybody 1st through 12th. Our kindergarteners don't come for another week, due to testing. We're going to take a look at doing just a two-hour early dismissal the 3rd. Then, on Friday, we're going to take a half day of professional development and a half-day workday with our staff and say, hey, let's reevaluate, what worked and what didn't work?"Parents and stakeholders in the district should expect communication in the days immediately following that meeting on any changes that are deemed neccessary."We'll have then Friday to Monday, that's a holiday weekend in there, to communicate, if there are some shifts that are going to have to happen. We will do that through probably our all alert email if there's something that needs to be changed. Flexibility is going to be key this year. I think that we're going to learn to adapt very quickly. The state likes to use the word pivot. I think we're going to have to be ready to pivot on a dime."Kids need love and encouragement from their educators and that is something Couchman looks forward to providing, while still keeping them safe."That's one of the reasons we're excited and ready to have our kids back in wearing facemasks," Couchman said. "With a facemask, you can get a hug in occasionally and you can get closer than your six feet away. That's the advantage of having a facemask on. We are going to be within six feet. That's just going to have to happen in a school setting. That's one of the advantages of being on site is, I think kids need that physical interaction and so do our staff."Couchman said one thing parents can do to help is really teach and stress the importance of handwashing along with mask wearing as they prepare kids for school.

Couchman: USD 313 will slow start, then pivot quickly if necessary

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Slowdowns in key business segments because of the pandemic tore into Arconic’s earnings as the company released its second quarter report Wednesday.&nbsp;

The aluminum components manufacturer reported second quarter revenue of $1.2 billion, down 38% year over year, and a net loss of $92 million in second quarter 2020 compared with net income of $5 million in 2019.&nbsp;

Arconic, which began operating as a standalone company on April 1, saw sudden declines in critical end markets because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down many of its customers’ production facilities around the world.&nbsp;

The company announced $200 million of cash conservation actions in early April and addressed a legacy pension obligation, reducing its gross liability by approximately $250 million, according to a company release.

Arconic in Hutchinson finishes aluminum sheets and components for the aerospace industry and carries a workforce of around 75 employees when at full production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596659479329.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Slowdowns in key business segments because of the pandemic tore into Arconic’s earnings as the company released its second quarter report Wednesday.&nbsp;The aluminum components manufacturer reported second quarter revenue of $1.2 billion, down 38% year over year, and a net loss of $92 million in second quarter 2020 compared with net income of $5 million in 2019.&nbsp;Arconic, which began operating as a standalone company on April 1, saw sudden declines in critical end markets because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down many of its customers’ production facilities around the world.&nbsp;The company announced $200 million of cash conservation actions in early April and addressed a legacy pension obligation, reducing its gross liability by approximately $250 million, according to a company release.Arconic in Hutchinson finishes aluminum sheets and components for the aerospace industry and carries a workforce of around 75 employees when at full production.

Arconic battles through pandemic-driven quarter

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Voter turnout for the primary election Tuesday night was not too bad.

Numbers released by the Reno County Clerk's Office show that voter turnout in the county was 36%. There were 14,082 votes cast with more than 1,400 of them cast in advance. That does not include ballots that need to be counted by hand, nor mailed out ballots that can still come into the clerk's office until Friday. A final canvass is set for Thursday, Aug. 13.

By comparison, voter turnout for the 2016 primary was 11,976 ballots cast, or about 30%.

There are 39,183 registered voters in Reno County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596478871632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Voter turnout for the primary election Tuesday night was not too bad.Numbers released by the Reno County Clerk's Office show that voter turnout in the county was 36%. There were 14,082 votes cast with more than 1,400 of them cast in advance. That does not include ballots that need to be counted by hand, nor mailed out ballots that can still come into the clerk's office until Friday. A final canvass is set for Thursday, Aug. 13.By comparison, voter turnout for the 2016 primary was 11,976 ballots cast, or about 30%.There are 39,183 registered voters in Reno County.

Voter turnout surpasses 2016 primary totals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec announced Wednesday that they have started organizing and working on Hutchinson’s sixth featured neighborhood as a part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative.

The sixth featured neighborhood is the area between Main and Monroe streets, from 11th Avenue to 17th Avenue. Residents living in this neighborhood are invited to attend a meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the CosmoWorks room at Clayworks, 1125 N. Main St. There, residents will discuss priorities, goals, and concerns for the neighborhood, as well as go over neighborhood boundaries and learn about the neighborhood development program.

This effort is part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, a partnership among Hutch Rec, the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation. 

The purpose of the Healthy Neighborhood initiative was put in place to better market area neighborhoods, making them attractive places where residents choose to live for an enhanced quality of life. 

Organized efforts in the five current featured neighborhoods have led to park improvements, grants for home improvements and repairs, social events, and development of neighborhood identities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584563985382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec announced Wednesday that they have started organizing and working on Hutchinson’s sixth featured neighborhood as a part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative.The sixth featured neighborhood is the area between Main and Monroe streets, from 11th Avenue to 17th Avenue. Residents living in this neighborhood are invited to attend a meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the CosmoWorks room at Clayworks, 1125 N. Main St. There, residents will discuss priorities, goals, and concerns for the neighborhood, as well as go over neighborhood boundaries and learn about the neighborhood development program.This effort is part of the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, a partnership among Hutch Rec, the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The purpose of the Healthy Neighborhood initiative was put in place to better market area neighborhoods, making them attractive places where residents choose to live for an enhanced quality of life. Organized efforts in the five current featured neighborhoods have led to park improvements, grants for home improvements and repairs, social events, and development of neighborhood identities.

Hutch Rec begins work on sixth Healthy Neighborhood


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A Texas man was injured in an accident in Reno County Tuesday afternoon. 

The Reno County Sheriff's Office says 24-year-old Edward Thompson was traveling east on Parallel Road just before 12:15 p.m. Tuesday when he slightly veered off the roadway and overcorrected and collided into a parked and unoccupied Reno County Public Works flagging truck.

Thompson's airbags deployed. He was buckled up. He was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A Texas man was injured in an accident in Reno County Tuesday afternoon. The Reno County Sheriff's Office says 24-year-old Edward Thompson was traveling east on Parallel Road just before 12:15 p.m. Tuesday when he slightly veered off the roadway and overcorrected and collided into a parked and unoccupied Reno County Public Works flagging truck.Thompson's airbags deployed. He was buckled up. He was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

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