NICKERSON,
Kan. The Nickerson USD 309 School Board will hold a special meeting on Monday
to go over two personnel matters. 

The first is approval of a new football coach
for Nickerson High School. If approved Taylor Bauman will be the next Panther
football coach and teach PE.

Also this
evening, the board will take action on a request to offer sick leave to one of
the district's staff. Tonight’s USD 309 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the school district
offices at 4501 W. 4th Ave.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623727313031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON,
Kan. The Nickerson USD 309 School Board will hold a special meeting on Monday
to go over two personnel matters. The first is approval of a new football coach
for Nickerson High School. If approved Taylor Bauman will be the next Panther
football coach and teach PE.Also this
evening, the board will take action on a request to offer sick leave to one of
the district's staff. Tonight’s USD 309 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the school district
offices at 4501 W. 4th Ave.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Nickerson USD 309 to hold special meeting this evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The need for blood is always there, but this year's Battle of the Badges Blood Drive could not come at a more opportune time for the Red Cross.

"The Red Cross is saying that they are at a ten-year low, as far as the amount of blood that's available," said Capt. Troy Mueller with the Hutchinson Fire Department. "Normally, the blood banks try to keep a five day supply. That's what they strive for across the country. Since the pandemic started, they have struggled to keep even a one day supply available."

There are some appointment times left for the drive.

"There's about ten appointment spots left for today, ten for tomorrow and 15 for Wednesday, which is really good," Mueller said. "They've got close to a little over 100 appointments a day. With just a little over 35 appointments out of three hundred some appointments, that's a pretty good showing. They do ask that if you can't keep your appointment, to be sure and cancel it so that other people can."

Also, they ask that everyone get an appointment if you want to give, but other than that, it's a simple process.

"They make the process seamless," said Fire Chief Steven Beer. "You just show up, they do all the work. You sit there, they give you a snack afterwards and they take care of you. Again, at the end of the day, you did something positive for the community."

The blood drive is today from noon until 7 p.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. all at the First Presbyterian Church at 201 E. Sherman.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

You can schedule an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633973078239.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The need for blood is always there, but this year's Battle of the Badges Blood Drive could not come at a more opportune time for the Red Cross."The Red Cross is saying that they are at a ten-year low, as far as the amount of blood that's available," said Capt. Troy Mueller with the Hutchinson Fire Department. "Normally, the blood banks try to keep a five day supply. That's what they strive for across the country. Since the pandemic started, they have struggled to keep even a one day supply available."There are some appointment times left for the drive."There's about ten appointment spots left for today, ten for tomorrow and 15 for Wednesday, which is really good," Mueller said. "They've got close to a little over 100 appointments a day. With just a little over 35 appointments out of three hundred some appointments, that's a pretty good showing. They do ask that if you can't keep your appointment, to be sure and cancel it so that other people can."Also, they ask that everyone get an appointment if you want to give, but other than that, it's a simple process."They make the process seamless," said Fire Chief Steven Beer. "You just show up, they do all the work. You sit there, they give you a snack afterwards and they take care of you. Again, at the end of the day, you did something positive for the community."The blood drive is today from noon until 7 p.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. all at the First Presbyterian Church at 201 E. Sherman.Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.You can schedule an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Blood shortage remains critical as Battle is underway


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The regularly scheduled Hutchinson Planning Commission meeting for Tuesday, January 25, 2022 has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next scheduled meeting will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Planning Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642172859425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The regularly scheduled Hutchinson Planning Commission meeting for Tuesday, January 25, 2022 has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.The next scheduled meeting will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.If you have any questions, you may contact the Planning Department.

Planning Commission meeting canceled


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
An unplanned pregnancy is an emotional event, no matter what stage of life you are in. At Open Door Pregnancy Care Center, executive director Neeley Pickard wants prospective parents to know, it's about care, not about judgment.

"Our typical client is 16 to 25 years old," Pickard said. "However, we have a range of moms and dads both that come in for pregnancy tests and different options. We've had a client that was 38 and pregnant, so you never know who is going to walk through our doors."

Open Door provides pregnancy tests and verification, ultrasound to find out where the pregnancy is in gestation, material aid like baby items and things for mom and dad, parenting classes, post abortion recovery, sexual integrity classes, male mentoring classes for dads and referrals to other community resources. All of the services are free.

"No insurance, no nothing, we are just there to support them," Pickard said. "We don't take their money."

Even though Open Door has a faith component, there is no quid pro quo.

"Anybody that walks through our doors, we will serve them," Pickard said. "We're seeing about 30 to 40 clients a week. That may not just be first time visits. We try to get our clients to come back in on a weekly basis to meet with a mentor, so that they have that support person ongoing throughout the pregnancy and even once the baby is born."

The center is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 315 West 1st in Hutchinson. If you need help right now, you can call their 24-hour hotline at (800) 712-HELP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642858449103.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
An unplanned pregnancy is an emotional event, no matter what stage of life you are in. At Open Door Pregnancy Care Center, executive director Neeley Pickard wants prospective parents to know, it's about care, not about judgment."Our typical client is 16 to 25 years old," Pickard said. "However, we have a range of moms and dads both that come in for pregnancy tests and different options. We've had a client that was 38 and pregnant, so you never know who is going to walk through our doors."Open Door provides pregnancy tests and verification, ultrasound to find out where the pregnancy is in gestation, material aid like baby items and things for mom and dad, parenting classes, post abortion recovery, sexual integrity classes, male mentoring classes for dads and referrals to other community resources. All of the services are free."No insurance, no nothing, we are just there to support them," Pickard said. "We don't take their money."Even though Open Door has a faith component, there is no quid pro quo."Anybody that walks through our doors, we will serve them," Pickard said. "We're seeing about 30 to 40 clients a week. That may not just be first time visits. We try to get our clients to come back in on a weekly basis to meet with a mentor, so that they have that support person ongoing throughout the pregnancy and even once the baby is born."The center is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 315 West 1st in Hutchinson. If you need help right now, you can call their 24-hour hotline at (800) 712-HELP.

Open Door Pregnancy Care Center is free resource for parents

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Market South Hutch Business of the Month is Tom's Detail Shop. According to owner Tom Hoffman, he's been in the same place for a long time.

"I started the business 27 years ago in 1995," Hoffman said. "I was 24 years old and we've been here ever since. We do auto detailing and Scorpion spray-in bed liner."

The business started out as a way to supplement income and grew from there.

"I've always had a passion of keeping my own vehicles clean," Hoffman said. "I just like to keep things clean. I've always been kind of a picky person. I started doing it in the corner of this shop. I rented this shop from a guy, just a corner of it and just kind of doing it on the side. I was working part-time at UPS, so I needed something to do in my spare time, so I just started doing it in the corner of this shop. It took off, so I rented half the shop and then it took off even more, so I rented the full shop and then I bought the place."

Hoffman said he did both for three years before he could go on his own full-time. He currently has three employees.

"In the summertime, sometimes I'll hire a school kid or something like that part time to help out, because we get really busy in the summer," Hoffman said.

He also still does some work himself, especially when they are really busy. He chose South Hutch, as it is home.

"I grew up here," Hoffman said. "I went to school here, grade school, high school. I've always been in South Hutch. I have rental houses, as well and they're all in South Hutch."

Going the extra mile for customers is just part of doing business, according to Hoffman.

"Just because our hours are 8 to 5 doesn't mean it stops there," Hoffman said. "People call me, text me. If a customer can't get down here and pick their car up by 5, that's not an issue. We'll meet you, whenever you tell us to be here, we'll be here. I have a loaner vehicle. We try to make it as easy as possible."

They are also the only ones in town that do spray-in bedliners for trucks. Hoffman is looking forward to his annual special next month on his detail service.

"Every year, on my anniversary date, which is February 6, I run a promotion for $25 off any deluxe detail and nano treatment, which is my premium package detail for a vehicle," Hoffman said. "I run that for the month of February. If you schedule it in February, we'll honor it in March, too."

The cost of the chemicals and other supplies necessary to do the detail work has been a challenge for Hoffman lately, but he and his staff take pride in the reputation they have built and it is their goal to keep prices under control as much as possible and keep the customers that have been so loyal to him through the pandemic. 

Tom's Detail Shop is located at 110 North Walnut in South Hutchinson and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642856807668.jpeg" alt="TomsDetail.jpg" />
 <figcaption>TomsDetail.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL and RICK KRAUSHutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Market South Hutch Business of the Month is Tom's Detail Shop. According to owner Tom Hoffman, he's been in the same place for a long time."I started the business 27 years ago in 1995," Hoffman said. "I was 24 years old and we've been here ever since. We do auto detailing and Scorpion spray-in bed liner."The business started out as a way to supplement income and grew from there."I've always had a passion of keeping my own vehicles clean," Hoffman said. "I just like to keep things clean. I've always been kind of a picky person. I started doing it in the corner of this shop. I rented this shop from a guy, just a corner of it and just kind of doing it on the side. I was working part-time at UPS, so I needed something to do in my spare time, so I just started doing it in the corner of this shop. It took off, so I rented half the shop and then it took off even more, so I rented the full shop and then I bought the place."Hoffman said he did both for three years before he could go on his own full-time. He currently has three employees."In the summertime, sometimes I'll hire a school kid or something like that part time to help out, because we get really busy in the summer," Hoffman said.He also still does some work himself, especially when they are really busy. He chose South Hutch, as it is home."I grew up here," Hoffman said. "I went to school here, grade school, high school. I've always been in South Hutch. I have rental houses, as well and they're all in South Hutch."Going the extra mile for customers is just part of doing business, according to Hoffman."Just because our hours are 8 to 5 doesn't mean it stops there," Hoffman said. "People call me, text me. If a customer can't get down here and pick their car up by 5, that's not an issue. We'll meet you, whenever you tell us to be here, we'll be here. I have a loaner vehicle. We try to make it as easy as possible."They are also the only ones in town that do spray-in bedliners for trucks. Hoffman is looking forward to his annual special next month on his detail service."Every year, on my anniversary date, which is February 6, I run a promotion for $25 off any deluxe detail and nano treatment, which is my premium package detail for a vehicle," Hoffman said. "I run that for the month of February. If you schedule it in February, we'll honor it in March, too."The cost of the chemicals and other supplies necessary to do the detail work has been a challenge for Hoffman lately, but he and his staff take pride in the reputation they have built and it is their goal to keep prices under control as much as possible and keep the customers that have been so loyal to him through the pandemic. Tom's Detail Shop is located at 110 North Walnut in South Hutchinson and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Market South Hutch Business of the Month: Tom's Detail Shop


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
As progress continues downtown on the Hoke Building, Mark and Phoebe Davenport with Levare Properties explain what they mean by a boutique hotel.

"It was an office building and the building is still set up that way floors two through four," Mark Davenport said. "When we say boutique, we're saying, we're retaining the original spirit of the building, like those original spirit of the building. Those original wall partitions, the original doors, transoms, trim work, a lot of original plaster and lathe will be there, a lot of original wood floors that will be refinished."

Boutique hotels typically have fewer than 100 rooms. 

"It's custom to the history of Hutchinson," Davenport said. "It's to celebrate what that building was and kind of repurposed and brought into the 21st century."

Levare Properties is also still working on renovating Plaza Towers and Leon Place as apartment buildings, and they are still looking for investors in their latest purchase of the Landmark Building. There are also commercial spaces in the lowest level of the Hoke Building.

"At the Hoke Building we have a couple of tenant spaces," said Phoebe Davenport. "We're hoping for one that will be more like a coffee shop, breakfast and lunch type of place for both the hotel guests, but also members of the community to be able to come and enjoy. We also have a place that we're hoping for a sort of evening hangout spot, whether a wine bar or a whiskey bar or something along those lines. As we have these buildings where there's residential, either hotel or people living in apartments up above, there's just already kind of a captive audience there."

The hope is that the renovations can spark revitalization in downtown as a whole. Below is a radio interview that goes into more of their vision for each of their properties...

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642856497663.jpeg" alt="Mark and Phoebe Davenport-Photo Courtesy Ash Photography" />
 <figcaption>Mark and Phoebe Davenport-Photo Courtesy Ash Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
As progress continues downtown on the Hoke Building, Mark and Phoebe Davenport with Levare Properties explain what they mean by a boutique hotel."It was an office building and the building is still set up that way floors two through four," Mark Davenport said. "When we say boutique, we're saying, we're retaining the original spirit of the building, like those original spirit of the building. Those original wall partitions, the original doors, transoms, trim work, a lot of original plaster and lathe will be there, a lot of original wood floors that will be refinished."Boutique hotels typically have fewer than 100 rooms. "It's custom to the history of Hutchinson," Davenport said. "It's to celebrate what that building was and kind of repurposed and brought into the 21st century."Levare Properties is also still working on renovating Plaza Towers and Leon Place as apartment buildings, and they are still looking for investors in their latest purchase of the Landmark Building. There are also commercial spaces in the lowest level of the Hoke Building."At the Hoke Building we have a couple of tenant spaces," said Phoebe Davenport. "We're hoping for one that will be more like a coffee shop, breakfast and lunch type of place for both the hotel guests, but also members of the community to be able to come and enjoy. We also have a place that we're hoping for a sort of evening hangout spot, whether a wine bar or a whiskey bar or something along those lines. As we have these buildings where there's residential, either hotel or people living in apartments up above, there's just already kind of a captive audience there."The hope is that the renovations can spark revitalization in downtown as a whole. Below is a radio interview that goes into more of their vision for each of their properties...<div><iframe title="Interview with Mark and Phoebe Davenport of Levare Properties" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=b7mwu-118706f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

Hoke Building to retain its spirit, while attracting guests, new business

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Interfaith Housing is looking for anyone that could assist a young lady asking for help for her mother.&nbsp;

A house belonging to the lady’s mother suffered a fire recently and must be torn down. She is looking for volunteers who would be willing to provide the manpower and equipment to get the job done as she does not have the resources to either pay a contract or the city to do it.

The job would include volunteers cleaning up the house site as well as the demo. This is not a project for the faint of heart. Interfaith is asking that you reach out to them if you would be willing to provide this service.&nbsp;

If you would be willing to help out, contact Interfaith Housing at 620-259-9916.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642801577821.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Interfaith Housing is looking for anyone that could assist a young lady asking for help for her mother.&nbsp;A house belonging to the lady’s mother suffered a fire recently and must be torn down. She is looking for volunteers who would be willing to provide the manpower and equipment to get the job done as she does not have the resources to either pay a contract or the city to do it.The job would include volunteers cleaning up the house site as well as the demo. This is not a project for the faint of heart. Interfaith is asking that you reach out to them if you would be willing to provide this service.&nbsp;If you would be willing to help out, contact Interfaith Housing at 620-259-9916.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interfaith Housing seeks help for woman in need

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington has a new contract. Reno County Commissioners will take action on the new agreement as part of the consent agenda on Tuesday.

Under the new one-year agreement, Partington will see a pay increase from $144,220 to $154,500.&nbsp;

Also Tuesday, the commission will look over some proposed changes to the RCAT bus routes. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership has been lower than in the years prior to 2020. In response, RCAT made temporary fixed route modifications during the shutdown.

The bus service has been able to maintain the amount of service needed by the community without operating excessive deadhead distances. The modifications have been in effect for nearly two years. Now, RCAT wants to make those route revisions permanent.&nbsp;

The proposed restructure changes target areas with the most demand at this time and will provide better service to passengers. KDOT has reviewed and approved the proposed fixed routes. After approval by the Board of County Commissioners, the changes will be publicized and there will also be a 30-day period to allow public comment before implementation.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s Reno County Commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602530692777.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington has a new contract. Reno County Commissioners will take action on the new agreement as part of the consent agenda on Tuesday.Under the new one-year agreement, Partington will see a pay increase from $144,220 to $154,500.&nbsp;Also Tuesday, the commission will look over some proposed changes to the RCAT bus routes. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership has been lower than in the years prior to 2020. In response, RCAT made temporary fixed route modifications during the shutdown.The bus service has been able to maintain the amount of service needed by the community without operating excessive deadhead distances. The modifications have been in effect for nearly two years. Now, RCAT wants to make those route revisions permanent.&nbsp;The proposed restructure changes target areas with the most demand at this time and will provide better service to passengers. KDOT has reviewed and approved the proposed fixed routes. After approval by the Board of County Commissioners, the changes will be publicized and there will also be a 30-day period to allow public comment before implementation.&nbsp;Tuesday’s Reno County Commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Annex.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Commission to discuss RCAT routes and new administrator contract

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive kicks off on Monday in Hutchinson. The drive is a friendly competition between local law enforcement and the fire department to collect as many blood donors as possible.&nbsp;

This year's drive is especially important because of the national blood crisis. The Red Cross is hoping to fill more than 300 appointments during the three-day competition.&nbsp;

The drive runs Monday from noon until 7 p.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. all at the First Presbyterian Church at 201 E. Sherman.

You can schedule an appointment by visiting <a href="http://redcrossblood.org">redcrossblood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594833293017.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive kicks off on Monday in Hutchinson. The drive is a friendly competition between local law enforcement and the fire department to collect as many blood donors as possible.&nbsp;This year's drive is especially important because of the national blood crisis. The Red Cross is hoping to fill more than 300 appointments during the three-day competition.&nbsp;The drive runs Monday from noon until 7 p.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. all at the First Presbyterian Church at 201 E. Sherman.Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.You can schedule an appointment by visiting <a href="http://redcrossblood.org">redcrossblood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;

Battle of the Badges kicks off Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A report from an initiative conducted last fall seeking input from Reno County residents regarding use of American Rescue Plan Act dollars is set to be released.

The Reno County ARPA Task Force and Sean Eddington with Kansas State University will present the findings of the 45-meeting resident engagement process at the Jan. 25 Reno County Commission and Feb. 1 Hutchinson City Council meetings. Recommendations based on the report will also be presented. Eddington and his team at K-State’s LEADCOMM Associates designed the initiative’s framework, analyzed the data collected and compiled the report.

The public may also access the report and task force recommendations beginning Jan. 25 at <a href="http://rallyreno.org">rallyreno.org</a>.

Passed in March 2021, the bill provides $350 million for state, local, territorial and tribal governments to address COVID-19 challenges. Reno County was allotted $17-plus million of that total to be used in accordance with spending areas defined by the U.S. Treasury:

From late August through late October, the task force, made up of representatives from organizations and groups serving Reno County, invited residents to convene 90-minute facilitated discussions of eight to 20 participants to share how the pandemic affected their lives, neighborhoods and communities and to generate ideas for how to prioritize the dollars. With a goal of reaching roughly 1 percent of the county population, the task force heard from 553 residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630684125903.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A report from an initiative conducted last fall seeking input from Reno County residents regarding use of American Rescue Plan Act dollars is set to be released.The Reno County ARPA Task Force and Sean Eddington with Kansas State University will present the findings of the 45-meeting resident engagement process at the Jan. 25 Reno County Commission and Feb. 1 Hutchinson City Council meetings. Recommendations based on the report will also be presented. Eddington and his team at K-State’s LEADCOMM Associates designed the initiative’s framework, analyzed the data collected and compiled the report.The public may also access the report and task force recommendations beginning Jan. 25 at <a href="http://rallyreno.org">rallyreno.org</a>.Passed in March 2021, the bill provides $350 million for state, local, territorial and tribal governments to address COVID-19 challenges. Reno County was allotted $17-plus million of that total to be used in accordance with spending areas defined by the U.S. Treasury:<ul>
 <li>Equity-focused services</li><li>Broadband infrastructure</li><li>Support pay for essential workers</li><li>Addressing negative economic impacts</li><li>Water and sewer infrastructure</li><li>Replacing public sector revenue loss</li><li>Supporting public health response efforts</li>
 </ul>From late August through late October, the task force, made up of representatives from organizations and groups serving Reno County, invited residents to convene 90-minute facilitated discussions of eight to 20 participants to share how the pandemic affected their lives, neighborhoods and communities and to generate ideas for how to prioritize the dollars. With a goal of reaching roughly 1 percent of the county population, the task force heard from 553 residents.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

ARPA report findings to be released at next government meetings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate for Reno County fell to just 2.3% in December as the Christmas shopping season drove residents to part-time jobs. It’s a half of a percentage point below November's numbers. The December jobless rate in 2020 was 4.3%.

While those numbers fell, the number of people in the available workforce also declined by 181 workers and the number of residents employed fell by 16 to 28,985.

The number of people looking for work fell from 836 in November to just 671 in December. The December unemployment rate for the state fell three tenths of one percent to 3.3%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560186434781.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate for Reno County fell to just 2.3% in December as the Christmas shopping season drove residents to part-time jobs. It’s a half of a percentage point below November's numbers. The December jobless rate in 2020 was 4.3%.While those numbers fell, the number of people in the available workforce also declined by 181 workers and the number of residents employed fell by 16 to 28,985.The number of people looking for work fell from 836 in November to just 671 in December. The December unemployment rate for the state fell three tenths of one percent to 3.3%.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Jobless rate falls in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The next TEFAP commodity distribution is this Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the former Dillon Living Center, at 1901 E. 23rd.&nbsp;

The program is for low-income people of all ages. TEFAP commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register and you are not allowed to pick up boxes for anyone other than yourself. Motorists are asked to form a single line with their vehicles, making sure not to block driveways and intersections.

The program hands out about 300 boxes of food each month in Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569532458211.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The next TEFAP commodity distribution is this Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the former Dillon Living Center, at 1901 E. 23rd.&nbsp;The program is for low-income people of all ages. TEFAP commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register and you are not allowed to pick up boxes for anyone other than yourself. Motorists are asked to form a single line with their vehicles, making sure not to block driveways and intersections.The program hands out about 300 boxes of food each month in Hutchinson.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

TEFAP distribution is Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — At the request of the city council the issue of stormwater utility rates will be addressed during a special study session. The fee has been in place since 2016 to help fund flood control and storm sewer infrastructure projects. Brian Clennan with Hutchinson Public Works thinks that an assessment of the city fees is a good idea.

“We look at our water rates, we look at our sewer rates, and I think it’s a good idea to look at our stormwater rates,” Clennan said. “We should see what that rate should be and what level of service we want to provide to our community from a maintenance standpoint and from a future floor reduction standpoint.”

While the council was not willing to eliminate the fee, they were in consensus that maybe it could be adjusted to make the city more business friendly. Clennan says the city took into account what their fee structure should look like compared with other cities when it was implemented.

“I know that was evaluated when we implemented the stormwater utility and compared how ours fit in with others ,” Clennan said. “I do believe we were on the lower to mid end.”

At that time, there were a number of cities that had higher stormwater utility fees than Hutchinson. The Kansas City suburb of Mission topped the list with a rate of $19 an ERU (Equivalent Residency Unit). Lenexa and McPherson had rates above $7 a month. Newton, Liberal, Ark City, and Shawnee were above $6 per month. Manhattan, Fairway, Junction City and Olathe had stormwater rates above $5 a month. Topeka, Lawrence, and Ottawa were above $4 per month.&nbsp;

No date for the work session has been set. City manager Jeff Cantrell said it would take time to come up with some proposals for the council to look over before scheduling such a meeting.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639744398230.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — At the request of the city council the issue of stormwater utility rates will be addressed during a special study session. The fee has been in place since 2016 to help fund flood control and storm sewer infrastructure projects. Brian Clennan with Hutchinson Public Works thinks that an assessment of the city fees is a good idea.“We look at our water rates, we look at our sewer rates, and I think it’s a good idea to look at our stormwater rates,” Clennan said. “We should see what that rate should be and what level of service we want to provide to our community from a maintenance standpoint and from a future floor reduction standpoint.”While the council was not willing to eliminate the fee, they were in consensus that maybe it could be adjusted to make the city more business friendly. Clennan says the city took into account what their fee structure should look like compared with other cities when it was implemented.“I know that was evaluated when we implemented the stormwater utility and compared how ours fit in with others ,” Clennan said. “I do believe we were on the lower to mid end.”At that time, there were a number of cities that had higher stormwater utility fees than Hutchinson. The Kansas City suburb of Mission topped the list with a rate of $19 an ERU (Equivalent Residency Unit). Lenexa and McPherson had rates above $7 a month. Newton, Liberal, Ark City, and Shawnee were above $6 per month. Manhattan, Fairway, Junction City and Olathe had stormwater rates above $5 a month. Topeka, Lawrence, and Ottawa were above $4 per month.&nbsp;No date for the work session has been set. City manager Jeff Cantrell said it would take time to come up with some proposals for the council to look over before scheduling such a meeting.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Clennan says a study for stormwater fees is a good idea


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
How does the emergency room at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center decide who goes first? It's part of a national standard called the Emergency Severity Index.

"What it does is it provides a stratified way of looking at presentation, vital signs, symptomology and complaint to help kind of judge who the physician should prioritize first," said Jarrod Urban, Nursing Director for Emergency Services at Hutchinson Regional. "Our goal is to always get every patient in front of a physician as soon as possible. Let's face it, that's the reason somebody's there. They want to come in, see the physician, try to figure out what's going on and then we make a decision from there."

Time-critical problems like heart attack, stroke and excessive bleeding are at the top of the list, with those needing multiple resources, but otherwise stable, going before those who may be stable and need only a single resource.

"We're getting calls from states away, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska for admits, just because nobody has beds," Urban said. "One of the benefits we have with Reno County EMS being a part of our system is Reno County EMS always has a path to us. If we have really sick patients, like we tell patients with stroke, the best outcome is to call 911 and get an EMS person out there as soon as possible. We always have availability to take care of those patients."

In fact, stroke is the time-sensitive condition Urban wishes more people would come in sooner to address.

"The minute you start to have any of those symptoms, facial droop, you're not able to lift one side of your body, problems with speech, even eyesight, come in," Urban said. "Eyesight's a big one that we miss. People think that all of a sudden one of their eyes going blind is a optometrist issue, they need to go see their eye doctor, when really its a stroke issue. We need you to call 911 and come in to see us right away. The quicker we get to you, the more likely we are to be able to give you some of those medications that can reverse the stroke. It's really amazing just how well those medications work, but it's all a timing issue."

Urban said that the biggest difference between the ED here and elsewhere in the country is that you can usually get in to see a doctor within 15 minutes here, but on the coasts, some conditions can take hours to be seen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574787528114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
How does the emergency room at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center decide who goes first? It's part of a national standard called the Emergency Severity Index."What it does is it provides a stratified way of looking at presentation, vital signs, symptomology and complaint to help kind of judge who the physician should prioritize first," said Jarrod Urban, Nursing Director for Emergency Services at Hutchinson Regional. "Our goal is to always get every patient in front of a physician as soon as possible. Let's face it, that's the reason somebody's there. They want to come in, see the physician, try to figure out what's going on and then we make a decision from there."Time-critical problems like heart attack, stroke and excessive bleeding are at the top of the list, with those needing multiple resources, but otherwise stable, going before those who may be stable and need only a single resource."We're getting calls from states away, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska for admits, just because nobody has beds," Urban said. "One of the benefits we have with Reno County EMS being a part of our system is Reno County EMS always has a path to us. If we have really sick patients, like we tell patients with stroke, the best outcome is to call 911 and get an EMS person out there as soon as possible. We always have availability to take care of those patients."In fact, stroke is the time-sensitive condition Urban wishes more people would come in sooner to address."The minute you start to have any of those symptoms, facial droop, you're not able to lift one side of your body, problems with speech, even eyesight, come in," Urban said. "Eyesight's a big one that we miss. People think that all of a sudden one of their eyes going blind is a optometrist issue, they need to go see their eye doctor, when really its a stroke issue. We need you to call 911 and come in to see us right away. The quicker we get to you, the more likely we are to be able to give you some of those medications that can reverse the stroke. It's really amazing just how well those medications work, but it's all a timing issue."Urban said that the biggest difference between the ED here and elsewhere in the country is that you can usually get in to see a doctor within 15 minutes here, but on the coasts, some conditions can take hours to be seen.

Emergency department at HRMC still seeing patients quickly

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The total assessed valuation of the Top 10 companies in Reno County surpassed $135 million in 2021 according to numbers released from the Reno County Clerk's Office. The total eclipsed the $100 million mark for the first time in 2020.

As always, Evergy was at the top of the list with a total assessed value of $56.2 million, an increase of $4 million. Bluestem Pipeline was next at $10.9 million and BNSF, which was second on the list in 2020, fell to third at $10.1 million.&nbsp;

After a 10-year tax break, Siemens Gamesa came onto the tax rolls for the first time, ranking seventh on the list with a total assessed valuation of $6.7 million. The Top 10 companies on the list paid out a total of $19,186,981 in property taxes.

Some of the other notable companies in the area:

Union Pacific ranked eighth in assessed valuation at $6.6 million; Tyson was 21st at $1.9 million; Morton Salt came in at No. 33 at $1.2 million and Collins Bus was the 40th-ranked company in Reno County with an assessed value of $1.1 million.

The Top 50 assessed valued companies in Reno County are listed below.

EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC 56,245,778&nbsp;

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPELINE COMPANY 9,738,581&nbsp;

KANSAS GAS SERVICE A DIVISION OF ONE GAS 8,006,953&nbsp;

MID AMERICA PIPELINE COMPANY LLC 7,494,536 1

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY 6,661,125&nbsp;

ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS OPERATING LLC 4,909,883&nbsp;

MAGELLAN PIPELINE COMPANY LLC 4,501,559&nbsp;

DILLON REAL ESTATE CO, INC 2,624,281&nbsp;

SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINES 2,549,061&nbsp;

ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY 2,525,276&nbsp;

NUSTAR PIPELINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP LP 2,514,438&nbsp;

WAL-MART STORES REAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRUST 2,498,855&nbsp;

ARK VALLEY ELECTRIC COOP ASSN INC 2,476,606&nbsp;

KOCH UNDERGROUND STORAGE, INC 2,352,317&nbsp;

DILLON COMPANIES, INC 2,347,933 405,716.04

BLACK HILLS CORP, (KANSAS DIVISION) 2,043,675&nbsp;

TYSON PREPARED FOODS, INC 1,978,285&nbsp;

TENAWA HAVEN PROCESSING LLC 1,398,776&nbsp;

HD DEVELOPMENT OF MARYLAND, INC 1,323,563&nbsp;

MAST, MARVIN E &amp; LOIS J 1,272,403&nbsp;

SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE L P 1,264,544&nbsp;

CITY BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC 1,229,468&nbsp;

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HUTCHINSON 1,225,880&nbsp;

CENTRAL BANK &amp; TRUST CO 1,027,248&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568596588417.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The total assessed valuation of the Top 10 companies in Reno County surpassed $135 million in 2021 according to numbers released from the Reno County Clerk's Office. The total eclipsed the $100 million mark for the first time in 2020.As always, Evergy was at the top of the list with a total assessed value of $56.2 million, an increase of $4 million. Bluestem Pipeline was next at $10.9 million and BNSF, which was second on the list in 2020, fell to third at $10.1 million.&nbsp;After a 10-year tax break, Siemens Gamesa came onto the tax rolls for the first time, ranking seventh on the list with a total assessed valuation of $6.7 million. The Top 10 companies on the list paid out a total of $19,186,981 in property taxes.Some of the other notable companies in the area:Union Pacific ranked eighth in assessed valuation at $6.6 million; Tyson was 21st at $1.9 million; Morton Salt came in at No. 33 at $1.2 million and Collins Bus was the 40th-ranked company in Reno County with an assessed value of $1.1 million.The Top 50 assessed valued companies in Reno County are listed below.EVERGY KANSAS CENTRAL, INC 56,245,778&nbsp;BLUESTEM PIPELINE, LLC 10,955,545&nbsp;BNSF 10,165,875 1PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPELINE COMPANY 9,738,581&nbsp;KANSAS GAS SERVICE A DIVISION OF ONE GAS 8,006,953&nbsp;MID AMERICA PIPELINE COMPANY LLC 7,494,536 1SIEMENS WIND POWER, INC 6,724,054 1UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY 6,661,125&nbsp;MAIN LINE, INC 5,168,507&nbsp;ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS OPERATING LLC 4,909,883&nbsp;MAGELLAN PIPELINE COMPANY LLC 4,501,559&nbsp;DILLON REAL ESTATE CO, INC 2,624,281&nbsp;SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINES 2,549,061&nbsp;ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY 2,525,276&nbsp;NUSTAR PIPELINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP LP 2,514,438&nbsp;WAL-MART STORES REAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRUST 2,498,855&nbsp;ARK VALLEY ELECTRIC COOP ASSN INC 2,476,606&nbsp;KOCH UNDERGROUND STORAGE, INC 2,352,317&nbsp;DILLON COMPANIES, INC 2,347,933 405,716.04BLACK HILLS CORP, (KANSAS DIVISION) 2,043,675&nbsp;TYSON PREPARED FOODS, INC 1,978,285&nbsp;ONEOK NORTH SYSTEM 1,761,115&nbsp;LOWES HOME CENTERS, INC 1,724,168&nbsp;SANDS OF HUTCHINSON LLC 1,686,253&nbsp;KUHN KRAUSE, INC 1,666,025&nbsp;CARGILL, INC 1,547,261&nbsp;EVERGY KANSAS SOUTH, INC 1,475,499&nbsp;TENAWA HAVEN PROCESSING LLC 1,398,776&nbsp;PRAIRIE DUNES, INC 1,325,774&nbsp;HD DEVELOPMENT OF MARYLAND, INC 1,323,563&nbsp;MAST, MARVIN E &amp; LOIS J 1,272,403&nbsp;SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE L P 1,264,544&nbsp;MORTON SALT, INC 1,247,152&nbsp;CITY BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC 1,229,468&nbsp;FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF HUTCHINSON 1,225,880&nbsp;STRAWN, JAMES L TRUST 1,225,577 2ONEOK HYDROCARBON LP 1,200,274&nbsp;ROCKSTEP HUTCHINSON, LLC 1,179,293&nbsp;LOWEN CORPORATION 1,178,530&nbsp;COLLINS INDUSTRIES, INC 1,141,003&nbsp;MAYFAIR HOSPITALITY LLC 1,107,751&nbsp;HEARTLAND CREDIT UNION 1,040,430&nbsp;CENTRAL BANK &amp; TRUST CO 1,027,248&nbsp;ARCONIC DEVELOPMENT LLC 1,017,176&nbsp;SONOCO HUTCHINSON LLC 997,950&nbsp;CARGILL, INC SALT 997,158&nbsp;MORTON SALT, INC 976,050&nbsp;SONOCO HUTCHINSON LLC 935,149&nbsp;HUTCHINSON 17TH LLC 933,053&nbsp;MIDWEST ENERGY INC 875,269&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Top 50 assessed valuations of Reno Co. companies

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Engineering staff recommended to the Hutchinson City Council putting in a single roundabout at Avenue A to solve the Woodie Seat Freeway issue as part of its Thursday night study session at City Hall.

City councilwoman Sara Bagwell was not in attendance at the meeting during the formal presentation by engineering staff. The other four council members were there.

The railroad is one of the reasons the bridges on Woodie Seat are there, and the option of taking out all of the bridges and putting streets down to at grade at Ave F, which was presented, but without as much study as the other options, could cause potential conflict with the railroads.

"The City of Hutchinson does not have railroads in it," said Assistant City Engineer Jessica Lowe. "The railroads allow the City of Hutchinson to exist around them. We get permission from them to cross their crossings, they don't get permission from us to cross our street. If suddenly we have 10,000 extra vehicles a day that normally go over them now trying to cross them, they likely would not approve that. Not only would they not approve it, they may, and definitely have the authority to remove our permits to cross. They could close crossings."

Other options were presented for either a one lane or two lane T intersection at Avenue A or leaving the bridges as is. 

All of the options would have a construction cost of at least $7 million.

1. A one lane T intersection with stop control is estimated at $7,194,000.

2. A two lane T intersection with stop control is estimated at $7,309,000.

3. A single roundabout, is estimated at $7,230,000.

4. Preserving the bridges and replacing the Avenue B bridge and repairing the bridges on Avenues A and C is estimated at $8,060,000.

5. Removing the Woodie Seat bridges at Avenue F and creating a new at grade entrance is estimated at $7,050,000.

The bridge repairs on Avenue C if the road is kept the same could be more expensive than the estimate, if the railroad deems additional work necessary.

"Our estimate comes with a giant caveat that our costs could be even higher than that depending on railroad cooperation and what kind of requirements they may have," Lowe said. "We heard a story from one of our bridge consultants that a railroad wouldn't allow KDOT to do a repair project over their railroad. It's like, we have to repair the bridge and they weren't really playing ball. It makes things expensive and difficult, for sure."

It's important to note that the city was transferred responsibility for the Woodie Seat Freeway from KDOT in 2005 after K-96 was rerouted, so the city has had less than 20 years of responsibility for what are now over 60-year-old bridges that were supposed to have a 50-year lifespan when built.

Those options will all be presented again for a final time at the SW Bricktown neighborhood meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Avenue A school. 

The council needs to make a final decision in the month of February if they want to have any chance at KDOT cost share dollars for whatever project they choose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585858972025.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Engineering staff recommended to the Hutchinson City Council putting in a single roundabout at Avenue A to solve the Woodie Seat Freeway issue as part of its Thursday night study session at City Hall.City councilwoman Sara Bagwell was not in attendance at the meeting during the formal presentation by engineering staff. The other four council members were there.The railroad is one of the reasons the bridges on Woodie Seat are there, and the option of taking out all of the bridges and putting streets down to at grade at Ave F, which was presented, but without as much study as the other options, could cause potential conflict with the railroads."The City of Hutchinson does not have railroads in it," said Assistant City Engineer Jessica Lowe. "The railroads allow the City of Hutchinson to exist around them. We get permission from them to cross their crossings, they don't get permission from us to cross our street. If suddenly we have 10,000 extra vehicles a day that normally go over them now trying to cross them, they likely would not approve that. Not only would they not approve it, they may, and definitely have the authority to remove our permits to cross. They could close crossings."Other options were presented for either a one lane or two lane T intersection at Avenue A or leaving the bridges as is. All of the options would have a construction cost of at least $7 million.1. A one lane T intersection with stop control is estimated at $7,194,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642765272537.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2. A two lane T intersection with stop control is estimated at $7,309,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642765283000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3. A single roundabout, is estimated at $7,230,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642765295184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>4. Preserving the bridges and replacing the Avenue B bridge and repairing the bridges on Avenues A and C is estimated at $8,060,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585858972025.jpeg" alt="Woody seat interchange.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Woody seat interchange.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>5. Removing the Woodie Seat bridges at Avenue F and creating a new at grade entrance is estimated at $7,050,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642765306824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The bridge repairs on Avenue C if the road is kept the same could be more expensive than the estimate, if the railroad deems additional work necessary."Our estimate comes with a giant caveat that our costs could be even higher than that depending on railroad cooperation and what kind of requirements they may have," Lowe said. "We heard a story from one of our bridge consultants that a railroad wouldn't allow KDOT to do a repair project over their railroad. It's like, we have to repair the bridge and they weren't really playing ball. It makes things expensive and difficult, for sure."It's important to note that the city was transferred responsibility for the Woodie Seat Freeway from KDOT in 2005 after K-96 was rerouted, so the city has had less than 20 years of responsibility for what are now over 60-year-old bridges that were supposed to have a 50-year lifespan when built.Those options will all be presented again for a final time at the SW Bricktown neighborhood meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Avenue A school. The council needs to make a final decision in the month of February if they want to have any chance at KDOT cost share dollars for whatever project they choose.

Woodie Seat study session gives options, one more presentation Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Though they are still seeing positive cases within the district, Fairfield USD 310 is planning to resume in-class learning on Monday.&nbsp;

The district has been in remote learning since Tuesday after school was called off on Friday and all activities were canceled through the end of this week.

Superintendent Betsy McKinney said the district will do what it can to cover for instructors who can’t make it to class. McKinney says they are using staff and even the district office personnel to fill in where needed.

At the time the district decided to go to remote learning, about 20% of students and nearly 40% of staff were either in quarantine or COVID positive.

If they can’t cover all of the classes, McKinney says they will go to the last resort of combining students in classrooms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595965876065.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Though they are still seeing positive cases within the district, Fairfield USD 310 is planning to resume in-class learning on Monday.&nbsp;The district has been in remote learning since Tuesday after school was called off on Friday and all activities were canceled through the end of this week.Superintendent Betsy McKinney said the district will do what it can to cover for instructors who can’t make it to class. McKinney says they are using staff and even the district office personnel to fill in where needed.At the time the district decided to go to remote learning, about 20% of students and nearly 40% of staff were either in quarantine or COVID positive.If they can’t cover all of the classes, McKinney says they will go to the last resort of combining students in classrooms.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

USD 310 to resume in-person learning Monday

SPRING Hill, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boy's Basketball team will match up agains Blue Valley Southwest in the Championship game of the Spring Hill Invitational Friday night at 8:15pm.

This the first Championship game that Hutch High has competed in since 2002 when Hutchinson faced Wichita East in the Tournament of Champions in Dodge City

Join the Eagle Radio broadcast team with the pre-game scheduled to begin at 8:00pm on KWBW radio 1450AM and 98.5 FM or stream audio at <a href="http://kwbwradio.com">kwbwradio.com</a> or with the KWBW app.&nbsp; Video stream of the game will be available on the Hutchinson Channel on the NFHS Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">nfhsnetwork.com.</a>

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

SPRING Hill, Kan.-The Hutchinson Salthawk Boy's Basketball team will match up agains Blue Valley Southwest in the Championship game of the Spring Hill Invitational Friday night at 8:15pm.This the first Championship game that Hutch High has competed in since 2002 when Hutchinson faced Wichita East in the Tournament of Champions in Dodge City<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642751106339.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join the Eagle Radio broadcast team with the pre-game scheduled to begin at 8:00pm on KWBW radio 1450AM and 98.5 FM or stream audio at <a href="http://kwbwradio.com">kwbwradio.com</a> or with the KWBW app.&nbsp; Video stream of the game will be available on the Hutchinson Channel on the NFHS Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/">nfhsnetwork.com.</a><div><iframe src="https://player.nfhsnetwork.com/#/events/hutchinson-high-school-hutchinson-ks/gam6597cc2ad9" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" width="640" height="360"></iframe>
</div><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">C</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">LICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 🏀 Game Day! Hutch High Boy's Basketball vs Blue Valley Southwest for Spring Hill invitational championship

PRATT —&nbsp;The Kansas National Guard is assisting Pratt County to operate a COVID-19 mass testing site at the Pratt Community Center at 619 North Main in Pratt on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

There will be Antigen Nasal Swab tests available with 15 to 30 minute results. 

Additional testing days and other test types will be available in the future. Masks are required to enter the testing location.

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 </figure>PRATT —&nbsp;The Kansas National Guard is assisting Pratt County to operate a COVID-19 mass testing site at the Pratt Community Center at 619 North Main in Pratt on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.There will be Antigen Nasal Swab tests available with 15 to 30 minute results. Additional testing days and other test types will be available in the future. Masks are required to enter the testing location.

COVID-19 mass testing site in Pratt Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that those wanting to attend the State of the City Breakfast, but might be hesitant due to COVID, will have the option of viewing it on a Zoom link.&nbsp;

The event, held in conjunction with Hutchinson AMBUCS, will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, at 8 a.m. at Memorial Hall. Attendees will still have the option to attend in-person or virtually. The cost to attend either way is $15 for Chamber members.

Those wishing to attend virtually will be sent a Zoom link before the start of the breakfast. Those already registered that would like to switch their registration to the virtual option should email Chelsey Dawson at <a href="mailto:chelseyd@hutchchamber.com">chelseyd@hutchchamber.com</a> or call the Hutch Chamber office 620-662-3391.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635351049170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that those wanting to attend the State of the City Breakfast, but might be hesitant due to COVID, will have the option of viewing it on a Zoom link.&nbsp;The event, held in conjunction with Hutchinson AMBUCS, will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, at 8 a.m. at Memorial Hall. Attendees will still have the option to attend in-person or virtually. The cost to attend either way is $15 for Chamber members.Those wishing to attend virtually will be sent a Zoom link before the start of the breakfast. Those already registered that would like to switch their registration to the virtual option should email Chelsey Dawson at <a href="mailto:chelseyd@hutchchamber.com">chelseyd@hutchchamber.com</a> or call the Hutch Chamber office 620-662-3391.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Chamber State of the City address will be offered via Zoom

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works continues to make repairs to the Woodie Seat Freeway.&nbsp;

The freeway is closed in both directions from Avenue A to Avenue F after the approaches to the bridge over Avenue B failed. Public Works Director Brian Clennan says the road failed because the subsurface gave way, causing the concrete to break apart. Clennan says they are waiting for some materials and then warmer weather to lay the new road.

Clennan says plans to do something to repair or renovate the roadway and bridges must come soon.

If all goes as planned, the freeway should be open by Monday, Jan. 31. Until then, motorists must enter or exit the freeway at Avenue F.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642542747496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works continues to make repairs to the Woodie Seat Freeway.&nbsp;The freeway is closed in both directions from Avenue A to Avenue F after the approaches to the bridge over Avenue B failed. Public Works Director Brian Clennan says the road failed because the subsurface gave way, causing the concrete to break apart. Clennan says they are waiting for some materials and then warmer weather to lay the new road.Clennan says plans to do something to repair or renovate the roadway and bridges must come soon.If all goes as planned, the freeway should be open by Monday, Jan. 31. Until then, motorists must enter or exit the freeway at Avenue F.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Woodie Seat to stay closed until Jan 31.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Democratic Rep. Jason Probst is on the committee that will be looking at congressional redistricting maps. One of those maps that was submitted in both houses by representatives from each party and drawn with the help of the League of Women Voters, would divide Reno County between two congressional districts, with the eastern portion of the county in the Fourth District with Wichita and the western portion remaining in the Big First.

"At first I thought, that's kind of weird, we've split the county in half and we've got Hutchinson largely into the Fourth District and the rest the First," Probst said. "My first reaction was well, we should put all of Reno County in the Fourth, but then, as I thought about it, I thought, you know, probably some of the rural areas and smaller towns out in rural Reno County probably identify culturally and economically more with the First District than they would the Fourth District. When I started looking at a different community of interest or a different basis on what you'd use to draw the map, it kind of made sense to me, with a largely agrarian area to the western part of the county and the city of Hutchinson and east is part of that K-96 corridor, the regional economic area partnership, heavily based on industry and manufacturing and technology, so it kind of makes sense that you would put that in the Fourth District."

Though it's almost a mathematical certainty that whatever map is approved will be challenged by someone in court, Probst likes the chances of the so-called Bluestem map, if it were to be the one chosen by the Legislature.

"I think that the League of Women Voters map is relatively unchallengeable," Probst said. "It follows all the guidelines. It's compact. It's as contiguous as can possibly be. It follows the testimony that we heard about keeping the KC metro together. It's a little less snaky and winding than the Ad Astra map."

The Ad Astra map appears to be the one with the most initial support from Republican leadership and if the majority party unifies behind it, it would likely pass, but it does carve the city of Lawrence out of the Second District and put it in the Big First, which would seem to be less geographically congruent than the Bluestem map.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Democratic Rep. Jason Probst is on the committee that will be looking at congressional redistricting maps. One of those maps that was submitted in both houses by representatives from each party and drawn with the help of the League of Women Voters, would divide Reno County between two congressional districts, with the eastern portion of the county in the Fourth District with Wichita and the western portion remaining in the Big First.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642703344603.jpeg" alt="BluestemMap.JPG" />
 <figcaption>BluestemMap.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>"At first I thought, that's kind of weird, we've split the county in half and we've got Hutchinson largely into the Fourth District and the rest the First," Probst said. "My first reaction was well, we should put all of Reno County in the Fourth, but then, as I thought about it, I thought, you know, probably some of the rural areas and smaller towns out in rural Reno County probably identify culturally and economically more with the First District than they would the Fourth District. When I started looking at a different community of interest or a different basis on what you'd use to draw the map, it kind of made sense to me, with a largely agrarian area to the western part of the county and the city of Hutchinson and east is part of that K-96 corridor, the regional economic area partnership, heavily based on industry and manufacturing and technology, so it kind of makes sense that you would put that in the Fourth District."Though it's almost a mathematical certainty that whatever map is approved will be challenged by someone in court, Probst likes the chances of the so-called Bluestem map, if it were to be the one chosen by the Legislature."I think that the League of Women Voters map is relatively unchallengeable," Probst said. "It follows all the guidelines. It's compact. It's as contiguous as can possibly be. It follows the testimony that we heard about keeping the KC metro together. It's a little less snaky and winding than the Ad Astra map."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642703370746.jpeg" alt="AdAstraMap.JPG" />
 <figcaption>AdAstraMap.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>The Ad Astra map appears to be the one with the most initial support from Republican leadership and if the majority party unifies behind it, it would likely pass, but it does carve the city of Lawrence out of the Second District and put it in the Big First, which would seem to be less geographically congruent than the Bluestem map.

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