HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Stage 9 announced Thursday that Lynsey Becher, Producing Artistic Director has left the production group. Becher has taken a new position with the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma

 Becher was hired in an assistant role in 2018 before being selected as the Producing Artistic Director in June 2019. 

Becher was instrumental in the creation of two new fundraising events for Stage 9—"Lip Sync Nine,” a community lip sync battle, and “If Walls Could Talk,” a historic walking tour of downtown Hutchinson. During COVID-related gathering restrictions, Becher led Stage 9 through two virtual productions—"The Sound of Music” and the self-written “Hutchinson: The Pandemic.”&nbsp;

A combination of volunteer efforts and paid assistants will move forward with the full season of productions planned for 2022. 

Rehearsals are already underway for Stage 9’s improv troupe, The Mainstreet Players. The improv show “HutchProv!” will be at the Stage 9 theatre February 25-27 and March 4-6, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<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/2021/3/1615226095627.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Stage 9 announced Thursday that Lynsey Becher, Producing Artistic Director has left the production group. Becher has taken a new position with the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma Becher was hired in an assistant role in 2018 before being selected as the Producing Artistic Director in June 2019. Becher was instrumental in the creation of two new fundraising events for Stage 9—"Lip Sync Nine,” a community lip sync battle, and “If Walls Could Talk,” a historic walking tour of downtown Hutchinson. During COVID-related gathering restrictions, Becher led Stage 9 through two virtual productions—"The Sound of Music” and the self-written “Hutchinson: The Pandemic.”&nbsp; A combination of volunteer efforts and paid assistants will move forward with the full season of productions planned for 2022. Rehearsals are already underway for Stage 9’s improv troupe, The Mainstreet Players. The improv show “HutchProv!” will be at the Stage 9 theatre February 25-27 and March 4-6, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;<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;

Becher departs Stage 9


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Like school districts across the state, Hutchinson USD 308 is dealing with the staffing shortages inherent in widespread illness, but at this point, things are going okay.

"We have had to share some staff from other buildings to keep a building or a department open already," said Superintendent Mike Folks. "I don't think we're at a place where we're considering closing down anytime soon."

USD 308 does have full-time people whose job it is just to cover classrooms, but even those are not enough.

"Each building had a full-time substitute that they had at their disposal every single day," Folks said. "We have continued that this year."

If 308 is able to add more subs, they won't be building specific, but they do try to match skill sets up with openings, when that is possible.

"Our teachers, they sometimes know a particular person that they can recommend," Folks said. "This person can help with calculus, or they have a background in music or band. I have to tell you that, it's not like having the regular teacher in front of our kids."

If you'd like to apply to be a substitute, <a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd308/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Substitute">fill out the online application</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Like school districts across the state, Hutchinson USD 308 is dealing with the staffing shortages inherent in widespread illness, but at this point, things are going okay."We have had to share some staff from other buildings to keep a building or a department open already," said Superintendent Mike Folks. "I don't think we're at a place where we're considering closing down anytime soon."USD 308 does have full-time people whose job it is just to cover classrooms, but even those are not enough."Each building had a full-time substitute that they had at their disposal every single day," Folks said. "We have continued that this year."If 308 is able to add more subs, they won't be building specific, but they do try to match skill sets up with openings, when that is possible."Our teachers, they sometimes know a particular person that they can recommend," Folks said. "This person can help with calculus, or they have a background in music or band. I have to tell you that, it's not like having the regular teacher in front of our kids."If you'd like to apply to be a substitute, <a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd308/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Substitute">fill out the online application</a>.

USD 308 keeping buildings open, but more subs needed


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department clarified what it plans to do after new directives from the federal and state level regarding contact tracing were publicized earlier this week.

"In the past when someone had a positive COVID-19 result, we would contact that person and then that disease investigator would walk them through and help them understand, maybe 48 hours prior to that positive diagnosis, who they were around and where they were at. Then, they would give a listing of those individuals and contact information, then we would reach out to them also and notify them that they were a close contact of an individual that had tested positive for COVID-19. With the overwhelming amount of cases that we're having right now, we're having to change that process to notifying those that are positive for COVID-19 only."

The investigator will still try in that call to go over who people might have exposed, but then, contacting those people will be the responsibility of the person who has tested positive.

"We're needing some help and assistance," Nichols said. "That's a direction that KDHE asked us and we supported. Of course, it came from CDC. It came from CDC, then to KDHE like it normally does and then to your local health department."

As for how local school districts will handle contact tracing among their students, that's a question parents need to ask those districts individually.

"We want to continue and remind everybody like we've always done, please get vaccinated and boosted," Nichols said. "Wear a mask. If you're ill, get tested. Stay home if you're exposed. Stay home if you're sick. Also, social distance and practice good hand hygiene."

The case count as of Wednesday morning was at 1,229. Two hundred one people in Reno County have had their deaths attributed to a COVID-19 infection since the beginning of the pandemic.

<figure>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Health Department clarified what it plans to do after new directives from the federal and state level regarding contact tracing were publicized earlier this week."In the past when someone had a positive COVID-19 result, we would contact that person and then that disease investigator would walk them through and help them understand, maybe 48 hours prior to that positive diagnosis, who they were around and where they were at. Then, they would give a listing of those individuals and contact information, then we would reach out to them also and notify them that they were a close contact of an individual that had tested positive for COVID-19. With the overwhelming amount of cases that we're having right now, we're having to change that process to notifying those that are positive for COVID-19 only."The investigator will still try in that call to go over who people might have exposed, but then, contacting those people will be the responsibility of the person who has tested positive."We're needing some help and assistance," Nichols said. "That's a direction that KDHE asked us and we supported. Of course, it came from CDC. It came from CDC, then to KDHE like it normally does and then to your local health department."As for how local school districts will handle contact tracing among their students, that's a question parents need to ask those districts individually."We want to continue and remind everybody like we've always done, please get vaccinated and boosted," Nichols said. "Wear a mask. If you're ill, get tested. Stay home if you're exposed. Stay home if you're sick. Also, social distance and practice good hand hygiene."The case count as of Wednesday morning was at 1,229. Two hundred one people in Reno County have had their deaths attributed to a COVID-19 infection since the beginning of the pandemic.

Nichols: COVID positive people need to tell their close contacts themselves

City council could address stormwater fees, more problems on Woodie Seat, Biden asserts accomplishments in press conference, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
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 </figure>City council could address stormwater fees, more problems on Woodie Seat, Biden asserts accomplishments in press conference, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="January 20, 2022 Morning News" 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=7jwus-1184159-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

January 20, 2022 Morning News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council could re-adress the city’s stormwater utility fee in the future. A request was made by Councilwoman Sara Bagwell to put the matter onto the agenda for making changes to the fee, which has been in place since 2016.

“I would like that we address the staff to come up with something for us in a future agenda on how we can reduce that to become more competitive without eliminating it,” Bagwell said. “And I would like to have staff give us some options.”

Councilman John Richardson also wanted to know if there was a way to get other departments involved to see if there can not only be a utility fee reduction, but maybe even some incentives to companies that take steps to reduce stormwater runoff.&nbsp;

"Do you think that we could get some ideas between Mr. (Jeff) Peterson with engineering, Mr. (Ryan) Hvitlok and possibly Izzy (Rivera) in regards to planning and zoning requirements that affect the stormwater impact on certain properties?” Richardson asked. “And possibly working into a reduction or a benefit to properties that have to do some of those planning and zoning updates that have a positive impact on stormwater.”&nbsp;

City Manager Jeff Cantrell noted that making any changes to the utility fee would require much more discussion than just an agenda item during a council meeting.

“I don’t think we can cover all of this in just a regular council meeting agenda item. I think it's a work session item,” Cantrell said. “There is a lot of history to it that really, in all fairness, you should all be aware of.”

Bagwell asked that the city come up with at least two proposals for reducing the fee before the council meets for a possible study session.

“I don’t want to know just about the way we’re doing it and history,” Bagwell said. “I want at least two options of how we can restructure it and what that budgetary impact would be.”

Cantrell said that it would take around 30 days to come up with information and possible proposals in dealing with the utility.

<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/2022/1/1642628385503.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council could re-adress the city’s stormwater utility fee in the future. A request was made by Councilwoman Sara Bagwell to put the matter onto the agenda for making changes to the fee, which has been in place since 2016.“I would like that we address the staff to come up with something for us in a future agenda on how we can reduce that to become more competitive without eliminating it,” Bagwell said. “And I would like to have staff give us some options.”Councilman John Richardson also wanted to know if there was a way to get other departments involved to see if there can not only be a utility fee reduction, but maybe even some incentives to companies that take steps to reduce stormwater runoff.&nbsp;"Do you think that we could get some ideas between Mr. (Jeff) Peterson with engineering, Mr. (Ryan) Hvitlok and possibly Izzy (Rivera) in regards to planning and zoning requirements that affect the stormwater impact on certain properties?” Richardson asked. “And possibly working into a reduction or a benefit to properties that have to do some of those planning and zoning updates that have a positive impact on stormwater.”&nbsp;City Manager Jeff Cantrell noted that making any changes to the utility fee would require much more discussion than just an agenda item during a council meeting.“I don’t think we can cover all of this in just a regular council meeting agenda item. I think it's a work session item,” Cantrell said. “There is a lot of history to it that really, in all fairness, you should all be aware of.”Bagwell asked that the city come up with at least two proposals for reducing the fee before the council meets for a possible study session.“I don’t want to know just about the way we’re doing it and history,” Bagwell said. “I want at least two options of how we can restructure it and what that budgetary impact would be.”Cantrell said that it would take around 30 days to come up with information and possible proposals in dealing with the utility.<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.

City could re-address stormwater utility in the future

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere will host its monthly Coffee at the Cosmo event Thursday morning.

January’s Coffee at the Cosmo will feature a presentation on "The Mysteries and Marvels of Black Holes." Participants will hear from experts with the James Webb Space Telescope mission about recent research on black holes and questions scientists hope the James Webb Space Telescope mission can help answer.

The event is in-person or <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6206659332?pwd=MjYzWEx5bldFQmoyTjNINnpicy9Vdz09#success">available via zoom</a>. The event begins at 9 a.m.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere will host its monthly Coffee at the Cosmo event Thursday morning.January’s Coffee at the Cosmo will feature a presentation on "The Mysteries and Marvels of Black Holes." Participants will hear from experts with the James Webb Space Telescope mission about recent research on black holes and questions scientists hope the James Webb Space Telescope mission can help answer.The event is in-person or <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6206659332?pwd=MjYzWEx5bldFQmoyTjNINnpicy9Vdz09#success">available via zoom</a>. The event begins at 9 a.m.<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.

Coffee at the Cosmo is Thursday morning

RENO COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Ranger driven by&nbsp; Teagon L Nienke, 19, Lorraine, was westbound on U.S. 50 near Morgan Avenue.

The pickup rear-ended a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Samuel G. Leyh, 42, Riverside, Iowa, that was stopped waiting to make a left turn.

EMS transported Nienke to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Leyh was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
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 </figure>RENO COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Ranger driven by&nbsp; Teagon L Nienke, 19, Lorraine, was westbound on U.S. 50 near Morgan Avenue.The pickup rear-ended a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Samuel G. Leyh, 42, Riverside, Iowa, that was stopped waiting to make a left turn.EMS transported Nienke to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Leyh was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after pickup rear-ends a semi

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another area of the Woodie Seat Freeway is closed due to a failure in the roadway.

According to Hutchinson Public Works, the northbound lanes are closed from Avenue A to Avenue F due to a bridge approach failure at the bridge across Avenue B.

The city hopes to make repairs to the area Thursday. It's the second such failure to occur this week. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cc8bcd2f-3767-48f5-8f3b-418bef2ecd33">A portion of the southbound lanes of the overpass was closed due to a similar problem on Tuesday</a>.&nbsp;

<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/2020/2/1582058434551.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another area of the Woodie Seat Freeway is closed due to a failure in the roadway.According to Hutchinson Public Works, the northbound lanes are closed from Avenue A to Avenue F due to a bridge approach failure at the bridge across Avenue B.The city hopes to make repairs to the area Thursday. It's the second such failure to occur this week. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cc8bcd2f-3767-48f5-8f3b-418bef2ecd33">A portion of the southbound lanes of the overpass was closed due to a similar problem on Tuesday</a>.&nbsp;<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;

Northbound lanes of Woodie Seat closed at Avenue A

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation announced Wednesday that, because of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the community, the “Community Conversation on Payday Loan Reform” scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Trinity United Methodist Church has been canceled.&nbsp;

The community conversation event was to be held to give concerned citizens an opportunity to learn more and give testimony to their experiences with predatory lending in the state of Kansas.

The community hosting group is looking at potential dates for rescheduling the meeting and will let the public know if and when that is decided.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641506527525.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation announced Wednesday that, because of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the community, the “Community Conversation on Payday Loan Reform” scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Trinity United Methodist Church has been canceled.&nbsp;The community conversation event was to be held to give concerned citizens an opportunity to learn more and give testimony to their experiences with predatory lending in the state of Kansas.The community hosting group is looking at potential dates for rescheduling the meeting and will let the public know if and when that is decided.&nbsp;<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;

Payday Loan event canceled

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly orders flags throughout McPherson County to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Thursday, January 20, 2022 in honor of McPherson Emergency Medical Technician, Randall Willems, who died from COVID-19-related medical complications.

<figure>
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 </figure>TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly orders flags throughout McPherson County to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Thursday, January 20, 2022 in honor of McPherson Emergency Medical Technician, Randall Willems, who died from COVID-19-related medical complications.

McPherson County flags at half-staff Thursday

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council approved a major infrastructure improvement for the city’s utilities during Tuesday’s meeting.

City Clerk Leslie Atherton, and Public Works Director, Derek Stoll, requested the Council’s authorization to take on an advanced metering project for water and electric utilities, for a total not to exceed $295,554. The advanced metering for the water utility, estimated at $147,959, could be paid for with $35,000 from the Water Fund and the remaining $112,959 from ARPA funds in the Capital Improvement Fund. The City expects to receive in total around $180,000 in ARPA funds, though only $90,649.84 has been received so far. The remainder is expected to be disbursed in Summer of 2022.&nbsp;

Advanced metering for the electric utility, estimated at $147,595, could be paid for directly from the Electric Fund as $150,000 is budgeted for the project in the 2022 budget.&nbsp;

And the council approved the new bid from Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the city health and dental insurance. Health insurance rates will go up 4.95% and dental rates will go up 2.16%. The city budgeted for up to a 15% increase in insurance rates.&nbsp;

Finally, the council approved two $10,000 incentive packages. One for Las Carnitas Mexican Takeout which will be used to fund a new walk-in cooler and the other is for DaisyJo’s eatery. The small store was to open last year but delays slowed the project to where the incentive package originally asked for lapsed, so the owners, Earnest and Jonell Bell reapplied for the grant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635864518910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council approved a major infrastructure improvement for the city’s utilities during Tuesday’s meeting.City Clerk Leslie Atherton, and Public Works Director, Derek Stoll, requested the Council’s authorization to take on an advanced metering project for water and electric utilities, for a total not to exceed $295,554. The advanced metering for the water utility, estimated at $147,959, could be paid for with $35,000 from the Water Fund and the remaining $112,959 from ARPA funds in the Capital Improvement Fund. The City expects to receive in total around $180,000 in ARPA funds, though only $90,649.84 has been received so far. The remainder is expected to be disbursed in Summer of 2022.&nbsp;Advanced metering for the electric utility, estimated at $147,595, could be paid for directly from the Electric Fund as $150,000 is budgeted for the project in the 2022 budget.&nbsp;And the council approved the new bid from Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the city health and dental insurance. Health insurance rates will go up 4.95% and dental rates will go up 2.16%. The city budgeted for up to a 15% increase in insurance rates.&nbsp;Finally, the council approved two $10,000 incentive packages. One for Las Carnitas Mexican Takeout which will be used to fund a new walk-in cooler and the other is for DaisyJo’s eatery. The small store was to open last year but delays slowed the project to where the incentive package originally asked for lapsed, so the owners, Earnest and Jonell Bell reapplied for the grant.<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;

Haven City Council approves utility project

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— There is still time for members of the Hutchinson/ Reno County Chamber of Commerce to provide your input on the 2022 Current Business Conditions Survey.&nbsp;

The survey is being provided as a way to collect data from all area businesses across Reno County and the region. The survey takes about&nbsp; 5-10 minutes. The chamber hopes to get some measure on workforce, supply chain, and business vitality, as well as other issues impacting business.&nbsp; Collected data will be presented but all individual responses to the survey will be kept confidential. The survey will be available to take until January 21.

Each business responding to the survey will receive one complimentary registration to the Reno County Outlook Conference that will be held in Hutchinson on February 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635351049170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— There is still time for members of the Hutchinson/ Reno County Chamber of Commerce to provide your input on the 2022 Current Business Conditions Survey.&nbsp;The survey is being provided as a way to collect data from all area businesses across Reno County and the region. The survey takes about&nbsp; 5-10 minutes. The chamber hopes to get some measure on workforce, supply chain, and business vitality, as well as other issues impacting business.&nbsp; Collected data will be presented but all individual responses to the survey will be kept confidential. The survey will be available to take until January 21.Each business responding to the survey will receive one complimentary registration to the Reno County Outlook Conference that will be held in Hutchinson on February 2.<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;

Chamber Business Survey runs through Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident north of Hutchinson Tuesday evening.

The Reno County Sheriff's Department reports that Anastasia Saylor failed to yield at the intersection of 56th and Lorraine and hit an SUV driven by Gillian Ledbetter. A passenger in the Ledbetter vehicle, Emily Ledbetter was evaluated by EMS and released from the scene.

Saylor was cited for failure to yield. The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. two miles north of Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560362354225.png" alt="ambulance lights" />
 <figcaption>ambulance lights</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident north of Hutchinson Tuesday evening.The Reno County Sheriff's Department reports that Anastasia Saylor failed to yield at the intersection of 56th and Lorraine and hit an SUV driven by Gillian Ledbetter. A passenger in the Ledbetter vehicle, Emily Ledbetter was evaluated by EMS and released from the scene.Saylor was cited for failure to yield. The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. two miles north of 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One injured in two-vehicle accident


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Additional space for early childhood education for three and four year old students is something that Hutchinson USD 308 needs to plan for in the future. That will be a topic of discussion between RSP, the Superintendent's advisory committee and the school board at a meeting next month.

"The options would include building a new Early Childhood Center that maybe would have a daycare in it," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. "It would, of course, be in a centralized location. The other option that's going to be talked about is infusing all of the early childhood programs in our neighborhood elementary schools."

That already happens at three Hutchinson area schools. 

"If the board decides, hey, we're just going to have a goal over the next several years of moving all of our early childhood services in all of our neighborhood elementaries, that might not take any additional tax dollars," Folks said. "If you're going to build a new early childhood center with a daycare, then are we going to piggyback with other community businesses and use ARPA funds? Possibly."

It really would depend on the price tag as to whether a bond vote would be needed.

"We do have some availability in our capital outlay to go from 5.9 to 8 mills and generate some additional equalization," Folks said. "I think we could do that through a lease agreement for about 10 years and not have to go and have a bond referendum. If we're going to go over probably $10 million, that's just kind of an arbitrary number, I think, if we're going to go to $20 million or beyond, yes that would take a referendum and it would take additional taxation."

The school board meeting where the initial discussions will take place is scheduled for Feb. 28.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Additional space for early childhood education for three and four year old students is something that Hutchinson USD 308 needs to plan for in the future. That will be a topic of discussion between RSP, the Superintendent's advisory committee and the school board at a meeting next month."The options would include building a new Early Childhood Center that maybe would have a daycare in it," said USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks. "It would, of course, be in a centralized location. The other option that's going to be talked about is infusing all of the early childhood programs in our neighborhood elementary schools."That already happens at three Hutchinson area schools. "If the board decides, hey, we're just going to have a goal over the next several years of moving all of our early childhood services in all of our neighborhood elementaries, that might not take any additional tax dollars," Folks said. "If you're going to build a new early childhood center with a daycare, then are we going to piggyback with other community businesses and use ARPA funds? Possibly."It really would depend on the price tag as to whether a bond vote would be needed."We do have some availability in our capital outlay to go from 5.9 to 8 mills and generate some additional equalization," Folks said. "I think we could do that through a lease agreement for about 10 years and not have to go and have a bond referendum. If we're going to go over probably $10 million, that's just kind of an arbitrary number, I think, if we're going to go to $20 million or beyond, yes that would take a referendum and it would take additional taxation."The school board meeting where the initial discussions will take place is scheduled for Feb. 28.

Folks: Options on early ed out there for board consideration


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
According to a Facebook post from last week, Talk20 Hutch that was to be January 21 at the Hutchinson Public Library has been canceled.

"Due to the rapid spread and high active case count of COVID-19 in Reno County, as well as the number of hospitalizations, we feel it is the most responsible decision to not gather at the Library at this time," the group said. 

"In addition, we have elected not to switch to a virtual only event out of respect for the expectation we gave all of the presenters that they would have the experience of a live audience."

There is a chance they could reschedule for later in the year, but those plans are contingent on where the virus stands in the coming months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642603009354.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
According to a Facebook post from last week, Talk20 Hutch that was to be January 21 at the Hutchinson Public Library has been canceled."Due to the rapid spread and high active case count of COVID-19 in Reno County, as well as the number of hospitalizations, we feel it is the most responsible decision to not gather at the Library at this time," the group said. "In addition, we have elected not to switch to a virtual only event out of respect for the expectation we gave all of the presenters that they would have the experience of a live audience."There is a chance they could reschedule for later in the year, but those plans are contingent on where the virus stands in the coming months.

Talk20 Hutch canceled, was to take place Friday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer noted a major issue with his firefighters when speaking to the City Council about the work that needs to be done for reaccreditation at the council's Tuesday meeting.

"All our gear right now hangs inside the station by the fire trucks," Beer said. "They want it in a separate room. The new station that's going to be built has a special turnout gear room that's positive pressurized for cancer. This gear is offgassing all the time. We go to a dumpster fire, car fire, whatever. We did an internal study with our retirees. Seventy to 75 percent of my retirees have died of cancer."

This has an impact on life expectancy of firefighters generally. 

"A firefighter's average life is ten years less than the average person in the general public," Beer said. "It's because of cancer. We are doing everything we can. Since I've been here, since 2017, you'll see our guys washing down after a fire scene, scrubbing their turnout gear. They actually bag it in a garbage bag, bring it back to the station and put it into a wash machine. They go right into a shower, right away, because your skin's a big thing. A couple of these recommendations revolve around reducing cancer and trying to get our retirees to have a healthy retirement."

As part of that effort, there may need to be some architectural work and then construction at some of the other fire stations, with the hope to get the initial drawings into next year's budget.

"Three of our stations are almost identical," Beer said. "The plans could be modified to fit that at stations three, five and seven. The work on station one would be accomplished already. Then we'd be looking at four and six for probably a couple different designs. I think we have to start with the architectural work here. We're not talking big additions here. We're talking a room 10 by 20, putting on to the outside bay of the station."

No cost estimates for the drawings were given at Tuesday's meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642596895539.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer noted a major issue with his firefighters when speaking to the City Council about the work that needs to be done for reaccreditation at the council's Tuesday meeting."All our gear right now hangs inside the station by the fire trucks," Beer said. "They want it in a separate room. The new station that's going to be built has a special turnout gear room that's positive pressurized for cancer. This gear is offgassing all the time. We go to a dumpster fire, car fire, whatever. We did an internal study with our retirees. Seventy to 75 percent of my retirees have died of cancer."This has an impact on life expectancy of firefighters generally. "A firefighter's average life is ten years less than the average person in the general public," Beer said. "It's because of cancer. We are doing everything we can. Since I've been here, since 2017, you'll see our guys washing down after a fire scene, scrubbing their turnout gear. They actually bag it in a garbage bag, bring it back to the station and put it into a wash machine. They go right into a shower, right away, because your skin's a big thing. A couple of these recommendations revolve around reducing cancer and trying to get our retirees to have a healthy retirement."As part of that effort, there may need to be some architectural work and then construction at some of the other fire stations, with the hope to get the initial drawings into next year's budget."Three of our stations are almost identical," Beer said. "The plans could be modified to fit that at stations three, five and seven. The work on station one would be accomplished already. Then we'd be looking at four and six for probably a couple different designs. I think we have to start with the architectural work here. We're not talking big additions here. We're talking a room 10 by 20, putting on to the outside bay of the station."No cost estimates for the drawings were given at Tuesday's meeting.

Beer: Fire stations need turnout rooms to mitigate cancer risk

A portion of Woodie Seat needs immediate repair, city council sends HR back to talk to union. plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A portion of Woodie Seat needs immediate repair, city council sends HR back to talk to union. plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="January 19, 2022 Morning News" 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=pq29w-1182a77-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=auto&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

January 19, 2022 Morning News


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There will not be any more mitigation burning this week, according to a Facebook post from the Hutchinson Fire Department.

The department sees Monday as the next possible time to continue with burning along Plum Street. 

The goal of the mitigation burning is to create greater buffers where historically wildfires have crossed major roads near the city.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641488830033.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
There will not be any more mitigation burning this week, according to a Facebook post from the Hutchinson Fire Department.The department sees Monday as the next possible time to continue with burning along Plum Street. The goal of the mitigation burning is to create greater buffers where historically wildfires have crossed major roads near the city.

HFD halting mitigation burns

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The end-of-the-year quarterly earnings parade kicks off on Thursday when Union Pacific releases its fourth quarter report before the opening bell.

The nation’s largest railroad continued to rebound from a sluggish economy in the third quarter of 2021 with net income of $2.57 per share, compared with $2.01 per share in 2020.

Operating revenue totaled $5.6 billion, an increase of 13%.&nbsp;

UP operates about 25 trains per day through Reno County and just finished up a major siding extension project at Whiteside. The railroad has the fourth-highest valuation in the county.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580436113815.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The end-of-the-year quarterly earnings parade kicks off on Thursday when Union Pacific releases its fourth quarter report before the opening bell.The nation’s largest railroad continued to rebound from a sluggish economy in the third quarter of 2021 with net income of $2.57 per share, compared with $2.01 per share in 2020.Operating revenue totaled $5.6 billion, an increase of 13%.&nbsp;UP operates about 25 trains per day through Reno County and just finished up a major siding extension project at Whiteside. The railroad has the fourth-highest valuation in the county.<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;

UP kicks off earnings reports Thursday

NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson City Council has come up with a plan to address city code violations and enforcement.

During a special workshop on Monday, the council was in agreement that it wanted to address code violations. So the council will now meet the first Monday of each month to address any violations. Those meetings will be held at 4 p.m.

City Clerk April Beshears says the council will meet only if there is a case to be heard. The council will also address any other similar issues during its regular meeting. The city will take any complaints or violations and present the case to the council for review and discussion.

The city will not expand its code enforcement personnel as part of changes. The first of those meetings will be held on Monday, Feb. 7. Since code complaints are confidential, the city is not sure exactly how it will hold these meetings, but did say a plan will be in place by the first meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636753201785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson City Council has come up with a plan to address city code violations and enforcement.During a special workshop on Monday, the council was in agreement that it wanted to address code violations. So the council will now meet the first Monday of each month to address any violations. Those meetings will be held at 4 p.m.City Clerk April Beshears says the council will meet only if there is a case to be heard. The council will also address any other similar issues during its regular meeting. The city will take any complaints or violations and present the case to the council for review and discussion.The city will not expand its code enforcement personnel as part of changes. The first of those meetings will be held on Monday, Feb. 7. Since code complaints are confidential, the city is not sure exactly how it will hold these meetings, but did say a plan will be in place by the first meeting.<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;

Nickerson City Council to address code violations at special meetings

BUHLER- Residents in the northern part of the city of Pratt will soon have access to fiber internet and gigabit speeds, thanks to IdeaTek.

IdeaTek, an internet service provider based in Buhler, is expanding its fiber network to the northern part of the Pratt County community, which will mean faster, more reliable service for homes, businesses, educational facilities and enterprises.

“This investment is another exciting step in expanding our mission of delivering internet freedom to Kansas communities,” said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunities this much-needed fiber investment will bring to Pratt,” he said. “We strongly believe all Kansans should have the freedom to choose reliable, unlimited internet, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the city’s future growth.”

Homes and businesses will be ready for internet installations by late March. IdeaTek staff and Pratt officials will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce office to commemorate the expansion. Members of the IdeaTek sales team will be on hand to answer questions and sign up residents for service.

“The City of Pratt is very excited for IdeaTek to bring a fiber internet network to our community, said Pratt City Manager Bruce Pinkall. “Teaming up with IdeaTek will potentially provide unlimited opportunities for growth, expansion and development for our business community, our residents and our educational institutions. Working together, we will make a difference for the future of Pratt.”

The expansion into the city of Pratt is one of several community builds IdeaTek has planned for 2022. Investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth.

“IdeaTek’s ultimate goal is to connect every home in Kansas with high-speed, affordable fiber-optic internet,” Friesen said. “Our mission is to build to the standards of the future, not today. We need to provide equal opportunity to all Kansans.”

IdeaTek was founded by Friesen and four high school friends in 1999. Today, the company employs over 120 Kansans and is continuing to grow. The team is dedicated to the mission of connecting underserved communities with affordable high-speed internet.

To date, IdeaTek has deployed more than 3,600 miles of fiber — plus built more than 100 fixed wireless towers — serving customers in over 50 Kansas communities.

For more information about IdeaTek or to sign up for service, visit <a href="http://ideatek.com">ideatek.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584960838544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER- Residents in the northern part of the city of Pratt will soon have access to fiber internet and gigabit speeds, thanks to IdeaTek.IdeaTek, an internet service provider based in Buhler, is expanding its fiber network to the northern part of the Pratt County community, which will mean faster, more reliable service for homes, businesses, educational facilities and enterprises.“This investment is another exciting step in expanding our mission of delivering internet freedom to Kansas communities,” said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.“We are extremely excited for the opportunities this much-needed fiber investment will bring to Pratt,” he said. “We strongly believe all Kansans should have the freedom to choose reliable, unlimited internet, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the city’s future growth.”Homes and businesses will be ready for internet installations by late March. IdeaTek staff and Pratt officials will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce office to commemorate the expansion. Members of the IdeaTek sales team will be on hand to answer questions and sign up residents for service.“The City of Pratt is very excited for IdeaTek to bring a fiber internet network to our community, said Pratt City Manager Bruce Pinkall. “Teaming up with IdeaTek will potentially provide unlimited opportunities for growth, expansion and development for our business community, our residents and our educational institutions. Working together, we will make a difference for the future of Pratt.”The expansion into the city of Pratt is one of several community builds IdeaTek has planned for 2022. Investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth.“IdeaTek’s ultimate goal is to connect every home in Kansas with high-speed, affordable fiber-optic internet,” Friesen said. “Our mission is to build to the standards of the future, not today. We need to provide equal opportunity to all Kansans.”IdeaTek was founded by Friesen and four high school friends in 1999. Today, the company employs over 120 Kansans and is continuing to grow. The team is dedicated to the mission of connecting underserved communities with affordable high-speed internet.To date, IdeaTek has deployed more than 3,600 miles of fiber — plus built more than 100 fixed wireless towers — serving customers in over 50 Kansas communities.For more information about IdeaTek or to sign up for service, visit <a href="http://ideatek.com">ideatek.com</a>.

IdeaTek to bring high-speed fiber internet to the northern part of Pratt

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Tuesday that a portion of the southbound lanes of the Woodie Seat Freeway is closed due to a slab failure on the bridge approach over Avenue B.

The engineering department evaluated the failure to determine the best method of repair. Public Works will be making those repairs on Wednesday. No word on how long the work will take.&nbsp;

The failure comes as the city council is preparing to discuss the Woodie Seat Freeway and the extensive repairs that are needed. The city workshop is set for Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642542747496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Tuesday that a portion of the southbound lanes of the Woodie Seat Freeway is closed due to a slab failure on the bridge approach over Avenue B.The engineering department evaluated the failure to determine the best method of repair. Public Works will be making those repairs on Wednesday. No word on how long the work will take.&nbsp;The failure comes as the city council is preparing to discuss the Woodie Seat Freeway and the extensive repairs that are needed. The city workshop is set for Thursday.<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.

Southbound lanes of Woodie Seat closed near Avenue B


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council directed Human Resources Director Tom Sanders to go back to another negotiating session with the union representing the city's service employees after the members voted down the latest contract this past Thursday. 

Esau Freeman with the local chapter of the Service Employees International Union said the main issue is being able to leave early if the employee has worked extra hours early in the work week, or choose not to if they want overtime. Right now, it is at management discretion.

"We counter proposed this that if it's at the discretion of the employees, we'd be all for it, because I think it's a benefit for the employees," Freeman said. "A lot of them say, gosh, I had to work, we had a main break at 2:00 on Wednesday, so they didn't get it fixed until 6:00 and they'd love to take off early on Friday. We'd be all for it at the discretion of the employee, but then again, the other guy on his crew missed his kid's concert at the school because he was working that main break until 6:00. He feels he should be compensated, and that shouldn't just be straight time that he had to work on the main break, he should be able to get that overtime that he stayed."

Freeman said 95 percent of dues paying members voted against the latest offer, with 100 percent of non-members who were willing to be polled also against the offer. 

Another issue that has been raised is that some employees are saying their management is not flexible with breaks. City Manager Jeff Cantrell said, speaking generally, that isn't the case, but it has been practice not to set breaks and the hope is that employees will see that as a positive.

"What I don't want to do is to say, let's get rid of all this ambiguity and say everyone start at 8 and leave at 5," Cantrell said. "Here's your guaranteed lunch, want a break, fine, you've got it. We don't want to be that inflexible. We want people to be able to bail out at 3:00 on a Friday if that's part of the quality of life and the very essence of the position and the work that people want to pursue. I don't think they're going to get that at Menards. I don't think they're going to get that at some of the other places paying $19 or $20 an hour."

The goal is to continue to offer this flexibility in hopes that it will help with retention where the city may not be able to keep up with inflation in the area of straight compensation. Right now, any merit raises for the coming year are on hold until the contract is passed by the union.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642172859425.jpeg" alt="City hall.jpg" />
 <figcaption>City hall.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council directed Human Resources Director Tom Sanders to go back to another negotiating session with the union representing the city's service employees after the members voted down the latest contract this past Thursday. Esau Freeman with the local chapter of the Service Employees International Union said the main issue is being able to leave early if the employee has worked extra hours early in the work week, or choose not to if they want overtime. Right now, it is at management discretion."We counter proposed this that if it's at the discretion of the employees, we'd be all for it, because I think it's a benefit for the employees," Freeman said. "A lot of them say, gosh, I had to work, we had a main break at 2:00 on Wednesday, so they didn't get it fixed until 6:00 and they'd love to take off early on Friday. We'd be all for it at the discretion of the employee, but then again, the other guy on his crew missed his kid's concert at the school because he was working that main break until 6:00. He feels he should be compensated, and that shouldn't just be straight time that he had to work on the main break, he should be able to get that overtime that he stayed."Freeman said 95 percent of dues paying members voted against the latest offer, with 100 percent of non-members who were willing to be polled also against the offer. Another issue that has been raised is that some employees are saying their management is not flexible with breaks. City Manager Jeff Cantrell said, speaking generally, that isn't the case, but it has been practice not to set breaks and the hope is that employees will see that as a positive."What I don't want to do is to say, let's get rid of all this ambiguity and say everyone start at 8 and leave at 5," Cantrell said. "Here's your guaranteed lunch, want a break, fine, you've got it. We don't want to be that inflexible. We want people to be able to bail out at 3:00 on a Friday if that's part of the quality of life and the very essence of the position and the work that people want to pursue. I don't think they're going to get that at Menards. I don't think they're going to get that at some of the other places paying $19 or $20 an hour."The goal is to continue to offer this flexibility in hopes that it will help with retention where the city may not be able to keep up with inflation in the area of straight compensation. Right now, any merit raises for the coming year are on hold until the contract is passed by the union.

City Council sends HR back for further union negotiations


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council laid out the framework for its Thursday at 6:30 p.m. study session on the Woodie Seat Freeway as part of its regular Tuesday meeting.

"I anticipate that being at least several hours," City Manager Jeff Cantrell said. "We did a dry run yesterday with staff on the presentation. It's going to be a lot of information to take in."

The council seemed to reach a consensus that they would allow the public to speak at Thursday's meeting, but in a particular order.

"If we want to make study sessions open to public comment, we should probably reserve that for the end of the meeting after the presentation by staff and council discussion," said Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho.

The idea behind that is because the staff and council discussion is information the public would need so that they know where everyone is coming from and if any concerns they have are already being addressed. 

"I would suggest that we have a sign in sheet," said councilman Steve Garza. "A lot of people say that they were never notified. I don't know. To me, you need to have them, if they want to, sign in and that way we have proof that we had a meeting and we had 20 people attend the meeting. That way we can say that we did have input."

Even if the council figures out an initial direction on Thursday, there won't be any final voting on it until a regular meeting, plus it appeared that the council wants to be sure that the neighborhood is well informed, even if they can't make the study session on Thursday. 

There may be an appetite for an additional neighborhood meeting, depending on the results of the meeting on Thursday. Because of the desire for public input, the study session will be held in the regular City Council meeting room Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642527020872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council laid out the framework for its Thursday at 6:30 p.m. study session on the Woodie Seat Freeway as part of its regular Tuesday meeting."I anticipate that being at least several hours," City Manager Jeff Cantrell said. "We did a dry run yesterday with staff on the presentation. It's going to be a lot of information to take in."The council seemed to reach a consensus that they would allow the public to speak at Thursday's meeting, but in a particular order."If we want to make study sessions open to public comment, we should probably reserve that for the end of the meeting after the presentation by staff and council discussion," said Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho.The idea behind that is because the staff and council discussion is information the public would need so that they know where everyone is coming from and if any concerns they have are already being addressed. "I would suggest that we have a sign in sheet," said councilman Steve Garza. "A lot of people say that they were never notified. I don't know. To me, you need to have them, if they want to, sign in and that way we have proof that we had a meeting and we had 20 people attend the meeting. That way we can say that we did have input."Even if the council figures out an initial direction on Thursday, there won't be any final voting on it until a regular meeting, plus it appeared that the council wants to be sure that the neighborhood is well informed, even if they can't make the study session on Thursday. There may be an appetite for an additional neighborhood meeting, depending on the results of the meeting on Thursday. Because of the desire for public input, the study session will be held in the regular City Council meeting room Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.

Public will be allowed to attend, speak at Thursday Woodie Seat session

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of active COVID cases is climbing faster than at any other time of the pandemic.

Since January 3rd, the number of active cases has increased by nearly 1,100 to 1,339. That is the highest number of active cases since the virus peaked at just over 1,500 on Nov. 29 of 2020.

The total number of cases jumped above 15,000 to 15,043, an increase of 1,926 cases since the start of the year.

The vaccination rate did not move much in the past week at 52.9%. That means 33,083 county residents have been vaccinated.

Currently 26 county residents are hospitalized and the death toll now stands at 199.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642111232069.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of active COVID cases is climbing faster than at any other time of the pandemic.Since January 3rd, the number of active cases has increased by nearly 1,100 to 1,339. That is the highest number of active cases since the virus peaked at just over 1,500 on Nov. 29 of 2020.The total number of cases jumped above 15,000 to 15,043, an increase of 1,926 cases since the start of the year.The vaccination rate did not move much in the past week at 52.9%. That means 33,083 county residents have been vaccinated.Currently 26 county residents are hospitalized and the death toll now stands at 199.<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;

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