
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A full morning of discussion between the Board of County Commissioners and their fire consultant along with emergency management officials Friday resulted in the acceptance of the report from Retired Fire Chief Bruce Fuerbringer of Five Bugle Training &amp; Consulting. 

Fuerbringer's report recommends that the board mandate improvements that meet current fire service best practices, consolidate current fire districts into one district with one fire chief, in cooperation and negotiation with the Hutchinson Fire Department, develop a response system that incorporates a city fire department response to those residential and commercial districts within a 20 minute response time of the city limits, and educate the public on why each of those recommendations are needed. Fuerbringer is clear that the county needs buy in from the current volunteer fire chiefs to get this to work.

"Before you can change a system, you have to change the attitudes," Fuerbringer said. "You have to have chiefs say, you know, we need to manage better, we need SOGs, we need training, we need a plan."

Feurbringer was frank, he said that volunteers who aren't willing to devote the time to upgrading their training and learning best practices might be best served by ending their service as firefighters.

"It will never be a municipal department," Fuerbringer said. "I don't think any volunteer department ever will, but there are certain fundamental tenets of the fire service, because fire and hazmat and EMS is the same whether you live in the city or you live in Timbuktu. There are certain tenets of dealing with those situations that are fundamental and that everyone needs to buy into and to participate to a minimum level."

Feurbringer was clear though that in his conversations with the volunteer chiefs and firefighters across the county, the vast majority of them want to serve and support their community. After hearing from Feurbringer, County Administrator Randy Partington wanted direction from the board.

"If the county commission is willing to stand behind, change is coming, there's some change coming," Partington said. "Even if you don't exactly know what that change is, the status quo isn't going to be accepted any more."

Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar wants to get direction from the volunteer chiefs before they have to decide on a FY 2022 budget, in case they do need to add a paid chief over the outlying districts, so it is his intent to have the next status report on progress happen at the commission's June 8 meeting.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A full morning of discussion between the Board of County Commissioners and their fire consultant along with emergency management officials Friday resulted in the acceptance of the report from Retired Fire Chief Bruce Fuerbringer of Five Bugle Training &amp; Consulting. Fuerbringer's report recommends that the board mandate improvements that meet current fire service best practices, consolidate current fire districts into one district with one fire chief, in cooperation and negotiation with the Hutchinson Fire Department, develop a response system that incorporates a city fire department response to those residential and commercial districts within a 20 minute response time of the city limits, and educate the public on why each of those recommendations are needed. Fuerbringer is clear that the county needs buy in from the current volunteer fire chiefs to get this to work."Before you can change a system, you have to change the attitudes," Fuerbringer said. "You have to have chiefs say, you know, we need to manage better, we need SOGs, we need training, we need a plan."Feurbringer was frank, he said that volunteers who aren't willing to devote the time to upgrading their training and learning best practices might be best served by ending their service as firefighters."It will never be a municipal department," Fuerbringer said. "I don't think any volunteer department ever will, but there are certain fundamental tenets of the fire service, because fire and hazmat and EMS is the same whether you live in the city or you live in Timbuktu. There are certain tenets of dealing with those situations that are fundamental and that everyone needs to buy into and to participate to a minimum level."Feurbringer was clear though that in his conversations with the volunteer chiefs and firefighters across the county, the vast majority of them want to serve and support their community. After hearing from Feurbringer, County Administrator Randy Partington wanted direction from the board."If the county commission is willing to stand behind, change is coming, there's some change coming," Partington said. "Even if you don't exactly know what that change is, the status quo isn't going to be accepted any more."Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar wants to get direction from the volunteer chiefs before they have to decide on a FY 2022 budget, in case they do need to add a paid chief over the outlying districts, so it is his intent to have the next status report on progress happen at the commission's June 8 meeting.

Consultant's report likely to bring change to county fire service


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 has announced their arrangements for their summer meal program.

From June 1st to July 29th, there will be free breakfast and lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nickerson High School, Nickerson Elementary School and South Hutch Elementary.

Monday through Wednesday will be a hot lunch with breakfast for the next day. Thursday will be a hot lunch with two days of breakfast and cold lunch for Friday.

Up to 12 million children across the U.S. are living in households where they may not always have enough to eat.

Summer meal sites are places where children and youth age 18 and under can receive meals at no cost in a safe environment.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 has announced their arrangements for their summer meal program.From June 1st to July 29th, there will be free breakfast and lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Nickerson High School, Nickerson Elementary School and South Hutch Elementary.Monday through Wednesday will be a hot lunch with breakfast for the next day. Thursday will be a hot lunch with two days of breakfast and cold lunch for Friday.Up to 12 million children across the U.S. are living in households where they may not always have enough to eat.Summer meal sites are places where children and youth age 18 and under can receive meals at no cost in a safe environment.

USD 309 announces summer meal program


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Cosmosphere will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2021 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 15, 2021, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 2021. Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and participating museums nationwide.

“The Cosmosphere is proud to partner with our fellow museums and the National Endowment for the Arts in honoring the men and women who serve our country,” said Mimi Meredith, Cosmosphere Sr. VP of Communication and Chief Development Officer. “It is a small way to give back to them and their families.”

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps and up to five family members. 

Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID) or a DD Form 1173-1 ID for entrance into a Blue Star Museum.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Cosmosphere will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2021 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 15, 2021, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 2021. Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and participating museums nationwide.“The Cosmosphere is proud to partner with our fellow museums and the National Endowment for the Arts in honoring the men and women who serve our country,” said Mimi Meredith, Cosmosphere Sr. VP of Communication and Chief Development Officer. “It is a small way to give back to them and their families.”The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID) or a DD Form 1173-1 ID for entrance into a Blue Star Museum.

Cosmosphere continuing in Blue Star Museums program this summer


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Art Center's 58th Annual Art Fair is Saturday at the Sunflower South building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

"There's nothing like being at an art fair," said Barbara Withrow with the Art Center. "To say it's fun is an understatement, but it's more than that. It's just a great way to get out, help our community, help a lot of artists. They all sure missed being able to display their work and sell it last year."

In the past, they've had anywhere between three to five thousand people in attendance.

"Because we're on state property, we will mandate a mask order," Withrow said. "Everyone will have to wear a mask."

The event is free to attend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food trucks on site for lunch and a raffle for major art pieces, as well. It is a juried show with cash prizes for the winners.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Art Center's 58th Annual Art Fair is Saturday at the Sunflower South building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds."There's nothing like being at an art fair," said Barbara Withrow with the Art Center. "To say it's fun is an understatement, but it's more than that. It's just a great way to get out, help our community, help a lot of artists. They all sure missed being able to display their work and sell it last year."In the past, they've had anywhere between three to five thousand people in attendance."Because we're on state property, we will mandate a mask order," Withrow said. "Everyone will have to wear a mask."The event is free to attend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food trucks on site for lunch and a raffle for major art pieces, as well. It is a juried show with cash prizes for the winners.

Art fair Saturday at Fairgrounds


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
It has been more than five years since voters approved the sales tax addition that paid for the renovations to the Hutchinson Sports Arena and the city bonded up to $29.4 million for the project.

So, is Hutchinson getting the economic bang for the bucks spent? Here's the best answer we have at this point.

The coronavirus pandemic could not have been foreseen and its negative impact on tourism and the cancellation of a portion of the 3A State Basketball Tournament and the NJCAA Tournament in 2020 obviously had a negative impact, but a lot of events have come to the Arena since its renovation.

LeAnn Cox with Visit Hutch provided Hutch Post a list of those events that have passed and that are currently scheduled.

KSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball Championship

Central Regional Baton Twirling Championship

KSHSAA 3A &amp; 4A State Volleyball Championship

All-American Jr. Sheep Show 3 v. 3 Basketball Tournament

KSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball Championship - cancelled after 2 days due to COVID

NASTA National Championship – rescheduled due to COVID

KCAC Fall Fling – cancelled due to COVID

KCAC Volleyball Championship – rescheduled due to COVID

National DII Christian Homeschool Basketball Championship

According to Cox, the total estimated economic impact for the above events is $8,862,141

The economic impact of the KSHSAA tournaments could not be calculated, so it is not reflected in the number above.

That impact number is separate from the NJCAA basketball tournament. Hutchinson received a 25-year contract extension for the tournament as a direct result of the Sports Arena renovations. It is contracted through 2041.

Cox says the NJCAA Tournament is conservatively estimated to generate an economic impact of $1.3 million per year.

At the current tax collection pace, the bond would likely be paid off in 2024.

It is important to note that those economic impact numbers going forward are estimates and that any time teams have to stay out of town, as was the case this year because of the lack of hotel rooms resulting from the Atrium Hotel's issues, the impact is somewhat reduced, at least with regard to the teams themselves.

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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
It has been more than five years since voters approved the sales tax addition that paid for the renovations to the Hutchinson Sports Arena and the city bonded up to $29.4 million for the project.So, is Hutchinson getting the economic bang for the bucks spent? Here's the best answer we have at this point.The coronavirus pandemic could not have been foreseen and its negative impact on tourism and the cancellation of a portion of the 3A State Basketball Tournament and the NJCAA Tournament in 2020 obviously had a negative impact, but a lot of events have come to the Arena since its renovation.LeAnn Cox with Visit Hutch provided Hutch Post a list of those events that have passed and that are currently scheduled.2017 EventsKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball ChampionshipCentral Regional Baton Twirling ChampionshipKCAC Fall FlingKCAC Volleyball ChampionshipNJCAA DI Volleyball Championship2018 EventsKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball ChampionshipKCAC Fall FlingKSHSAA 3A &amp; 4A State Volleyball ChampionshipKCAC Volleyball ChampionshipNJCAA DI Volleyball ChampionshipMAYB Winter Basketball Tournament2019 EventsKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball ChampionshipYMCA State GymnasticsCentral Regional Baton Twirling ChampionshipAll-American Jr. Sheep Show 3 v. 3 Basketball TournamentKCAC Fall FlingKSHSAA 3A &amp; 4A State Volleyball ChampionshipKCAC Volleyball ChampionshipNJCAA DI Volleyball Championship2020 EventsKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball Championship - cancelled after 2 days due to COVIDNASTA National Championship – rescheduled due to COVIDKCAC Fall Fling – cancelled due to COVIDKSHSAA 3A &amp; 4A State Volleyball ChampionshipKCAC Volleyball Championship – rescheduled due to COVID2021 EventsHOA Volleyball Tournament x 3National DII Christian Homeschool Basketball ChampionshipKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball ChampionshipKBAF Basketball TournamentKCAC Volleyball Championship for 2020NASTA National ChampionshipKS Shrine BowlKCAC Fall FlingKCAC Volleyball ChampionshipNJCAA DI Volleyball Championship2022 EventsNational DII Christian Homeschool Basketball ChampionshipKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball Championship2023 EventsNational DII Christian Homeschool Basketball ChampionshipKSHSAA Boys &amp; Girls High School Basketball ChampionshipNJCAA DI Volleyball ChampionshipAccording to Cox, the total estimated economic impact for the above events is $8,862,141The economic impact of the KSHSAA tournaments could not be calculated, so it is not reflected in the number above.That impact number is separate from the NJCAA basketball tournament. Hutchinson received a 25-year contract extension for the tournament as a direct result of the Sports Arena renovations. It is contracted through 2041.Cox says the NJCAA Tournament is conservatively estimated to generate an economic impact of $1.3 million per year.At the current tax collection pace, the bond would likely be paid off in 2024.It is important to note that those economic impact numbers going forward are estimates and that any time teams have to stay out of town, as was the case this year because of the lack of hotel rooms resulting from the Atrium Hotel's issues, the impact is somewhat reduced, at least with regard to the teams themselves.

Sports Arena is generating economic impact after renovations

According to the Friday morning Situation Report from the National Weather Service, there is a Slight Risk of severe weather for much of central and eastern Kansas on Saturday.

NWS says the main threats will be large hail and damaging winds, though a tornado cannot be ruled out. The main time frame expected as of the Friday morning report is between 5 p.m. and midnight Saturday.

There is still some uncertainty as to where the highest threat area will be. Go to the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Hutch Post Weather page to get the latest from the KSStorm.info weather team as the time gets closer.</a>

According to the Friday morning Situation Report from the National Weather Service, there is a Slight Risk of severe weather for much of central and eastern Kansas on Saturday. NWS says the main threats will be large hail and damaging winds, though a tornado cannot be ruled out. The main time frame expected as of the Friday morning report is between 5 p.m. and midnight Saturday.There is still some uncertainty as to where the highest threat area will be. Go to the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Hutch Post Weather page to get the latest from the KSStorm.info weather team as the time gets closer.</a>

National Weather Service says severe weather possible Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County schools return to the green for next week. The case count and positive test rate numbers improved somewhat over last week.

According to the county's dashboard, the 14-day positive test rate is at 10.7% as of May 3, with 53 new cases in the past 14 days.

The case count numbers are slightly down from a week ago, with 36 active cases as of Thursday. 7,898 people have had the virus, with 7,722 recoveries.

The Reno County vaccination numbers have been updated for the week, as well. As of Wednesday, 22,285 Reno County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. That's 35.69% of residents.

The county has had 140 deaths attributed to the virus. One of those has occurred in the last 30 days. Three people are in the hospital.

The health department is taking walk-ins for the Moderna vaccine for those 18 and older, or you can find the other types of vaccine at <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">vaccinefinder.org</a>.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County schools return to the green for next week. The case count and positive test rate numbers improved somewhat over last week.According to the county's dashboard, the 14-day positive test rate is at 10.7% as of May 3, with 53 new cases in the past 14 days.The case count numbers are slightly down from a week ago, with 36 active cases as of Thursday. 7,898 people have had the virus, with 7,722 recoveries.The Reno County vaccination numbers have been updated for the week, as well. As of Wednesday, 22,285 Reno County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. That's 35.69% of residents.The county has had 140 deaths attributed to the virus. One of those has occurred in the last 30 days. Three people are in the hospital.The health department is taking walk-ins for the Moderna vaccine for those 18 and older, or you can find the other types of vaccine at <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">vaccinefinder.org</a>.

Schools back in the green for next week, vaccination rate above 35%

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 announced Thursday that the Mass Bands concert is back after a one-year hiatus.

Because of the pandemic, the event won’t look like previous concerts.

In 2021, Mass Bands will feature three concerts on two days in the Salthawk Activity Center.&nbsp;

Sixth graders will get their own afternoon on May 19. The combined sixth grade bands will have a practice from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. that afternoon with the official concert beginning at 5 p.m. Because of the size of the SAC, there will not be any formal restrictions on who can attend. Masks and social distancing will be required because it is an indoor event.

May 20 will be the concert event for Hutchinson Middle School and Hutchinson High School students. The Hutchinson Middle School concert will be at 6:45 p.m. The combined HHS band will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Both HMS and HHS will play their own arrangements of the traditional finale for Mass Bands, “A Mighty Fortress.”

The Mass Bands Concert began in 1988. The event was designed as a chance for students to play with what may be the largest group they ever will in their lives and hear what older musicians are playing.

<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/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 announced Thursday that the Mass Bands concert is back after a one-year hiatus.Because of the pandemic, the event won’t look like previous concerts.In 2021, Mass Bands will feature three concerts on two days in the Salthawk Activity Center.&nbsp;Sixth graders will get their own afternoon on May 19. The combined sixth grade bands will have a practice from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. that afternoon with the official concert beginning at 5 p.m. Because of the size of the SAC, there will not be any formal restrictions on who can attend. Masks and social distancing will be required because it is an indoor event.May 20 will be the concert event for Hutchinson Middle School and Hutchinson High School students. The Hutchinson Middle School concert will be at 6:45 p.m. The combined HHS band will follow at 7:30 p.m.Both HMS and HHS will play their own arrangements of the traditional finale for Mass Bands, “A Mighty Fortress.”The Mass Bands Concert began in 1988. The event was designed as a chance for students to play with what may be the largest group they ever will in their lives and hear what older musicians are playing.<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;

Mass Bands concert will look a little different this year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hundreds of students from all across the county took time to participate in the Chamber of Commerce signing day.

The partnership between the Chamber, Hutchinson High School’s Career and Technical Education Academy and Hutchinson Community College gave students entering into vocational or science and technology programs a chance to announce their intentions for their careers. The ceremony was held like some athletic college signing ceremonies, but these were all career-related. Travis Riebel of the Career and Technical Education Academy took time to tell students the significance of today's event.

“Right now, over 70% of jobs need training beyond the high school diploma,” Riebel said. “That could be a college education, postsecondary education, it could be certifications.”

The guest speaker for the event was Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Kansas Bill Murphy, who talked about the need to teach and keep students in Kansas to fill future job needs.&nbsp;

“We’re challenged here in Kansas because we don’t have the dynamic population like in other places in the south like Georgia, Tennessee and increasingly Texas,” Murphy said.&nbsp;

He added that it all starts with local talent.

“We’ve got to make sure that the talent that we’re turning out is top notch,” Murphy said. “We’re competing for the same projects that are looking at Dallas or are looking at Hutch.”

The students were taken to a table eight at a time where they announced their intentions for their careers and then signed their letter of intent. The program is a continued partnership with Hutchinson Community College. President Dr. Carter File says the program will offer students college-level education and a head start.

“You’re starting college,” File said. “This is your first entry into college. Our courses are going to be college-level courses, college-level rigor, and college-level expectations, you will get college credit for it.”&nbsp;

Students from all of the area school districts celebrated signing day in three different events held at the academy.

<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/2021/5/1620331968987.jpeg" alt="Students take turns signing their career letter of intent during the first-ever Career Signing Day." />
 <figcaption>Students take turns signing their career letter of intent during the first-ever Career Signing Day.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hundreds of students from all across the county took time to participate in the Chamber of Commerce signing day.The partnership between the Chamber, Hutchinson High School’s Career and Technical Education Academy and Hutchinson Community College gave students entering into vocational or science and technology programs a chance to announce their intentions for their careers. The ceremony was held like some athletic college signing ceremonies, but these were all career-related. Travis Riebel of the Career and Technical Education Academy took time to tell students the significance of today's event.“Right now, over 70% of jobs need training beyond the high school diploma,” Riebel said. “That could be a college education, postsecondary education, it could be certifications.”The guest speaker for the event was Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Kansas Bill Murphy, who talked about the need to teach and keep students in Kansas to fill future job needs.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620332010564.jpeg" alt="Deputy Secretary of State Bill Murphy addresses students during the Career Signing Day at the Career and Technical Education Academy.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Secretary of State Bill Murphy addresses students during the Career Signing Day at the Career and Technical Education Academy.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’re challenged here in Kansas because we don’t have the dynamic population like in other places in the south like Georgia, Tennessee and increasingly Texas,” Murphy said.&nbsp;He added that it all starts with local talent.“We’ve got to make sure that the talent that we’re turning out is top notch,” Murphy said. “We’re competing for the same projects that are looking at Dallas or are looking at Hutch.”The students were taken to a table eight at a time where they announced their intentions for their careers and then signed their letter of intent. The program is a continued partnership with Hutchinson Community College. President Dr. Carter File says the program will offer students college-level education and a head start.“You’re starting college,” File said. “This is your first entry into college. Our courses are going to be college-level courses, college-level rigor, and college-level expectations, you will get college credit for it.”&nbsp;Students from all of the area school districts celebrated signing day in three different events held at the academy.<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.

Students celebrate signing day, career style


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer is pleased with the hard work his staff did this week while The Center for Public Safety Excellence was in town looking at the department for accreditation.

"It's definitely a grueling, taxing process," Beer said. "At the end of the day, I think I asked everybody last night how you slept and finally everybody got a good night's sleep. People are pumped up in our agency, pretty excited. It's a big thing for Hutch and HFD."

The inspectors verify and validate everything the department is claiming to do.

"They really look at 11 different categories, from our governance and administration to assessment and planning, our goals and objectives, our finance, our community risk reduction programs," Beer said. "That even includes our physical resources, human resources, our training programs, the essential services that we provide and the risks associated that we deal with that are unique to Hutchinson and the health and safety. The final thing they really look at is our external relationships that we have with partners, whether it's in the city or in the county."

When the department is accredited, it will put them in rare company.

"It really puts that stamp of excellence on our agency," Beer said. "We are in a very elite category. There's only going to be roughly 100 departments in the world that have a Class 1 rating and are accredited."

The meeting where they go before the board will be in June or July.

<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
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sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612300078658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer is pleased with the hard work his staff did this week while The Center for Public Safety Excellence was in town looking at the department for accreditation."It's definitely a grueling, taxing process," Beer said. "At the end of the day, I think I asked everybody last night how you slept and finally everybody got a good night's sleep. People are pumped up in our agency, pretty excited. It's a big thing for Hutch and HFD."The inspectors verify and validate everything the department is claiming to do."They really look at 11 different categories, from our governance and administration to assessment and planning, our goals and objectives, our finance, our community risk reduction programs," Beer said. "That even includes our physical resources, human resources, our training programs, the essential services that we provide and the risks associated that we deal with that are unique to Hutchinson and the health and safety. The final thing they really look at is our external relationships that we have with partners, whether it's in the city or in the county."When the department is accredited, it will put them in rare company."It really puts that stamp of excellence on our agency," Beer said. "We are in a very elite category. There's only going to be roughly 100 departments in the world that have a Class 1 rating and are accredited."The meeting where they go before the board will be in June or July.
<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.

Beer: Fire staff 'pumped up' after accreditation process

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department held a press conference Thursday to introduce the basketball program's 15th head coach.&nbsp;

For the second time, Tommy DeSalme will follow in the footsteps of Steve Eck. DeSalme took over the Cowley job when Eck left 12 seasons ago to come to Hutchinson.&nbsp;

"I followed him once before, 12 years ago at Cowley," DeSalme laughed. "He's a hard guy to follow." DeSalme praised the job Eck did in Hutchinson and throughout his hall of fame career.

"The goal will always be to hang a national championship banner and the new coach needed to know that coming in," Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. He said the new coach needed to be someone who could hit the ground running.

DeSalme led his Tigers to the national championship game against Coffeyville in April. The Tigers came back from a 24-point deficit and cut the Red Raven advantage to just three with only minutes remaining. Coffeyville went on to win 108-99.

"You'll get our full effort every single day and we're going to bring an exciting brand of basketball, but more importantly, we're going to have kids that work really, really hard, give everything they got and that's all I'm asking from them — that they play so hard for the name on the front of their jersey."

DeSalme plans to bring the same high-scoring, high-defensive style that led the Tigers to the title game. Cowley averaged 109.8 points per game last season.

DeSalme leaves Cowley as its winningest coach with a record of 239-143.

Because of the pandemic, players are eligible for another season. When asked about sophomores potentially staying and sophomores transferring from Cowley, DeSalme couldn't give a definitive answer.

"I'm not going to say 'no' or 'yes' to anything. I think we'll do best by the players." DeSalme said the Hutchinson players didn't sign up to play for him. But he promised to do what is best for the players, whether they were Blue Dragons or Tigers last year. "To me, that's the most important thing, we want those student athletes (to do what's) best for them."

DeSalme is seventh in all-time KJCCC coaching wins with 284 after spending time at Independence and Cowley. Steve Eck is third on that list with 468 victories. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/12418e83-4c50-41b6-b7d1-fb96efd18e42">Eck will coach high school basketball at Kapaun Mt. Carmel next year</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620324430782.jpeg" alt="Tommy DeSalme, Hutchinson's 15th head basketball coach, addresses the media Thursday. DeSalme led the Cowley Tigers to the national championship game earlier this year." />
 <figcaption>Tommy DeSalme, Hutchinson's 15th head basketball coach, addresses the media Thursday. DeSalme led the Cowley Tigers to the national championship game earlier this year.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNNHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department held a press conference Thursday to introduce the basketball program's 15th head coach.&nbsp;For the second time, Tommy DeSalme will follow in the footsteps of Steve Eck. DeSalme took over the Cowley job when Eck left 12 seasons ago to come to Hutchinson.&nbsp;"I followed him once before, 12 years ago at Cowley," DeSalme laughed. "He's a hard guy to follow." DeSalme praised the job Eck did in Hutchinson and throughout his hall of fame career."The goal will always be to hang a national championship banner and the new coach needed to know that coming in," Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. He said the new coach needed to be someone who could hit the ground running.DeSalme led his Tigers to the national championship game against Coffeyville in April. The Tigers came back from a 24-point deficit and cut the Red Raven advantage to just three with only minutes remaining. Coffeyville went on to win 108-99."You'll get our full effort every single day and we're going to bring an exciting brand of basketball, but more importantly, we're going to have kids that work really, really hard, give everything they got and that's all I'm asking from them — that they play so hard for the name on the front of their jersey."DeSalme plans to bring the same high-scoring, high-defensive style that led the Tigers to the title game. Cowley averaged 109.8 points per game last season.DeSalme leaves Cowley as its winningest coach with a record of 239-143.Because of the pandemic, players are eligible for another season. When asked about sophomores potentially staying and sophomores transferring from Cowley, DeSalme couldn't give a definitive answer."I'm not going to say 'no' or 'yes' to anything. I think we'll do best by the players." DeSalme said the Hutchinson players didn't sign up to play for him. But he promised to do what is best for the players, whether they were Blue Dragons or Tigers last year. "To me, that's the most important thing, we want those student athletes (to do what's) best for them."DeSalme is seventh in all-time KJCCC coaching wins with 284 after spending time at Independence and Cowley. Steve Eck is third on that list with 468 victories. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/12418e83-4c50-41b6-b7d1-fb96efd18e42">Eck will coach high school basketball at Kapaun Mt. Carmel next year</a>.<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;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hvBaQfrFnSM?start=515" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Dragons name new basketball coach


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kris Kobach is running for Attorney General in Kansas and he's asking those who may not have voted for him in the Governor's Race in 2018 or for the U.S. Senate in 2020 to look at his legal qualifications as they prepare to enter the voting booth in 2022.

"I graduated from Yale Law School after going to Harvard," Kobach said. "I was a law professor for 15 years teaching constitutional law, legislation and immigration law and I've litigated more cases than I can count against the ACLU."

Kobach believes he can be the strong advocate the state is going to need against what he sees as the overreach of the Biden administration with regard to regulations.

"Congress writes a law and the law authorizes the executive branch to write regulations to fill in some of the gaps," Kobach said. "All of those regulations have to be within the four corners of the law. They can't write regulations on something else or write regulations that are in conflict with the law, but that's precisely what the Biden administration has started doing, both in the area of guns and in the area of the environment and restricting oil and natural gas production."

Kobach is also particularly concerned about the impact of H.R. 1 on election laws, though he is proud of the work he did as Secretary of State in that regard.

"Kansas has one of the most secure election systems," Kobach said. "I would say the most secure in the entire country. If H.R. 1 passes, it will wipe out our proof of citizenship, it will wipe out our photo ID law. It will wipe out our decision to decide when and how we register people. That violates Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which says that the states control the determination of when a person is qualified to vote and also Article I, Section 4, which says that the states determine the time, place and manner of election."

There are other Republicans considering a run for the office being vacated by Derek Schmidt as Schmidt runs for governor, but none with the name recognition Kobach has due to his previous races.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kris Kobach is running for Attorney General in Kansas and he's asking those who may not have voted for him in the Governor's Race in 2018 or for the U.S. Senate in 2020 to look at his legal qualifications as they prepare to enter the voting booth in 2022."I graduated from Yale Law School after going to Harvard," Kobach said. "I was a law professor for 15 years teaching constitutional law, legislation and immigration law and I've litigated more cases than I can count against the ACLU."Kobach believes he can be the strong advocate the state is going to need against what he sees as the overreach of the Biden administration with regard to regulations."Congress writes a law and the law authorizes the executive branch to write regulations to fill in some of the gaps," Kobach said. "All of those regulations have to be within the four corners of the law. They can't write regulations on something else or write regulations that are in conflict with the law, but that's precisely what the Biden administration has started doing, both in the area of guns and in the area of the environment and restricting oil and natural gas production."Kobach is also particularly concerned about the impact of H.R. 1 on election laws, though he is proud of the work he did as Secretary of State in that regard."Kansas has one of the most secure election systems," Kobach said. "I would say the most secure in the entire country. If H.R. 1 passes, it will wipe out our proof of citizenship, it will wipe out our photo ID law. It will wipe out our decision to decide when and how we register people. That violates Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, which says that the states control the determination of when a person is qualified to vote and also Article I, Section 4, which says that the states determine the time, place and manner of election."There are other Republicans considering a run for the office being vacated by Derek Schmidt as Schmidt runs for governor, but none with the name recognition Kobach has due to his previous races.Below is the full interview with Kobach.<div><iframe title="May 6, 2021 Morning Show-Kris Kobach for Kansas Attorney General" 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=j4iv7-102c38c-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

Kobach asks voters to look at him as lawyer as he runs for Attorney General

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department has moved another step closer to being an internationally accredited agency.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) was in town this past week looking over the daily operations of the fire department. That includes finance, human resources, operations, EMS first responders, training, dispatch and planning. The agency has recommended the department received its accreditation.&nbsp;

The department will now appear before an 11 member board of commissioners. That board includes representatives from the International Fire Chiefs, International City Managers Association, the International County Managers Association and even the Department of Defense.

<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/2020/2/1580901788572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department has moved another step closer to being an internationally accredited agency.The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) was in town this past week looking over the daily operations of the fire department. That includes finance, human resources, operations, EMS first responders, training, dispatch and planning. The agency has recommended the department received its accreditation.&nbsp;The department will now appear before an 11 member board of commissioners. That board includes representatives from the International Fire Chiefs, International City Managers Association, the International County Managers Association and even the Department of Defense.<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;

HFD takes another step towards accreditation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Thursday that Longview Road between Rayl Road and Victory Road will be closed starting Monday, May 10.

Work crews will be replacing a crossroad pipe. The area is located just south of Haven.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the day Tuesday. If you need any information on this or any other road project contact public works at 620-694-2976.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616104351249.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Thursday that Longview Road between Rayl Road and Victory Road will be closed starting Monday, May 10.Work crews will be replacing a crossroad pipe. The area is located just south of Haven.The work is expected to be completed by the end of the day Tuesday. If you need any information on this or any other road project contact public works at 620-694-2976.<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;

Longview Road closed for continued culvert pipe project

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The two Hutchinson Dillons Pharmacies will soon have the COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, an over-the-counter test that has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

The test allows individuals to receive results within 15 minutes, in the comfort of their own home as it does not require laboratory processing. The test is designed for individuals with or without symptoms or other epidemiological reasons to suspect COVID-19 infection.

Keeping over-the-counter tests available at home can allow individuals to be prepared when it matters. Individuals can feel more confident about attending events, visiting loved ones, or traveling when using this test for COVID-19 screening.

Both the 5th Avenue and Marketplace pharmacies will have the tests available in the coming days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584307499220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The two Hutchinson Dillons Pharmacies will soon have the COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, an over-the-counter test that has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization.The test allows individuals to receive results within 15 minutes, in the comfort of their own home as it does not require laboratory processing. The test is designed for individuals with or without symptoms or other epidemiological reasons to suspect COVID-19 infection.Keeping over-the-counter tests available at home can allow individuals to be prepared when it matters. Individuals can feel more confident about attending events, visiting loved ones, or traveling when using this test for COVID-19 screening.Both the 5th Avenue and Marketplace pharmacies will have the tests available in the coming days.<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;

Dillons to offer COVID antigen test


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — For the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday the competitive situation that concerns local taxi services that prompted them to show up in opposition to the granting of a certificate to Axel's Taxi is one of the reasons that body really felt like it doesn't have the right to tell the new business no.

"I honestly think it's a silly code, to have to jump through all these hoops," said council member Jade Piros de Carvalho. "If we have 10, those who aren't providing a good level of service are going to be weeded out by customer choice."

That doesn't even figure in ridesharing services that are regulated at the state level. However, if there's going to be a code, there should be more teeth to it, according to City Clerk Karen Weltmer.

"There's nothing in the code that allows me to do anything when I ask for, I tell them their certificate of insurance has expired and I need it. I don't get it. There's nothing that I can do. Previously, when Mr. Hirt was over the traffic division, he and I thought annual inspections would be a great idea, so we made a sheet and did it, but there's nothing in the city code that allows us to do that and so we were fought on it and so we couldn't do it."

Ultimately, after a half hour of testimony from the owners and competing taxi services, the council voted 5-0 to allow Axel's Taxi to operate. The question of what the city code should say was left for another day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620146647749.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — For the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday the competitive situation that concerns local taxi services that prompted them to show up in opposition to the granting of a certificate to Axel's Taxi is one of the reasons that body really felt like it doesn't have the right to tell the new business no."I honestly think it's a silly code, to have to jump through all these hoops," said council member Jade Piros de Carvalho. "If we have 10, those who aren't providing a good level of service are going to be weeded out by customer choice."That doesn't even figure in ridesharing services that are regulated at the state level. However, if there's going to be a code, there should be more teeth to it, according to City Clerk Karen Weltmer."There's nothing in the code that allows me to do anything when I ask for, I tell them their certificate of insurance has expired and I need it. I don't get it. There's nothing that I can do. Previously, when Mr. Hirt was over the traffic division, he and I thought annual inspections would be a great idea, so we made a sheet and did it, but there's nothing in the city code that allows us to do that and so we were fought on it and so we couldn't do it."Ultimately, after a half hour of testimony from the owners and competing taxi services, the council voted 5-0 to allow Axel's Taxi to operate. The question of what the city code should say was left for another day.

Taxi service application raises code questions

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

<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/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.<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.

Recent obituaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department will hold a press conference Thursday, May 6, at 12:30 p.m. to announce its new men's basketball coach.

The event will be aired on KWBW Radio 1450 AM/98.5 FM during the noon news hour at 12:30 p.m. and streamed below on Hutch Post.

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">Audio Stream Link:&nbsp;</a>

https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department will hold a press conference Thursday, May 6, at 12:30 p.m. to announce its new men's basketball coach.The event will be aired on KWBW Radio 1450 AM/98.5 FM during the noon news hour at 12:30 p.m. and streamed below on Hutch Post.<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">Audio Stream Link:&nbsp;</a>https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBWVideo Stream Link:&nbsp;&nbsp;rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hvBaQfrFnSM"></iframe>
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Live Video and Audio: HutchCC to announce new basketball coach at 12:30 pm press conference

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School held its annual Awards Assembly on Wednesday. The HHS graduating class of 2021 was recognized with awards and scholarships from local, state and national sources.

The Young American Award winner for 2021 was Jonathan Fan. The Young American Award is the oldest award at HHS with this being its 92nd award. The award was started by the Oswald family in the 1920s.

The Davis Foundation winners were also named. Winners, who each get $6,000 in scholarship money annually for four years, were Kaitlynn Gibson and Koby Harding.

Other Davis finalists were Faith Wells, Jacob Unruh, Ashtyn Schreiber and Lance Goering. The other finalists each get $4,000 a year in scholarship money for four years.

This is the 68th year for the Davis Foundation scholarships. During that time, more than 200 students have received scholarships. When the first scholarships were awarded in the 1950s, the scholarships were $500 a year for four years.

Davis Foundation teachers of the year for USD 308 will be announced in August at the opening convocation for district staff.

The Kansas Board of Regents Scholarship Completers for 2021 were Trace Bergman and Emma Corbin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668902902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School held its annual Awards Assembly on Wednesday. The HHS graduating class of 2021 was recognized with awards and scholarships from local, state and national sources.The Young American Award winner for 2021 was Jonathan Fan. The Young American Award is the oldest award at HHS with this being its 92nd award. The award was started by the Oswald family in the 1920s.The Davis Foundation winners were also named. Winners, who each get $6,000 in scholarship money annually for four years, were Kaitlynn Gibson and Koby Harding.Other Davis finalists were Faith Wells, Jacob Unruh, Ashtyn Schreiber and Lance Goering. The other finalists each get $4,000 a year in scholarship money for four years.This is the 68th year for the Davis Foundation scholarships. During that time, more than 200 students have received scholarships. When the first scholarships were awarded in the 1950s, the scholarships were $500 a year for four years.Davis Foundation teachers of the year for USD 308 will be announced in August at the opening convocation for district staff.The Kansas Board of Regents Scholarship Completers for 2021 were Trace Bergman and Emma Corbin.<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;

Hutchinson High School announces award winners

LYONS, Kan. — KDOT announced Wednesday that K-14 north of Lyons to the K-4 intersection is closed for several days.

The K&amp;O Railroad will be doing a grade crossing replacement near the K-4 intersection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through traffic on K-14 will be detoured to K-156 between Great Bend and Ellinwood.

The work should be completed no later than Monday, May 17.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620243221994.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LYONS, Kan. — KDOT announced Wednesday that K-14 north of Lyons to the K-4 intersection is closed for several days.The K&amp;O Railroad will be doing a grade crossing replacement near the K-4 intersection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through traffic on K-14 will be detoured to K-156 between Great Bend and Ellinwood.The work should be completed no later than Monday, May 17.&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;

K-14 closed north of Lyons

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College announced that Victoria Powell and Zachary Shanline have been selected as the 2020-2021 Wes Christopher Ambassadors of the Year.

Powell is a 2019 graduate of South Gray High School in Montezuma. She graduated from Hutchinson Community College in April with an Associate of Science degree and will transfer to Emporia State University to complete her studies in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. In addition to serving as an ambassador, Victoria was a HutchCC Presidential Scholar, student tutor, and Resident Life Assistant. She was also a member of the Honors program, Honors Student Council, Circle K International, Phi Theta Kappa, Campus Activities Board, Ping Pong Club, Ambassador Leadership Team, and the Kansas All-Academic Team.&nbsp;

Shanline is a 2019 graduate of Pratt High School. He graduated from Hutchinson Community College in April with an Associate of Arts degree and will transfer to Wichita State University to complete his studies in Human Resource Management and Marketing. In addition to serving as an ambassador, Zachary was a HutchCC Presidential Gold Scholar and Resident Life Assistant. He was a member of the Honors program, Honors Student Council, Student Government Association, Ping Pong Club, and the Ambassador Leadership Team. Zachary co-founded the Officiating Club at HutchCC, served as the President of the Student Government Association during the 2020-2021 academic year, and was a recipient of the Young Kansan award.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Ambassador group assists the Admissions Office with recruitment activities. They provide campus tours to prospective students and their families, help with on-campus recruitment events, and contact future students to provide information about the college.&nbsp;

The Wes Christopher Ambassador of the Year Award is named in honor of Wes Christopher, a 2002 graduate of HutchCC and former Ambassador who died in 2005 as the result of a motorcycle accident.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College announced that Victoria Powell and Zachary Shanline have been selected as the 2020-2021 Wes Christopher Ambassadors of the Year.Powell is a 2019 graduate of South Gray High School in Montezuma. She graduated from Hutchinson Community College in April with an Associate of Science degree and will transfer to Emporia State University to complete her studies in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. In addition to serving as an ambassador, Victoria was a HutchCC Presidential Scholar, student tutor, and Resident Life Assistant. She was also a member of the Honors program, Honors Student Council, Circle K International, Phi Theta Kappa, Campus Activities Board, Ping Pong Club, Ambassador Leadership Team, and the Kansas All-Academic Team.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620242438274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shanline is a 2019 graduate of Pratt High School. He graduated from Hutchinson Community College in April with an Associate of Arts degree and will transfer to Wichita State University to complete his studies in Human Resource Management and Marketing. In addition to serving as an ambassador, Zachary was a HutchCC Presidential Gold Scholar and Resident Life Assistant. He was a member of the Honors program, Honors Student Council, Student Government Association, Ping Pong Club, and the Ambassador Leadership Team. Zachary co-founded the Officiating Club at HutchCC, served as the President of the Student Government Association during the 2020-2021 academic year, and was a recipient of the Young Kansan award.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620242463818.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ambassador group assists the Admissions Office with recruitment activities. They provide campus tours to prospective students and their families, help with on-campus recruitment events, and contact future students to provide information about the college.&nbsp;The Wes Christopher Ambassador of the Year Award is named in honor of Wes Christopher, a 2002 graduate of HutchCC and former Ambassador who died in 2005 as the result of a motorcycle accident.<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;

HutchCC announces Wes Christopher ambassadors


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman said kids in her district are looking to continue their education this summer.

"We have over 200 students coming in to do our STEAM camp this summer," Couchman said. "We were expecting maybe a 100. We had 60 last year that did it. Summer school is a little lower. We have 120 students doing it, but still, twice as much as what we had last year."

Either way, the goal is for the kids to have fun and reduce the time it takes them to get back up to speed in the fall.

"They're very similar, other than, summer school, we really do spend time on reading and math," Couchman said. "They still have a lot of fun. They're still going to do some projects. They're still going to have some down time, we're still going to have them go to recess. Both the STEAM camp and summer school are going to be like that. We're excited to have them back in our buildings. Our buildings are going to be busy this year between those camps, PD opportunities and we also host Stay to Play."

Couchman noted that with some of the curricular changes that are coming in math and science, the teachers in those subjects will need that professional development time over the summer to get ready for the coming year.

Below is the full interview with Couchman...

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594221759837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman said kids in her district are looking to continue their education this summer."We have over 200 students coming in to do our STEAM camp this summer," Couchman said. "We were expecting maybe a 100. We had 60 last year that did it. Summer school is a little lower. We have 120 students doing it, but still, twice as much as what we had last year."Either way, the goal is for the kids to have fun and reduce the time it takes them to get back up to speed in the fall."They're very similar, other than, summer school, we really do spend time on reading and math," Couchman said. "They still have a lot of fun. They're still going to do some projects. They're still going to have some down time, we're still going to have them go to recess. Both the STEAM camp and summer school are going to be like that. We're excited to have them back in our buildings. Our buildings are going to be busy this year between those camps, PD opportunities and we also host Stay to Play."Couchman noted that with some of the curricular changes that are coming in math and science, the teachers in those subjects will need that professional development time over the summer to get ready for the coming year.Below is the full interview with Couchman...<div><iframe title="May 5, 2021 Morning Show-Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman" 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=knhbw-102aac5-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>
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Couchman: Kids and teachers will be busy this summer in USD 313

RENO COUNTY -&nbsp; In support of National Nurses Day, which is May 6th, the Reno County Health Department would like to say THANK YOU to the many nurses who have assisted the Health Department, and other community partners, with caring for patients throughout the Pandemic. 

Nurses play an integral role in teaching healthy lifestyles and in prevention of illness, along with serving on the front lines in dealing with the virus. Nurses both current and retired came out to assist in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Their dedication is greatly appreciated and has led to thirty-five percent of Reno County residents receiving at least one dose of a vaccine.

The Reno County Medical Collaborative hopes even more will get vaccinated and reminds community members to be vigilant in mitigation measures such as social distancing, mask wearing, and sanitizing hands. Those measures along with vaccinating are the best defense against contracting COVID-19.

The Reno County Health Department, 209 W. 2nd, is accepting walk-ins for the Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine during normal operating hours. To check availability of other vaccines and locations, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinefinder.org/" target="_blank">vaccinefinder.org</a>. The vaccine is free to any one over the age of 16, regardless of citizen status or insurance, anywhere it is offered.

For more information on the vaccine, visit&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/laurie.moody/Desktop/Press%20Releases/www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>. To schedule a FREE ride to and from any of the vaccination sites, call RCAT at 620-694-2913.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY -&nbsp; In support of National Nurses Day, which is May 6th, the Reno County Health Department would like to say THANK YOU to the many nurses who have assisted the Health Department, and other community partners, with caring for patients throughout the Pandemic. Nurses play an integral role in teaching healthy lifestyles and in prevention of illness, along with serving on the front lines in dealing with the virus. Nurses both current and retired came out to assist in administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Their dedication is greatly appreciated and has led to thirty-five percent of Reno County residents receiving at least one dose of a vaccine.The Reno County Medical Collaborative hopes even more will get vaccinated and reminds community members to be vigilant in mitigation measures such as social distancing, mask wearing, and sanitizing hands. Those measures along with vaccinating are the best defense against contracting COVID-19.The Reno County Health Department, 209 W. 2nd, is accepting walk-ins for the Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine during normal operating hours. To check availability of other vaccines and locations, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinefinder.org/" target="_blank">vaccinefinder.org</a>. The vaccine is free to any one over the age of 16, regardless of citizen status or insurance, anywhere it is offered.For more information on the vaccine, visit&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/laurie.moody/Desktop/Press%20Releases/www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>. To schedule a FREE ride to and from any of the vaccination sites, call RCAT at 620-694-2913.

Reno County thanks nurses ahead of National Nurses Day

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Arconic continued to make a nice rebound from a tough 2020 as it released its 1Q report Tuesday.

The aluminum components company reported total sales of $1.7 billion, an increase of 4% from the previous year and 15% from the previous quarter. It also saw net income increase by $0.04 per share at $52 million.

The company which makes components for the aerospace industry at the Hutchinson facility saw sales in that sector decrease again, mostly due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max. However ground transportation and building segments continued to see growth.&nbsp;

The future for Arconic looks solid as the company now expects full-year 2021 revenue to between Arconic 1Q 2021$7.1 billion to $7.4 billion compared with the prior outlook of $6.6 billion to $6.9 billion.

The company also announced that it is working to ease some of the pressure from its pension obligations which is a continued issue for the company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620228624194.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Arconic continued to make a nice rebound from a tough 2020 as it released its 1Q report Tuesday.The aluminum components company reported total sales of $1.7 billion, an increase of 4% from the previous year and 15% from the previous quarter. It also saw net income increase by $0.04 per share at $52 million.The company which makes components for the aerospace industry at the Hutchinson facility saw sales in that sector decrease again, mostly due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max. However ground transportation and building segments continued to see growth.&nbsp;The future for Arconic looks solid as the company now expects full-year 2021 revenue to between Arconic 1Q 2021$7.1 billion to $7.4 billion compared with the prior outlook of $6.6 billion to $6.9 billion.The company also announced that it is working to ease some of the pressure from its pension obligations which is a continued issue for the company.<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;

Arconic reports strong 1Q

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council met on Monday going over several budget matters including the EMS budget for 2022.

The budget for next year totals $365,774, an increase of over $10,000. Dale Kauffman, EMS Board Chair, says the budget increase comes from an increase in wages for part time and day call personnel along with an increase in holiday pay. It also includes almost $31,000 for an ambulance.&nbsp;

The council was shown a budget worksheet for EMS which shows a projected revenue shortfall of $248,740. The city would be responsible for half of that shortfall or about $124,000. The rest would be made up from the three townships served by the EMS. Haven township would pay about $62,000 and Sumner and Yoder townships would pay just over $31,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council met on Monday going over several budget matters including the EMS budget for 2022.The budget for next year totals $365,774, an increase of over $10,000. Dale Kauffman, EMS Board Chair, says the budget increase comes from an increase in wages for part time and day call personnel along with an increase in holiday pay. It also includes almost $31,000 for an ambulance.&nbsp;The council was shown a budget worksheet for EMS which shows a projected revenue shortfall of $248,740. The city would be responsible for half of that shortfall or about $124,000. The rest would be made up from the three townships served by the EMS. Haven township would pay about $62,000 and Sumner and Yoder townships would pay just over $31,000.Also Monday the council approved the mayor's appointments including current City Clerk Leslie Atherton, Police Chief Stephen Schaffer, and Julie Caffrey as city treasurer.&nbsp;And the council approved a bid from APAC Shears for two street projects for $170,932. The work will include Salina Avenue from Main Street north, and Kansas Avenue from 1st Street to Industrial Drive.<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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