
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council is supportive of the idea of getting community stakeholders together to talk about how to spend the money coming to the city and county from the latest stimulus package. A group of local organizations sent out an open letter to the governing bodies on Tuesday.

"I couldn't agree more strongly with you," said council member Jade Piros de Carvalho. "I commend you for initiating this process. I'm really excited about engaging as many voices as possible. We expect guidance from Treasury next Tuesday. The first tranche of money will hit the state then. The city should get it 30 days later."

The money doesn't need to be used nearly as fast as the last amount. Governments have until the end of 2024 to use the dollars. The council quickly reached consensus that the city manager should be a part of any group that is put together.

"I think, in some of our budget discussions going forward, we're probably going to have a little better feel for where some of this money could go and how that will relieve some of the pressure against some of the other projects that we're talking about," said City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "I don't yet know, I don't think anybody in the room yet knows what the eligibility for that looks like exactly, but I think we'll probably have a better idea."

The city's budget study session, once it is scheduled, will be an open meeting that others can attend. The intent is to get stakeholders together as soon as possible so each governing body can get some direction.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620215789705.jpeg" alt="" />
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council is supportive of the idea of getting community stakeholders together to talk about how to spend the money coming to the city and county from the latest stimulus package. A group of local organizations sent out an open letter to the governing bodies on Tuesday."I couldn't agree more strongly with you," said council member Jade Piros de Carvalho. "I commend you for initiating this process. I'm really excited about engaging as many voices as possible. We expect guidance from Treasury next Tuesday. The first tranche of money will hit the state then. The city should get it 30 days later."The money doesn't need to be used nearly as fast as the last amount. Governments have until the end of 2024 to use the dollars. The council quickly reached consensus that the city manager should be a part of any group that is put together."I think, in some of our budget discussions going forward, we're probably going to have a little better feel for where some of this money could go and how that will relieve some of the pressure against some of the other projects that we're talking about," said City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "I don't yet know, I don't think anybody in the room yet knows what the eligibility for that looks like exactly, but I think we'll probably have a better idea."The city's budget study session, once it is scheduled, will be an open meeting that others can attend. The intent is to get stakeholders together as soon as possible so each governing body can get some direction.
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City council agrees input is needed on how to spend stimulus funds

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Director of Personnel Rick Kraus says the district is faring better than others when it comes to finding and — most importantly — keeping teachers in the district.

“It’s varied from district to district,” Kraus said. “I’ve talked with HR people who have said that they have, by far, more retirees and&nbsp; resignations this year than they’ve ever had.”

Kraus says that is not the case for USD 308.

“We’re with a group of districts that have said that we’re actually under our average,” Kraus said. “Maybe our teachers and staff are that much more resilient.”

Still, Kraus says the number of available teachers continues to be limited.

“The pool is really no deeper than it has been in the last four or five years,” Kraus said. “Overcoming where we were four or five years ago takes five or six years to get more graduating high school seniors into the teaching pipeline.”

Kraus says that it’s not just finding teachers, it's finding other employees as well.

“It’s not just about teachers, it’s also about custodians and food service,” Kraus said. “There are just not a lot of people interested in moving into those positions. The fact that Reno County is, to a certain extent, aging out. So there’s less reason for young families to move to the area.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kraus says the ability to reach out to more potential teachers remotely has helped find the right candidates.

“In the past, it’s always been, ‘What day can you be here?’” Kraus said. “And one of the things that we’ve learned from the pandemic is you can remotely talk to people and have quality conversations without requiring travel.”

Until they find new and better ways to get people into the county, Kraus says the problem with employee shortages will continue.

<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/2021/5/1620164385561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Director of Personnel Rick Kraus says the district is faring better than others when it comes to finding and — most importantly — keeping teachers in the district.“It’s varied from district to district,” Kraus said. “I’ve talked with HR people who have said that they have, by far, more retirees and&nbsp; resignations this year than they’ve ever had.”Kraus says that is not the case for USD 308.“We’re with a group of districts that have said that we’re actually under our average,” Kraus said. “Maybe our teachers and staff are that much more resilient.”Still, Kraus says the number of available teachers continues to be limited.“The pool is really no deeper than it has been in the last four or five years,” Kraus said. “Overcoming where we were four or five years ago takes five or six years to get more graduating high school seniors into the teaching pipeline.”Kraus says that it’s not just finding teachers, it's finding other employees as well.“It’s not just about teachers, it’s also about custodians and food service,” Kraus said. “There are just not a lot of people interested in moving into those positions. The fact that Reno County is, to a certain extent, aging out. So there’s less reason for young families to move to the area.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Kraus says the ability to reach out to more potential teachers remotely has helped find the right candidates.“In the past, it’s always been, ‘What day can you be here?’” Kraus said. “And one of the things that we’ve learned from the pandemic is you can remotely talk to people and have quality conversations without requiring travel.”Until they find new and better ways to get people into the county, Kraus says the problem with employee shortages will continue.<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;

Kraus says teacher shortage in USD 308 not as bad 

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson has a new city administrator. The South Hutchinson City Council approved a contract for Joseph Turner Monday.

Turner is currently the city administrator for the town of Sedgwick. He informed that community’s city council of his decision on Tuesday.&nbsp; Turner has been with the City of Sedgwick since July of 2019 and has also worked as Director of Public Works for the City of Goddard.

Turner will earn an annual salary of $95,000 plus benefits. He starts his new duties June 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620160193837.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson has a new city administrator. The South Hutchinson City Council approved a contract for Joseph Turner Monday.Turner is currently the city administrator for the town of Sedgwick. He informed that community’s city council of his decision on Tuesday.&nbsp; Turner has been with the City of Sedgwick since July of 2019 and has also worked as Director of Public Works for the City of Goddard.Turner will earn an annual salary of $95,000 plus benefits. He starts his new duties June 7.<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;

Sedgwick city administrator coming to South Hutchinson


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
HutchCC spokesperson Denny Stoecklein reminds us of an event going on this week for students going on to something after high school other than arts or sports.

"We all hear about the high school athletes who are signing to take their skills to the next level," Stoecklein said. "This is the exact same type of thing, but these are kids on the technical education side that are making their commitment to come to Hutch. They're going to have a signing day for them to celebrate that."

The event is the first-ever Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day, sponsored by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy and Hutchinson Community College.

"Whether its a Superior or a Kuhn Krause or any number of manufacturers that are looking for machining, welding, you name it," Stoecklein said. "All of those opportunities are available right here, very economically and we know the jobs are out there."

Programs involved in the day’s event include:

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology

Signing sessions will happen at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle. During the 1:30 p.m. signing session, Bill Murphy, deputy secretary of business development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, will speak.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
HutchCC spokesperson Denny Stoecklein reminds us of an event going on this week for students going on to something after high school other than arts or sports."We all hear about the high school athletes who are signing to take their skills to the next level," Stoecklein said. "This is the exact same type of thing, but these are kids on the technical education side that are making their commitment to come to Hutch. They're going to have a signing day for them to celebrate that."The event is the first-ever Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day, sponsored by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy and Hutchinson Community College."Whether its a Superior or a Kuhn Krause or any number of manufacturers that are looking for machining, welding, you name it," Stoecklein said. "All of those opportunities are available right here, very economically and we know the jobs are out there."Programs involved in the day’s event include:Automotive Mechanics TechnologyAutomotive Collision Repair and Refinishing TechnologyBuilding Trades/Residential constructionMachine TechnologyWelding TechnologyCISCO NetworkingMedical Sciences – CMA and CNASigning sessions will happen at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy, 800 15th Circle. During the 1:30 p.m. signing session, Bill Murphy, deputy secretary of business development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, will speak.

Stoecklein touts signing day Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department graduated a class of five new firefighters during a ceremony Friday.

The graduates are Clayton Birkle of Wichita, an Air Force veteran; Troy Jordan, from Oregon; Chase Manuel from Wichita; Matthew Regier of Goessel, who is a HutchCC graduate; and Zach Richardson from Oregon.

The new firefighters just completed more than six weeks of training at the fire training center on East 4th Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620155506018.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department graduated a class of five new firefighters during a ceremony Friday.The graduates are Clayton Birkle of Wichita, an Air Force veteran; Troy Jordan, from Oregon; Chase Manuel from Wichita; Matthew Regier of Goessel, who is a HutchCC graduate; and Zach Richardson from Oregon.The new firefighters just completed more than six weeks of training at the fire training center on East 4th Avenue.<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;

HFD welcomes new firefighters

NICKERSON, Kan. — With the pandemic forcing school districts to go into the virtual learning mode over the past year, many districts are starting new virtual schools. Others like Nickerson USD 309 are expecting an increase in their virtual school enrollment for the existing Central State Academy (CSA).

According to the district, the CSA virtual program experienced little change when COVID-19 forced many traditional schools to move students to remote learning. USD 309 says they are  preparing for a continued increase in enrollment from families who have found that virtual learning works best for them. 

Central State offers an accredited curriculum and partners with Hutchinson Community College to offer dual credits to high school students who plan to attend college in the future. 

Central State Academy K-12 Virtual School is currently enrolling for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. If you would like further information about Central State Academy, go to <a href="https://csa.usd309ks.org/">csa.usd309ks.org</a> or contact Tracey File: 620-500-5945.

<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/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — With the pandemic forcing school districts to go into the virtual learning mode over the past year, many districts are starting new virtual schools. Others like Nickerson USD 309 are expecting an increase in their virtual school enrollment for the existing Central State Academy (CSA).According to the district, the CSA virtual program experienced little change when COVID-19 forced many traditional schools to move students to remote learning. USD 309 says they are preparing for a continued increase in enrollment from families who have found that virtual learning works best for them. Central State offers an accredited curriculum and partners with Hutchinson Community College to offer dual credits to high school students who plan to attend college in the future. Central State Academy K-12 Virtual School is currently enrolling for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. If you would like further information about Central State Academy, go to <a href="https://csa.usd309ks.org/">csa.usd309ks.org</a> or contact Tracey File: 620-500-5945.<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;

USD 309 expects increase in virtual school enrollment

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Siemens Gamesa reported a net loss of $79.6 million in the second quarter of the year, according to numbers released by the company on Monday.

After posting a profit of $13.2 million for the first quarter, the world’s No. 1 wind turbine maker ended the first half of the fiscal year $64 million in the red.

It wasn't all bad news as revenues rose by 6% on the year and the company continues to see a record order log for the coming year at $6.6 billion, more than double compared to the numbers at the same time last year. The order backlog stood at a record $40.4 billion, an increase of 17.9% from 2020.

In a cost-cutting move, the company announced it would close two factories in Spain and take other steps to reduce overall costs, especially in the onshore market.

The manufacturer said the restructuring would continue through the third quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607017503991.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Siemens Gamesa reported a net loss of $79.6 million in the second quarter of the year, according to numbers released by the company on Monday.After posting a profit of $13.2 million for the first quarter, the world’s No. 1 wind turbine maker ended the first half of the fiscal year $64 million in the red.It wasn't all bad news as revenues rose by 6% on the year and the company continues to see a record order log for the coming year at $6.6 billion, more than double compared to the numbers at the same time last year. The order backlog stood at a record $40.4 billion, an increase of 17.9% from 2020.In a cost-cutting move, the company announced it would close two factories in Spain and take other steps to reduce overall costs, especially in the onshore market.The manufacturer said the restructuring would continue through the third quarter.<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;

Siemens Gamesa posts loss in second quarter


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall hears his constituents in their concern for the rural implications of President Biden's plan of protecting 30% of the U.S. by 2030.

"You talk about getting people fired up," Marshall said. "We've done about 23 town halls now, I think and this is the number one emotional issue out there, that President Biden is proposing that the federal government control 30% of our land by the year 2030. You talk about upsetting people, start messing with their property rights."

Marshall notes that it would take a lot to get that much land out of service in Kansas.

"Only three percent of the land in Kansas is owned by the government, by the state or the federal government," Marshall said. "Even if we would take that and we would put it into CRP, if we would take 30 percent of the farmland in Reno County out of production, think what it would do to downtown Hutchinson, Kansas."

There's no mistaking it, jobs would be lost.

"If we would take 30% of Kansas land out of production, it would be the end of so many hospitals in the state of Kansas," Marshall said. "We would have to consolidate more schools. It would probably mean losing 75,000 jobs in the state of Kansas."

<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/biden-commits-to-30-by-2030-conservation-executive-orders">National Geographic reported in January</a> that to reach the 30 by 30 target will require conserving an additional area twice the size of Texas, more than 440 million acres, within the next 10 years.

Below is the full interview with Senator Marshall.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617300004254.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall hears his constituents in their concern for the rural implications of President Biden's plan of protecting 30% of the U.S. by 2030."You talk about getting people fired up," Marshall said. "We've done about 23 town halls now, I think and this is the number one emotional issue out there, that President Biden is proposing that the federal government control 30% of our land by the year 2030. You talk about upsetting people, start messing with their property rights."Marshall notes that it would take a lot to get that much land out of service in Kansas."Only three percent of the land in Kansas is owned by the government, by the state or the federal government," Marshall said. "Even if we would take that and we would put it into CRP, if we would take 30 percent of the farmland in Reno County out of production, think what it would do to downtown Hutchinson, Kansas."There's no mistaking it, jobs would be lost."If we would take 30% of Kansas land out of production, it would be the end of so many hospitals in the state of Kansas," Marshall said. "We would have to consolidate more schools. It would probably mean losing 75,000 jobs in the state of Kansas."<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/biden-commits-to-30-by-2030-conservation-executive-orders">National Geographic reported in January</a> that to reach the 30 by 30 target will require conserving an additional area twice the size of Texas, more than 440 million acres, within the next 10 years.Below is the full interview with Senator Marshall.<div><iframe title="May 4, 2021 Morning Show-U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall" 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=yetd9-10292ea-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>
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Marshall: Constituents 'fired up' over 30 by 30 proposal

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners will hold their study session on the county's fire districts on Friday, May 7th. The meeting was originally scheduled for April 29.

Five Bugle Training and Consulting was hired in January 2020 at a cost not to exceed $10,000 to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the eight existing fire districts in the county and their future needs. <a href="https://www.renogov.org/430/Agendas-Minutes-Meetings">The meeting will be available via video at the county's website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620142924521.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners will hold their study session on the county's fire districts on Friday, May 7th. The meeting was originally scheduled for April 29.Five Bugle Training and Consulting was hired in January 2020 at a cost not to exceed $10,000 to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the eight existing fire districts in the county and their future needs. <a href="https://www.renogov.org/430/Agendas-Minutes-Meetings">The meeting will be available via video at the county's website</a>.Friday’s meeting begins at 8:30 a.m.<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;

Reno County Fire Districts study session Friday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Chris Mullins from 612 West 24th Avenue spoke about an issue on a street close to him at the Hutchinson City Council meeting Tuesday.

"Back in November on the 30th, my daughter and I were involved in what most would consider a very serious car accident," Mullins said. "We walked out. We were healthy, minor cuts, bruises, things like that. The root cause of that accident was that it was an uncontrolled intersection. We were about a 1/4 of a mile from home. We were at the intersection of Heather and Van Buren."

After the accident, Mullins talked to the local residents to ask them if they thought a stop sign should be there.

"I would like to have a stop sign put there," Mullins said. "That way, we can continue to travel that road. When I talked to the locals, they said they've seen a lot of near misses, they've seen kids almost get hit, they've seen people walking their dogs almost get hit. It's a very, very dangerous intersection. It's a very busy intersection. I did reach out to the city. For the most part, the answer that I got was, based off of probability, that individual did not feel the need to put a stop sign there."

City Manager Jeff Cantrell told the governing body that it is their decision to make.

"If approved, if we did do something, it would not be consistent with policy," Cantrell said. "It would involve you all in doing something that would be kind of a one-off."

The problem with that is it could create multiple situations across the city that are as bad or worse coming before the governing body one at a time. Council member Jon Daveline noted that there was a similar situation up on Tyler Street in the Old Farm Estates. He explained what was done up there.

"In the end, there were additional yield signs at two of the intersections," Daveline said. "That seemed to help somewhat. Rather than just to completely close our minds and say they don't meet the criteria, I certainly have empathy with you concerns. Working through the bureaucracy is certainly a challenge and if we deviate from it, we deviate from it."

No final decision was made, but council members were encouraged to go up and drive the neighborhood themselves before making a final decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620146647749.jpeg" alt="CityofHutchinson05042021" />
 <figcaption>CityofHutchinson05042021</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Chris Mullins from 612 West 24th Avenue spoke about an issue on a street close to him at the Hutchinson City Council meeting Tuesday."Back in November on the 30th, my daughter and I were involved in what most would consider a very serious car accident," Mullins said. "We walked out. We were healthy, minor cuts, bruises, things like that. The root cause of that accident was that it was an uncontrolled intersection. We were about a 1/4 of a mile from home. We were at the intersection of Heather and Van Buren."After the accident, Mullins talked to the local residents to ask them if they thought a stop sign should be there."I would like to have a stop sign put there," Mullins said. "That way, we can continue to travel that road. When I talked to the locals, they said they've seen a lot of near misses, they've seen kids almost get hit, they've seen people walking their dogs almost get hit. It's a very, very dangerous intersection. It's a very busy intersection. I did reach out to the city. For the most part, the answer that I got was, based off of probability, that individual did not feel the need to put a stop sign there."City Manager Jeff Cantrell told the governing body that it is their decision to make."If approved, if we did do something, it would not be consistent with policy," Cantrell said. "It would involve you all in doing something that would be kind of a one-off."The problem with that is it could create multiple situations across the city that are as bad or worse coming before the governing body one at a time. Council member Jon Daveline noted that there was a similar situation up on Tyler Street in the Old Farm Estates. He explained what was done up there."In the end, there were additional yield signs at two of the intersections," Daveline said. "That seemed to help somewhat. Rather than just to completely close our minds and say they don't meet the criteria, I certainly have empathy with you concerns. Working through the bureaucracy is certainly a challenge and if we deviate from it, we deviate from it."No final decision was made, but council members were encouraged to go up and drive the neighborhood themselves before making a final decision.

City council to look at traffic control where November accident occurred

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Clinic announced their two newest physicians – Dr. Andrea Drieling and Dr. Nathan Norris.

The Clinic’s new Podiatrist, Dr. Drieling, has been serving in clinical roles since she was 16 years old – when she became a CNA to serve patients in nursing homes. She has extensive experience in treating injuries and conditions of the tendons of the foot, ankle and heel.

A Goddard native, Dr. Norris has a very diverse background in medicine – from serving in a private family practice, to providing care and directing rural hospital emergency rooms. He looks forward to seeing patients of all ages across their lifelong health journey in the family practice department.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Clinic announced their two newest physicians – Dr. Andrea Drieling and Dr. Nathan Norris.The Clinic’s new Podiatrist, Dr. Drieling, has been serving in clinical roles since she was 16 years old – when she became a CNA to serve patients in nursing homes. She has extensive experience in treating injuries and conditions of the tendons of the foot, ankle and heel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620142372377.jpeg" alt="Andrea Drieling DPM&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Andrea Drieling DPM&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>A Goddard native, Dr. Norris has a very diverse background in medicine – from serving in a private family practice, to providing care and directing rural hospital emergency rooms. He looks forward to seeing patients of all ages across their lifelong health journey in the family practice department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620142424594.jpeg" alt="NathanNorris" />
 <figcaption>NathanNorris</figcaption>
 </figure>Both are accepting new patients.&nbsp;

Hutchinson Clinic announces two new additions


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The death count attributed to COVID-19 in Reno County reached 140, so Hutch Post asked Reno County data analyst D.J. Gering to go back and let us know when each ten deaths were recorded by the county.

Those numbers are based on the reported date to the county rather than the official date of death.&nbsp; 

"For date of death numbers I cannot give the specific dates because it would risk identifying those persons if someone were to look up obituaries," Gering said in an email to Hutch Post. "We have to go off the date reported to the health department."

Because each month has multiple deaths, Gering was able to give us the deaths by month using the date of death measure:

There is not a specific graph for deaths on the dashboard due to the desire not to inadvertently identify individuals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The death count attributed to COVID-19 in Reno County reached 140, so Hutch Post asked Reno County data analyst D.J. Gering to go back and let us know when each ten deaths were recorded by the county.10: October 17, 202020: November 8, 202030: November 14, 202040: November 20, 202050: December 1, 202060: December 7, 202070: December 11, 202080: December 15, 202090: December 23, 2020100: December 29, 2020110:&nbsp; January 12, 2021120: February 2, 2021130: February 8, 2021140: April 30, 2021Those numbers are based on the reported date to the county rather than the official date of death.&nbsp; "For date of death numbers I cannot give the specific dates because it would risk identifying those persons if someone were to look up obituaries," Gering said in an email to Hutch Post. "We have to go off the date reported to the health department."Because each month has multiple deaths, Gering was able to give us the deaths by month using the date of death measure:2020July: 1August: 1September: 4October: 15November: 39December: 512021January: 18February: 7March: 2April: 2There is not a specific graph for deaths on the dashboard due to the desire not to inadvertently identify individuals.

Look back at COVID-19 death count reveals slowdown in recent months


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The United Way of Reno County is joining with its non-profit partners across the community to try to make it easier for those who need emergency resources to find them. The initiative is called No Wrong Door.

"It's really about bringing resources around a person that's in crisis to give them the best helping hand possible," said Denice Gilliland-Burbank with the United Way. "When I was doing Rally Reno, it became very evident to me that our crisis support system is fractured. COVID just kind of busted those fractures wide open. The amount of need that was out there was far greater than our community had the ability to handle."

Gilliland-Burbank acknowledges that there is some pushback about making resources easier to access.

"Well, if somebody really needs help, they're willing to put in the work to get it, yes, they are," Gilliland-Burbank said. "As far as I am concerned, if they're standing in front of me telling me their story, they've already done the work to get the help that they needed. To send them around to every organization or agency in town and not do what we can to make that an easier process is really a disservice."

Needs sometimes happen through no fault of the person, especially in the midst of a pandemic.

"If you're a single mom and you're doing everything you can to put food on the table and you're like, I'm just $200 short for rent," Gilliland-Burbank said. "I can't help the fact that I didn't get the number of hours this week that I got for the last three weeks. Our unemployment system was just a mess. There were people that I'd talked to, they'd tell me that they'd called unemployment 800 times in a week and never spoke to an actual human."

If you'd like to help, contact Gilliland-Burbank at the United Way at (620) 669-9329.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594828425851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The United Way of Reno County is joining with its non-profit partners across the community to try to make it easier for those who need emergency resources to find them. The initiative is called No Wrong Door."It's really about bringing resources around a person that's in crisis to give them the best helping hand possible," said Denice Gilliland-Burbank with the United Way. "When I was doing Rally Reno, it became very evident to me that our crisis support system is fractured. COVID just kind of busted those fractures wide open. The amount of need that was out there was far greater than our community had the ability to handle."Gilliland-Burbank acknowledges that there is some pushback about making resources easier to access."Well, if somebody really needs help, they're willing to put in the work to get it, yes, they are," Gilliland-Burbank said. "As far as I am concerned, if they're standing in front of me telling me their story, they've already done the work to get the help that they needed. To send them around to every organization or agency in town and not do what we can to make that an easier process is really a disservice."Needs sometimes happen through no fault of the person, especially in the midst of a pandemic."If you're a single mom and you're doing everything you can to put food on the table and you're like, I'm just $200 short for rent," Gilliland-Burbank said. "I can't help the fact that I didn't get the number of hours this week that I got for the last three weeks. Our unemployment system was just a mess. There were people that I'd talked to, they'd tell me that they'd called unemployment 800 times in a week and never spoke to an actual human."If you'd like to help, contact Gilliland-Burbank at the United Way at (620) 669-9329.

United Way trying to help those in need find 'No Wrong Door'

YODER — Twenty-five new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on April 30 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. Officer Joshua Westerfield of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was chief of police for the Ottawa Police Department, Adam Weingartner. Rob McClarty, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 277th Basic Training Class.

Officer Luke Berning from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.” Officers Christopher Allison from the Kansas City, Kansas Community College Campus Police; Gene Berlin from the Riley County Police Department and Spencer Kochanowski from Salina Police Department walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during their time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run. Kochanowski also received the Fitness Award. 

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in January 2021, represented 19 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

• Matthew Komma, Pittsburg Police Department

• A Josef Snooks, Ottawa Police Department

• Carla Burrell, Geary County Sheriff’s Office

• Herman Manning, Anthony Police Department

• Preston Barkdoll, Newton Police Department

• Kaitlin Brunner, Peabody Police Department

• Austin Sevier, Coffeyville Police Department

• Donald Joy, Chanute Police Department

• Jacob Jordan, Norton Police Department

• Ethan Wells, Osage County Sheriff’s Office

• Joshua Westerfield, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Luke Berning, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Joseph Lambert, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Austin O’Callaghan, Hutchinson Police Department

• Michael Bibb, Riley County Police Department

• Allison Rood, Riley County Police Department

• Gene Berlin, Riley County Police Department

• Brandon Gadia, Riley County Police Department

• Spencer Kochanowski, Salina Police Department

• Adam Murley, Liberal Police Department

• Austin McKeithan, Topeka Public Schools Police Department

• Charles Wilson, Washburn University Police

• Christopher Bowman, Woodson County Sheriff’s Office

• Jonathan Berry, Kansas City KS Community College Campus

• Christopher Allison, Kansas City KS Community College Campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071837799.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>YODER — Twenty-five new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on April 30 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. Officer Joshua Westerfield of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was chief of police for the Ottawa Police Department, Adam Weingartner. Rob McClarty, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 277th Basic Training Class.Officer Luke Berning from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.” Officers Christopher Allison from the Kansas City, Kansas Community College Campus Police; Gene Berlin from the Riley County Police Department and Spencer Kochanowski from Salina Police Department walked, ran or biked more than 200 miles during their time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups and a timed run. Kochanowski also received the Fitness Award. Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in January 2021, represented 19 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Crawford• Matthew Komma, Pittsburg Police DepartmentFranklin• A Josef Snooks, Ottawa Police DepartmentGeary• Carla Burrell, Geary County Sheriff’s OfficeHarper• Herman Manning, Anthony Police DepartmentHarvey• Preston Barkdoll, Newton Police DepartmentMarion• Kaitlin Brunner, Peabody Police DepartmentMontgomery• Austin Sevier, Coffeyville Police DepartmentNeosho• Donald Joy, Chanute Police DepartmentNorton• Jacob Jordan, Norton Police DepartmentOsage• Ethan Wells, Osage County Sheriff’s OfficePratt• Joshua Westerfield, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism• Luke Berning, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism• Joseph Lambert, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; TourismReno• Austin O’Callaghan, Hutchinson Police DepartmentRiley• Michael Bibb, Riley County Police Department• Allison Rood, Riley County Police Department• Gene Berlin, Riley County Police Department• Brandon Gadia, Riley County Police DepartmentSaline• Spencer Kochanowski, Salina Police DepartmentSeward• Adam Murley, Liberal Police DepartmentShawnee• Austin McKeithan, Topeka Public Schools Police Department• Charles Wilson, Washburn University PoliceWoodson• Christopher Bowman, Woodson County Sheriff’s OfficeWyandotte• Jonathan Berry, Kansas City KS Community College Campus• Christopher Allison, Kansas City KS Community College Campus.

KLETC graduates 277th Basic Training Class


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The April Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a survey of supply managers in nine states, including Kansas, was the highest in the nearly three decades of the survey at 73.9 as first reported on Monday.

"It's signaling growth is very rapid out there in the manufacturing sector," said economist Ernie Goss. "That's the good. The bad is it's pushing up inflationary pressures. We've got supply chain disruptions, we've got supply chain delays."

Getting good people is still a challenge, too.

"This has been a constant problem for this part of the country," Goss said. "However, we add to that the $300 a week add on to unemployment compensation. There are a number of unemployed workers, I would argue a high percentage of the unemployed workers getting unemployment compensation that are being paid more to remain unemployed than to get a job. There's a stiff incentive to remain unemployed for many of the unemployed workers. That's another factor that's slowing down growth, particularly for some of the leisure and hospitality."

The Federal Reserve doesn't look like it's going to do anything, at least right now.

"They're not going to raise interest rates in anticipation of higher inflation," said Goss. "They're going to wait and see and wait until they actually begin to see increasing indications that this is not transitory, but in fact is embedded into our prices for the long term and that's what we have to keep an eye on."

Goss wants people to watch the yield on the ten-year Treasury bond. If that yield rises above 2%, then the Fed may be forced to act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071466817.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The April Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a survey of supply managers in nine states, including Kansas, was the highest in the nearly three decades of the survey at 73.9 as first reported on Monday."It's signaling growth is very rapid out there in the manufacturing sector," said economist Ernie Goss. "That's the good. The bad is it's pushing up inflationary pressures. We've got supply chain disruptions, we've got supply chain delays."Getting good people is still a challenge, too."This has been a constant problem for this part of the country," Goss said. "However, we add to that the $300 a week add on to unemployment compensation. There are a number of unemployed workers, I would argue a high percentage of the unemployed workers getting unemployment compensation that are being paid more to remain unemployed than to get a job. There's a stiff incentive to remain unemployed for many of the unemployed workers. That's another factor that's slowing down growth, particularly for some of the leisure and hospitality."The Federal Reserve doesn't look like it's going to do anything, at least right now."They're not going to raise interest rates in anticipation of higher inflation," said Goss. "They're going to wait and see and wait until they actually begin to see increasing indications that this is not transitory, but in fact is embedded into our prices for the long term and that's what we have to keep an eye on."Goss wants people to watch the yield on the ten-year Treasury bond. If that yield rises above 2%, then the Fed may be forced to act.

Goss: Economy is growing, but need to watch inflationary pressure


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno&nbsp;County Treasurer Brenda Kowitz reminds readers that the second half of property taxes are due May 10. 

The treasurer's office mails out tax statements to the owner of record on or after the first of November of each year and is responsible for collecting the taxes due, including any special assessments and fees.

If not paid by the due dates, a variable interest penalty will accrue until paid.

Also, please make sure that there is a good phone number on your check.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568596588417.jpeg" alt="Property tax" />
 <figcaption>Property tax</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno&nbsp;County Treasurer Brenda Kowitz reminds readers that the second half of property taxes are due May 10. The treasurer's office mails out tax statements to the owner of record on or after the first of November of each year and is responsible for collecting the taxes due, including any special assessments and fees.If not paid by the due dates, a variable interest penalty will accrue until paid.Also, please make sure that there is a good phone number on your check.

Second half of 2020 property taxes due May 10

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County announced the appointment of Helen Foster to the position of Human Resources Director. Foster takes over the position from Renee Harris, who retired in March. 

Foster’s responsibilities will include supervising the human resources staff, overseeing employee benefits, recruitment, performance appraisals and training, budget management, and enforcing the resolutions, policies, and regulations adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

Foster began her career in government in the Guymon, Oklahoma, Clerk’s Office. After relocating to Kansas with her family, she held positions in the Reno County Commission Office, County Appraiser’s Office, and transitioned to the role of Human Resources Specialist in 2009. Foster earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Human Resource Management from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, in 2018.

Foster credits her good work ethic from growing up as a farmer/rancher’s daughter in Oklahoma. “I am so excited to take the next step in my career,” she states. “I am looking forward to serving the employees and citizens of Reno County and am thankful for this opportunity.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620067663065.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County announced the appointment of Helen Foster to the position of Human Resources Director. Foster takes over the position from Renee Harris, who retired in March. Foster’s responsibilities will include supervising the human resources staff, overseeing employee benefits, recruitment, performance appraisals and training, budget management, and enforcing the resolutions, policies, and regulations adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.Foster began her career in government in the Guymon, Oklahoma, Clerk’s Office. After relocating to Kansas with her family, she held positions in the Reno County Commission Office, County Appraiser’s Office, and transitioned to the role of Human Resources Specialist in 2009. Foster earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Human Resource Management from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, in 2018.Foster credits her good work ethic from growing up as a farmer/rancher’s daughter in Oklahoma. “I am so excited to take the next step in my career,” she states. “I am looking forward to serving the employees and citizens of Reno County and am thankful for this opportunity.”

Helen Foster named Reno County Human Resources Director

HAVEN,
Kan. — 
The Haven City Council has a busy agenda for its meeting Monday night.

On the agenda are budget proposals for the Haven Tree Board, EMS Board, Economic Development and Recreation Departments. Also on the agenda is the proposed hire of a field maintenance person and the expenditure for summer ball shirts.

Several appointments by the mayor need council approval as well, those of City Attorney Jennifer Hill of McDonald Tinker, City Judge Stanley Juhnke, City Clerk, Leslie Atherton, City Treasurer Julie Caffrey and Police Chief Stephen Schaffer.

The City will then adopt a resolution implementing a wage increase.

Also on the agenda are updates from Schaffer and Public Works Director Derek Stoll. Bids for street resurfacing will be considered as part of Stoll's report.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN,
Kan. — 
The Haven City Council has a busy agenda for its meeting Monday night.On the agenda are budget proposals for the Haven Tree Board, EMS Board, Economic Development and Recreation Departments. Also on the agenda is the proposed hire of a field maintenance person and the expenditure for summer ball shirts.Several appointments by the mayor need council approval as well, those of City Attorney Jennifer Hill of McDonald Tinker, City Judge Stanley Juhnke, City Clerk, Leslie Atherton, City Treasurer Julie Caffrey and Police Chief Stephen Schaffer.The City will then adopt a resolution implementing a wage increase.Also on the agenda are updates from Schaffer and Public Works Director Derek Stoll. Bids for street resurfacing will be considered as part of Stoll's report.The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Haven City Council meets Monday

Ken Johnson, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System

As COVID-19 infections trend down, and vaccinations become widely available, we inevitably, yet cautiously, begin making preliminary plans for what some pundits have dubbed “post-pandemic” times.

Some say there is a silver lining to the pandemic, as most of us have seized the opportunity to spend more time with our families, reconnect (even at a distance) with old friends, develop new hobbies, and increase physical activity. No matter what course we have taken, the anticipation and yearning for a return to normalcy may be like nothing we have experienced in our lifetimes.

Karen Dempsey, an accredited and practicing psychotherapist, writing for The Awareness Center, offers six specific tips for rebuilding and reentering “real life” that bear repeating. She points out that although we may tentatively be thinking what life will be like without restricted activity, we can forget to prioritize our self-care. “Self-care is about doing little things for yourself that help you feel and stay well and resilient, no matter what life is throwing at you,” Dempsey said. “During lockdown, our self-care rituals were mostly built around structuring our days so that we had a robust routine and could carry on as normal a life as possible.”

Dempsey’s six tips are thought provoking:

“You have become accustomed to staying indoors and you feel cozy and safe there,” Dempsey said. “Take time to check with yourself every day to monitor your triggers and how you’ve reacted—and be gentle with yourself.”

“You have been deprived of those everyday human interactions and for some people this has been more difficult than for others,” Dempsey said. “Start reaching out and connecting with the friends and family who are important to you. Say and do the things you’ve been promising yourself since the pandemic began. But take it step by step.”

“You don’t have to say ‘yes’ to everything, just because you can,” Dempsey said “You don’t need to overburden or overwhelm yourself to prove anything to anyone. Don’t put yourself under any pressure to return to a pre-pandemic schedule.”

“In many ways, lockdown has been a leveler,” Dempsey said. “We have all had to stay inside, and the number of social gatherings and events has been curtailed. You haven’t felt as though you were missing out on anything, simply because there was nothing for you to miss out on. Don’t fall into that old trap of scrolling endlessly through social media to see what everyone else is up to. Comparing yourself to others can lead to stress and despair.”

“Eating, sleeping, and exercising are fundamental to your emotional and physical wellbeing,” Dempsey said. “What new routines have you created that work for you? Don’t let them slip as you ease into a post-pandemic world. Try to focus on what you know keeps you balanced and maintains the energy you’re going to need for yourself and others. Exercising may take up some time, but see it as an investment in yourself.”

“When life pared back and all the social distractions were removed, you may have found yourself discovering simpler pleasures in life,” Dempsey said. “You don’t need to swap this simpler life for chaos and overwhelm. Remember to take small moments to react each day and be grateful for what you have and who you are.”

As the region’s major healthcare provider, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System will stay the course and provide compassionate care to COVID-19 patients until this virus is eradicated from our state and nation. In spite of difficult times during the past 13 months in particular, we have much to be thankful for. Never before has our community united to solve a once-in-a-century healthcare crisis.

This cooperative spirit will prepare us for the next challenge that comes our way. So, let’s finish the task at hand as we prepare for better times to come.

Next time you see a healthcare worker, please say “thank you” for a job performed above and beyond the call of duty under difficult circumstances. We could not be prouder of our staff of high caliber healthcare professionals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596450831912.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ken Johnson, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare SystemAs COVID-19 infections trend down, and vaccinations become widely available, we inevitably, yet cautiously, begin making preliminary plans for what some pundits have dubbed “post-pandemic” times.Some say there is a silver lining to the pandemic, as most of us have seized the opportunity to spend more time with our families, reconnect (even at a distance) with old friends, develop new hobbies, and increase physical activity. No matter what course we have taken, the anticipation and yearning for a return to normalcy may be like nothing we have experienced in our lifetimes.Karen Dempsey, an accredited and practicing psychotherapist, writing for The Awareness Center, offers six specific tips for rebuilding and reentering “real life” that bear repeating. She points out that although we may tentatively be thinking what life will be like without restricted activity, we can forget to prioritize our self-care. “Self-care is about doing little things for yourself that help you feel and stay well and resilient, no matter what life is throwing at you,” Dempsey said. “During lockdown, our self-care rituals were mostly built around structuring our days so that we had a robust routine and could carry on as normal a life as possible.”Dempsey’s six tips are thought provoking:1. Accept that new stresses may arise.“You have become accustomed to staying indoors and you feel cozy and safe there,” Dempsey said. “Take time to check with yourself every day to monitor your triggers and how you’ve reacted—and be gentle with yourself.”2. Start connecting again.“You have been deprived of those everyday human interactions and for some people this has been more difficult than for others,” Dempsey said. “Start reaching out and connecting with the friends and family who are important to you. Say and do the things you’ve been promising yourself since the pandemic began. But take it step by step.”3. Give yourself a moment to respond.“You don’t have to say ‘yes’ to everything, just because you can,” Dempsey said “You don’t need to overburden or overwhelm yourself to prove anything to anyone. Don’t put yourself under any pressure to return to a pre-pandemic schedule.”4. Don’t compare and despair.“In many ways, lockdown has been a leveler,” Dempsey said. “We have all had to stay inside, and the number of social gatherings and events has been curtailed. You haven’t felt as though you were missing out on anything, simply because there was nothing for you to miss out on. Don’t fall into that old trap of scrolling endlessly through social media to see what everyone else is up to. Comparing yourself to others can lead to stress and despair.”5. Remember the body basics.“Eating, sleeping, and exercising are fundamental to your emotional and physical wellbeing,” Dempsey said. “What new routines have you created that work for you? Don’t let them slip as you ease into a post-pandemic world. Try to focus on what you know keeps you balanced and maintains the energy you’re going to need for yourself and others. Exercising may take up some time, but see it as an investment in yourself.”6. Keep it simple.“When life pared back and all the social distractions were removed, you may have found yourself discovering simpler pleasures in life,” Dempsey said. “You don’t need to swap this simpler life for chaos and overwhelm. Remember to take small moments to react each day and be grateful for what you have and who you are.”As the region’s major healthcare provider, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System will stay the course and provide compassionate care to COVID-19 patients until this virus is eradicated from our state and nation. In spite of difficult times during the past 13 months in particular, we have much to be thankful for. Never before has our community united to solve a once-in-a-century healthcare crisis.This cooperative spirit will prepare us for the next challenge that comes our way. So, let’s finish the task at hand as we prepare for better times to come.Next time you see a healthcare worker, please say “thank you” for a job performed above and beyond the call of duty under difficult circumstances. We could not be prouder of our staff of high caliber healthcare professionals.

COLUMN: Hutchinson Regional CEO looks at post-pandemic life 

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – In late 2019, after a year-long training and accreditation process, Kidron Bethel Village was accredited by Comfort Matters, an evidence-based dementia care program that provides top-quality care and quality of life for people living with dementia.

Since that time, campus staff and administrators have dreamed of incorporating unique and innovative elements to support residents who have difficulty thinking.

With planned enhancements focused on dementia care, the campus’s Live Forward campaign will continue to build on Kidron Bethel’s reputation as a safe, comfortable and engaging home for all people, including those living with dementia. Specifically, the plans include the installation of indoor and outdoor walking paths designed to increase movement, freedom and engagement through tactile stimulation, sensory components and interactive elements.

“Providing innovative and progressive care to all residents is an important element of what we do at Kidron Bethel,” said Executive Director Linda Peters. “We’re planning several innovative installations that will enrich the lives of those who have difficulty with thinking. Our design will complement our Comfort Matters dementia programming.”

Studies show that exercise, sunshine and fresh air have positive effects on brain health for people of all ages and capacities. Likewise, person-centered care such as sensory and memory stimulation, rather than pharmacological means, can promote physical and emotional comfort to those living with dementia. The plans for the new walkways look to capitalize on natural elements and tactile engagement.

Included in the Live Forward plans is a therapeutic walking loop that travels both and indoors and outdoors.

“Many people who are diagnosed with dementia demonstrate wandering behaviors, such as walking aimlessly down corridors, going into other people’s rooms and staring out exit doorways,” said Peters. “Our project design incorporates both interior and exterior ‘wandering loops’ in response to these types of behaviors. Residents can wander safely and under visual supervision of staff.”

The interior loop will be located near a small sitting area that has both visual and physical access to an outdoor courtyard. The courtyard path will loop around trees as well as raised garden beds that will encourage people to stop and sit for a while or even get their hands dirty in the garden bed.

“These paths encourage independence and mobility, as well as visual stimulation and, if desired, socialization with others on the pathways, all while keeping people safe and secure,” said Peters.

“Each element of the campaign’s enhancements speaks well to the forward living nature from which the campaign takes its name,” said Derek Yoder, vice president of fund advancement. “This whole project was designed to be forward thinking and innovative so it can benefit residents now and well into the future.”

To learn more about the enhancements and timelines of the Live Forward campaign, visit <a href="http://kidronbethel.org/liveforward">kidronbethel.org/liveforward</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620055073645.jpeg" alt="Live Forward Loop Courtesy Kidron Bethel" />
 <figcaption>Live Forward Loop Courtesy Kidron Bethel</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – In late 2019, after a year-long training and accreditation process, Kidron Bethel Village was accredited by Comfort Matters, an evidence-based dementia care program that provides top-quality care and quality of life for people living with dementia.Since that time, campus staff and administrators have dreamed of incorporating unique and innovative elements to support residents who have difficulty thinking.With planned enhancements focused on dementia care, the campus’s Live Forward campaign will continue to build on Kidron Bethel’s reputation as a safe, comfortable and engaging home for all people, including those living with dementia. Specifically, the plans include the installation of indoor and outdoor walking paths designed to increase movement, freedom and engagement through tactile stimulation, sensory components and interactive elements.“Providing innovative and progressive care to all residents is an important element of what we do at Kidron Bethel,” said Executive Director Linda Peters. “We’re planning several innovative installations that will enrich the lives of those who have difficulty with thinking. Our design will complement our Comfort Matters dementia programming.”Studies show that exercise, sunshine and fresh air have positive effects on brain health for people of all ages and capacities. Likewise, person-centered care such as sensory and memory stimulation, rather than pharmacological means, can promote physical and emotional comfort to those living with dementia. The plans for the new walkways look to capitalize on natural elements and tactile engagement.Included in the Live Forward plans is a therapeutic walking loop that travels both and indoors and outdoors.“Many people who are diagnosed with dementia demonstrate wandering behaviors, such as walking aimlessly down corridors, going into other people’s rooms and staring out exit doorways,” said Peters. “Our project design incorporates both interior and exterior ‘wandering loops’ in response to these types of behaviors. Residents can wander safely and under visual supervision of staff.”The interior loop will be located near a small sitting area that has both visual and physical access to an outdoor courtyard. The courtyard path will loop around trees as well as raised garden beds that will encourage people to stop and sit for a while or even get their hands dirty in the garden bed.“These paths encourage independence and mobility, as well as visual stimulation and, if desired, socialization with others on the pathways, all while keeping people safe and secure,” said Peters.“Each element of the campaign’s enhancements speaks well to the forward living nature from which the campaign takes its name,” said Derek Yoder, vice president of fund advancement. “This whole project was designed to be forward thinking and innovative so it can benefit residents now and well into the future.”To learn more about the enhancements and timelines of the Live Forward campaign, visit <a href="http://kidronbethel.org/liveforward">kidronbethel.org/liveforward</a>.

Enhanced dementia care engagement is key in Kidron Bethel project

Hutchinson, Kan. – Hutchinson Community College has announced that Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato, instructor of business management and entrepreneurship, has been selected as the 2020-21 Dragon Educator of the Year.

Naccarato was selected from nominees from all academic areas by the HutchCC Student Government Association (SGA) for the honor. The instructors are nominated by Hutchinson Community College students, and then complete a selection and personal interview process conducted by SGA. Naccarato received his honor at the College’s commencement on April 30.

Coach Nac teaches Introduction to Business, Leadership, Supervision and Business Internship, and he provides academic advising for Business majors. It is Naccarato’s second time being selected as Dragon Educator of the Year, having been previously chosen for the 2015-16 school year as well.

He joined the Hutchinson Community College faculty 17 years ago after he retired from The Kroger Co. as Director of Human Resources and Corporate Benefits at Dillons.

Naccarato received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Emporia State University in 1982, and earned his MBA at Emporia State in 1985.

For more information on Hutchinson Community College, visit the college website at <a href="https://www.hutchcc.edu/">www.hutchcc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620054865846.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson, Kan. – Hutchinson Community College has announced that Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato, instructor of business management and entrepreneurship, has been selected as the 2020-21 Dragon Educator of the Year.Naccarato was selected from nominees from all academic areas by the HutchCC Student Government Association (SGA) for the honor. The instructors are nominated by Hutchinson Community College students, and then complete a selection and personal interview process conducted by SGA. Naccarato received his honor at the College’s commencement on April 30.Coach Nac teaches Introduction to Business, Leadership, Supervision and Business Internship, and he provides academic advising for Business majors. It is Naccarato’s second time being selected as Dragon Educator of the Year, having been previously chosen for the 2015-16 school year as well.He joined the Hutchinson Community College faculty 17 years ago after he retired from The Kroger Co. as Director of Human Resources and Corporate Benefits at Dillons.Naccarato received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Emporia State University in 1982, and earned his MBA at Emporia State in 1985.For more information on Hutchinson Community College, visit the college website at <a href="https://www.hutchcc.edu/">www.hutchcc.edu</a>.

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