
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System notes that COVID-19 is impacting them from an HR standpoint.

"Currently, we have 38 of our employees that are out and 11 more of those are awaiting COVID results," Welch said. "That could be in the neighborhood of 45 to 50 employees that could be out and that just compounds, I guess, the situation that we're facing."

The virus is not spreading within the hospital, as far as they can determine.

"We do everything we can to isolate those COVID patients away from the general population," Welch said. "To our knowledge, we've never had a patient that has come in with a primary diagnosis of, let's say, a heart attack, only to show up, you know, a week later with COVID while they're in the hospital and we are working diligently every day to keep that from happening."

The people getting sick are frontline workers.

"Better than half of the 38 that I told you that are sick, the majority of those are health care providers," Welch said. 

It's important for community members to take all the appropriate precautions, because healthcare providers have to get groceries and gas and want to see their kids play, too.

"We know that because our health care providers live in the community, that's typically where they're going to pick it up," Welch said. "If we can just space out their illness, allow them to get better and then to come back to work while the next group gets sick, you know, we're doing everything we can to do that."

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has approximately 900 employees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602605120506.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Chuck Welch with Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System notes that COVID-19 is impacting them from an HR standpoint."Currently, we have 38 of our employees that are out and 11 more of those are awaiting COVID results," Welch said. "That could be in the neighborhood of 45 to 50 employees that could be out and that just compounds, I guess, the situation that we're facing."The virus is not spreading within the hospital, as far as they can determine."We do everything we can to isolate those COVID patients away from the general population," Welch said. "To our knowledge, we've never had a patient that has come in with a primary diagnosis of, let's say, a heart attack, only to show up, you know, a week later with COVID while they're in the hospital and we are working diligently every day to keep that from happening."The people getting sick are frontline workers."Better than half of the 38 that I told you that are sick, the majority of those are health care providers," Welch said. It's important for community members to take all the appropriate precautions, because healthcare providers have to get groceries and gas and want to see their kids play, too."We know that because our health care providers live in the community, that's typically where they're going to pick it up," Welch said. "If we can just space out their illness, allow them to get better and then to come back to work while the next group gets sick, you know, we're doing everything we can to do that."Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has approximately 900 employees.

Welch: Sickness among workers that they got in community could impact patient care

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Superior
Boiler Works says they are moving ahead with their plans to bring their
Richmond Virginia facility to Hutchinson next year. 

According
to a message from President Doug Wright the transition plan is still in place and is being worked as
much as they can right now.&nbsp; 

The building
the new plant will occupy is still being leased by Siemens until at least
February of 2021. Siemens does have an option to extend that lease to May but
has not done so at this time.

Wright says
once Siemens is out of the facility they will begin to move equipment in. The hope is to have the Richmond plant moved to Hutchinson and be
fully operational by September 2021.

Efforts to
find qualified employees for various roles will start after the first of the
year.&nbsp; 

The company
is already submitting proposals for some projects that, should they be awarded, will be completed in the newly acquired facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605801363438.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Superior
Boiler Works says they are moving ahead with their plans to bring their
Richmond Virginia facility to Hutchinson next year. According
to a message from President Doug Wright the transition plan is still in place and is being worked as
much as they can right now.&nbsp; The building
the new plant will occupy is still being leased by Siemens until at least
February of 2021. Siemens does have an option to extend that lease to May but
has not done so at this time.Wright says
once Siemens is out of the facility they will begin to move equipment in. The hope is to have the Richmond plant moved to Hutchinson and be
fully operational by September 2021.Efforts to
find qualified employees for various roles will start after the first of the
year.&nbsp; The company
is already submitting proposals for some projects that, should they be awarded, will be completed in the newly acquired facility.

Superior moving forward with expansion

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

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

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

Recent obituaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1122 as of Wednesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 37.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 259 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 53 active cases, but has been responsible for 9 deaths. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

There are 901 cases in the community at large.

Thirty-one people are in the hospital. One hundred fifty-nine total have been hospitalized. Sixty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 19 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 17.88%, with the overall positive test rate at 24.88%. 24.21% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1122 as of Wednesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 37.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 259 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 53 active cases, but has been responsible for 9 deaths. There are 40 active clusters in the county.There are 901 cases in the community at large.Thirty-one people are in the hospital. One hundred fifty-nine total have been hospitalized. Sixty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 19 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 17.88%, with the overall positive test rate at 24.88%. 24.21% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1,122 with 901 in community as of Wednesday evening

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission heard from former Human Relations Officer Datjaeda Moore during their meeting on Wednesday. 

Moore resigned after being suspended for what City Manager Jeff Cantrell said were a number of violations of the employee handbook. Moore says the change in leadership in the city with the hiring of Cantrell brought the position of the Human Relations officer into change as well.

“My biggest concern was that I was hired to one particular job,” Moore said. “Once leadership changed, that job, too, was now questioned and changed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moore's position was brought into question during the budget discussion since it was just part-time. Some felt that the position and the cost wasn’t justified due to the number of claims coming in. But the Hutchinson City Council pushed to make the job a full-time position, and when an outside agency initially offered to fund the difference, Moore's duties were expanded to include more outreach along with enforcement.

Moore was suspended for what Cantrell said was a violation of the employee handbook. The initial incident involved Moore using her position to campaign for Representative Jason Probst who had worked with Moore on several programs to better relations within the city.

“I was informed that I was in error by speaking on behalf of one of our community representatives on the work we had done together within the community,” Moore said. “My misstep and my error was that I assumed that me utilizing my title was appropriate given the level and the autonomy of the Human Relations position. I was told that the title technically belonged to and is in ownership of the city and I was not to utilize it in a public campaign.”

Moore says she owns up to the mistake but was not given a chance to correct it before she was suspended.

“I take that as feedback, or criticism of the work that I’m doing, and I don't mind taking criticism,” Moore said. “Instead of having the opportunity to fully correct the error, I was immediately put in a disciplinary path.”&nbsp;

Human Relations Commission Chair Dave Sotelo expressed his frustration about Moore's resignation during Wednesday’s meeting and expressed the need to keep things she put in place moving forward.

“What the hell is the process that we are to follow now that you’re not here?” Sotelo said. “My goal is that we continue that work. I don’t want to throw the work and the passion and the skills that you provided for us away.”

Moore went on to say that the position she held could not function the way it needs to under the guidelines of the city rules and regulations and that the ordinance in place could not be enforced the way it is intended to.

“One of the reasons that the officer, I believe was structured the way that it was, was to operate in an autonomous space that allowed for full review and fair review of all policies within the city and within the area in which the city resides,” Moore said. “There is no room for a city employee to thoroughly evaluate policies from their manager and feel safe to do so. The operations and the administration of the ordinance should be the sole focus of the HRO."

Moore also said that work needs to be done to build more trust in the community on all sides, but that it won't come quickly.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605747689813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission heard from former Human Relations Officer Datjaeda Moore during their meeting on Wednesday. Moore resigned after being suspended for what City Manager Jeff Cantrell said were a number of violations of the employee handbook. Moore says the change in leadership in the city with the hiring of Cantrell brought the position of the Human Relations officer into change as well.“My biggest concern was that I was hired to one particular job,” Moore said. “Once leadership changed, that job, too, was now questioned and changed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Moore's position was brought into question during the budget discussion since it was just part-time. Some felt that the position and the cost wasn’t justified due to the number of claims coming in. But the Hutchinson City Council pushed to make the job a full-time position, and when an outside agency initially offered to fund the difference, Moore's duties were expanded to include more outreach along with enforcement.Moore was suspended for what Cantrell said was a violation of the employee handbook. The initial incident involved Moore using her position to campaign for Representative Jason Probst who had worked with Moore on several programs to better relations within the city.“I was informed that I was in error by speaking on behalf of one of our community representatives on the work we had done together within the community,” Moore said. “My misstep and my error was that I assumed that me utilizing my title was appropriate given the level and the autonomy of the Human Relations position. I was told that the title technically belonged to and is in ownership of the city and I was not to utilize it in a public campaign.”Moore says she owns up to the mistake but was not given a chance to correct it before she was suspended.“I take that as feedback, or criticism of the work that I’m doing, and I don't mind taking criticism,” Moore said. “Instead of having the opportunity to fully correct the error, I was immediately put in a disciplinary path.”&nbsp;Human Relations Commission Chair Dave Sotelo expressed his frustration about Moore's resignation during Wednesday’s meeting and expressed the need to keep things she put in place moving forward.“What the hell is the process that we are to follow now that you’re not here?” Sotelo said. “My goal is that we continue that work. I don’t want to throw the work and the passion and the skills that you provided for us away.”Moore went on to say that the position she held could not function the way it needs to under the guidelines of the city rules and regulations and that the ordinance in place could not be enforced the way it is intended to.“One of the reasons that the officer, I believe was structured the way that it was, was to operate in an autonomous space that allowed for full review and fair review of all policies within the city and within the area in which the city resides,” Moore said. “There is no room for a city employee to thoroughly evaluate policies from their manager and feel safe to do so. The operations and the administration of the ordinance should be the sole focus of the HRO."Moore also said that work needs to be done to build more trust in the community on all sides, but that it won't come quickly.&nbsp;

Moore discusses her resignation with city's Human Relations Commission

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislative language, co-sponsored and led by U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D., to protect older Americans from COVID-19-related scams.

"During the COVID crisis, it looked like the number of scams were just picking up," Marshall said. "People stealing Social Security numbers, applying for unemployment. We reached out and tried to figure out, what can we do to help the situation? From that, we wrote some legislation that gets the FTC a little bit more involved, promoting to, especially senior citizens, what the scams are out there, what they look like, what to be on alert for and who to report them to."

Originally introduced as the bipartisan Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, the legislation was included in the Fraud and Scam Reduction Act (H.R. 2610).

"It makes me heartsick to see seniors being taken advantage of," Marshall said. "They do have big, open hearts, trying to help people out. But, I would just be very leery today of anybody calling up and asking you for money, to invest in something, unsolicited. With people like that, it just typically ends up in a bad situation."

The legislation directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to make digital resources available for older Americans and caregivers on the nature of scams in their geographic area and provides connections to law enforcement. The legislation also requires the FTC to submit a report to Congress on the number and types of scams targeting seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595001869381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislative language, co-sponsored and led by U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D., to protect older Americans from COVID-19-related scams."During the COVID crisis, it looked like the number of scams were just picking up," Marshall said. "People stealing Social Security numbers, applying for unemployment. We reached out and tried to figure out, what can we do to help the situation? From that, we wrote some legislation that gets the FTC a little bit more involved, promoting to, especially senior citizens, what the scams are out there, what they look like, what to be on alert for and who to report them to."Originally introduced as the bipartisan Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, the legislation was included in the Fraud and Scam Reduction Act (H.R. 2610)."It makes me heartsick to see seniors being taken advantage of," Marshall said. "They do have big, open hearts, trying to help people out. But, I would just be very leery today of anybody calling up and asking you for money, to invest in something, unsolicited. With people like that, it just typically ends up in a bad situation."The legislation directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to make digital resources available for older Americans and caregivers on the nature of scams in their geographic area and provides connections to law enforcement. The legislation also requires the FTC to submit a report to Congress on the number and types of scams targeting seniors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Marshall's bill to protect against scams passes

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission has made their feelings known
about the recent departure of Human Relations Office Datjaeda Moore. City
Manager Jeff Cantrell has reported to the Commission about the matter. Now
Moore will get her chance to speak before the Commission Wednesday afternoon.

Moore
resigned after being suspended for what Cantrell said were a number of violations
of the employee handbook. Her resignation brought a flurry of accusations from
the Commission which Cantrell addressed during a special meeting last week.

Finding a new Human Relations Officer could take some time. Cantrell said during last week’s meeting
that it would be about 45 days before he put the job out for applications.

Today’s
meeting begins at 4 p.m. and will be streamed on Zoom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605732253386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission has made their feelings known
about the recent departure of Human Relations Office Datjaeda Moore. City
Manager Jeff Cantrell has reported to the Commission about the matter. Now
Moore will get her chance to speak before the Commission Wednesday afternoon.Moore
resigned after being suspended for what Cantrell said were a number of violations
of the employee handbook. Her resignation brought a flurry of accusations from
the Commission which Cantrell addressed during a special meeting last week.Finding a new Human Relations Officer could take some time. Cantrell said during last week’s meeting
that it would be about 45 days before he put the job out for applications.Today’s
meeting begins at 4 p.m. and will be streamed on Zoom.

Human Relations Commission meeting set for this afternoon

NEWTON, Kan. — A cattle trail that ran through Newton in the 1800s could be added to the list of National Historic Trails.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran on Wednesday introduced legislation to designate the Chisholm Trail as a National Historic Trail (NHT). U.S. Rep. Ron Estes introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The Chisholm Trail also ran through Caldwell, Wichita, Abilene and Ellsworth.&nbsp;

The Chisholm and the Western Trail that runs through Dodge City and other Kansas communities moved more than 10 million cattle across the country between 1885 and 1887, contributing to the economic growth of the towns and cities the trails passed through.

Designating these trails as NHT will permit the National Park Services to partner voluntarily with landowners, communities, state and local governments to maintain, conserve and promote the trails. These trails will join the 19 other designated historic trails across the nation, including five trails that run, in part, through Kansas.

This legislation includes protections for private property rights along the trails and cooperation by landowners or communities is strictly on a voluntary basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605732017796.jpeg" alt="An historic marker tells the history of the Chisholm Trail in Newton. The trail also brought cattle through Wichita, Abilene and Ellsworth in the 1880s." />
 <figcaption>An historic marker tells the history of the Chisholm Trail in Newton. The trail also brought cattle through Wichita, Abilene and Ellsworth in the 1880s.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — A cattle trail that ran through Newton in the 1800s could be added to the list of National Historic Trails.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran on Wednesday introduced legislation to designate the Chisholm Trail as a National Historic Trail (NHT). U.S. Rep. Ron Estes introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The Chisholm Trail also ran through Caldwell, Wichita, Abilene and Ellsworth.&nbsp;The Chisholm and the Western Trail that runs through Dodge City and other Kansas communities moved more than 10 million cattle across the country between 1885 and 1887, contributing to the economic growth of the towns and cities the trails passed through.Designating these trails as NHT will permit the National Park Services to partner voluntarily with landowners, communities, state and local governments to maintain, conserve and promote the trails. These trails will join the 19 other designated historic trails across the nation, including five trails that run, in part, through Kansas.This legislation includes protections for private property rights along the trails and cooperation by landowners or communities is strictly on a voluntary basis.

Chisholm Trail up for national designation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 100 Reno County families will have a better Thanksgiving after the Carey Park Golf Course Frozen Turkey Scramble golf event netted more than $7,500.&nbsp;

The funds raised will buy food boxes to feed between six and eight people. Requests are now being taken and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. If you know of a family that might be in need, you can drop their name off at the Carey Park clubhouse.

If you are asking for assistance, you can contact the golf course at 694-2698 and provide your name, address and phone number. This is for Reno County residents only.

Volunteers will be handing out the meal bundles after 12 noon on Monday. This will be contactless delivery, but they need to make sure the food will be taken inside, so they ask that you be ready for delivery.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605730873785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 100 Reno County families will have a better Thanksgiving after the Carey Park Golf Course Frozen Turkey Scramble golf event netted more than $7,500.&nbsp;The funds raised will buy food boxes to feed between six and eight people. Requests are now being taken and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. If you know of a family that might be in need, you can drop their name off at the Carey Park clubhouse.If you are asking for assistance, you can contact the golf course at 694-2698 and provide your name, address and phone number. This is for Reno County residents only.Volunteers will be handing out the meal bundles after 12 noon on Monday. This will be contactless delivery, but they need to make sure the food will be taken inside, so they ask that you be ready for delivery.&nbsp;

Frozen Turkey event to benefit Reno County families this Thanksgiving


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 Student Council is doing their annual drives to help Bob Johnson Youth Shelter and the Children's Emergency Shelter Home this Saturday.

Bob Johnson Youth Shelter of Hutchinson provides shelter for youth in crisis from ages 10 to 18, for up to 90 days. 

The Children’s Emergency Shelter Home of Hutchinson is for children who are suddenly without a home. It is open to children in need of care, ages newborn to 12, for up to 30 days.

The Children’s Emergency Shelter Home needs items for its pantry for older kids like Mac and cheese, raviolios, canned vegetables &amp; fruits, cracker snacks, fruit snacks, cereal, Pop Tarts and granola bars. They also need finger foods for babies, like cereal puffs, baby food, teething biscuits and yogurt melts and baby formula. In addition, they need Kleenex, dishwasher soap, disinfecting wipes, Arm &amp; Hammer laundry soap, dryer sheets, 13 gallon trash bags, Swiffer dry sweeping cloths, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair brushes, hair ties, pull ups &amp; diapers of all sizes except size 3 and C batteries. They could also use gift cards from Dillons, Wal-mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

Bob Johnson Youth Shelter could use facial astringent pads, make-up remover wipes, Chapstick or lip balm, combs, brushes, hair ties, etc. They could also use make-up, nail polish, toothbrushes, toothpaste perfume, cologne, body spray, lotion, deodorant, foot powder, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. They also need some small clothing items like socks, beanies/hats, gloves, throws (small blankets). In addition, they need spiral notebooks, pencils, diaries, sketch pads and art supplies. They could use some plastic tumblers w/lids &amp; straws, earbuds, fun magnets or picture frames. Candy would also be appreciated, but no gum, please.

The drive for Bob Johnson will be at Dollar Tree at the Hutchinson Mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The drive for the Children's Emergency Shelter Home will be at the same time at the 5th and Adams Dillons. 

Students will be at the entrances of these two stores soliciting needed and requested items for our Reno County Children in Need of Care this holiday season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 Student Council is doing their annual drives to help Bob Johnson Youth Shelter and the Children's Emergency Shelter Home this Saturday.Bob Johnson Youth Shelter of Hutchinson provides shelter for youth in crisis from ages 10 to 18, for up to 90 days. The Children’s Emergency Shelter Home of Hutchinson is for children who are suddenly without a home. It is open to children in need of care, ages newborn to 12, for up to 30 days.The Children’s Emergency Shelter Home needs items for its pantry for older kids like Mac and cheese, raviolios, canned vegetables &amp; fruits, cracker snacks, fruit snacks, cereal, Pop Tarts and granola bars. They also need finger foods for babies, like cereal puffs, baby food, teething biscuits and yogurt melts and baby formula. In addition, they need Kleenex, dishwasher soap, disinfecting wipes, Arm &amp; Hammer laundry soap, dryer sheets, 13 gallon trash bags, Swiffer dry sweeping cloths, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair brushes, hair ties, pull ups &amp; diapers of all sizes except size 3 and C batteries. They could also use gift cards from Dillons, Wal-mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.Bob Johnson Youth Shelter could use facial astringent pads, make-up remover wipes, Chapstick or lip balm, combs, brushes, hair ties, etc. They could also use make-up, nail polish, toothbrushes, toothpaste perfume, cologne, body spray, lotion, deodorant, foot powder, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. They also need some small clothing items like socks, beanies/hats, gloves, throws (small blankets). In addition, they need spiral notebooks, pencils, diaries, sketch pads and art supplies. They could use some plastic tumblers w/lids &amp; straws, earbuds, fun magnets or picture frames. Candy would also be appreciated, but no gum, please.The drive for Bob Johnson will be at Dollar Tree at the Hutchinson Mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The drive for the Children's Emergency Shelter Home will be at the same time at the 5th and Adams Dillons. Students will be at the entrances of these two stores soliciting needed and requested items for our Reno County Children in Need of Care this holiday season.

USD 309 Student Council doing annual drives to help children in need of care Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Barbara Lilyhorn, Reno County Public Transportation Director has announced that effective at 7 a.m. on November 23, 2020 Rcat will operate modified service hours. Fixed Routes will operate from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Rcat will operate four fixed routes on the following schedule: Route 1 North, Route 1 South and Route 3 will operate hourly from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 2 East will operate at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 2 Northwest will operate at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.

Paratransit vehicles will operate from 7 a.m. –4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.

County- On- Demand will operate from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Passengers are required to wear a mask and seating is socially distanced. 

Passengers are asked to observe good hygiene with frequent handwashing and responsible respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into their elbow bend and limiting physical contact with drivers and other passengers. Hand sanitizer is available on all vehicles.

Rcat is first come, first served general public transportation funded in part by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602530692777.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Barbara Lilyhorn, Reno County Public Transportation Director has announced that effective at 7 a.m. on November 23, 2020 Rcat will operate modified service hours. Fixed Routes will operate from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.Rcat will operate four fixed routes on the following schedule: Route 1 North, Route 1 South and Route 3 will operate hourly from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 2 East will operate at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 2 Northwest will operate at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.Paratransit vehicles will operate from 7 a.m. –4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.County- On- Demand will operate from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.Passengers are required to wear a mask and seating is socially distanced. Passengers are asked to observe good hygiene with frequent handwashing and responsible respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into their elbow bend and limiting physical contact with drivers and other passengers. Hand sanitizer is available on all vehicles.Rcat is first come, first served general public transportation funded in part by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.

RCAT changing hours as of Monday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt praised a new judge that is now a former employee.

"Our chief appellate attorney, a fellow named Toby Crouse, was nominated by President Trump in May to be a federal district court judge for Kansas," Schmidt said Wednesday. "Just yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination. Obviously, we're sad to lose Toby on a selfish, personal level, but we're really proud of him and I think he will be a terrific federal judge for Kansas."

Crouse represented the state in much of its high profile litigation in recent years and Schmidt is confident he'll handle the judgeship with a philosophy consistent with how he worked for the state.

"Chief Justice John Roberts famously said, the role of a judge is to call balls and strikes," Schmidt said. "I think Toby will be terrific at that, understanding, again, the limited role of the courts, that his job is to interpret the law and apply it as its written, not to make it up or create it from the bench."

Crouse was confirmed by the Senate 50 - 43.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt praised a new judge that is now a former employee."Our chief appellate attorney, a fellow named Toby Crouse, was nominated by President Trump in May to be a federal district court judge for Kansas," Schmidt said Wednesday. "Just yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination. Obviously, we're sad to lose Toby on a selfish, personal level, but we're really proud of him and I think he will be a terrific federal judge for Kansas."Crouse represented the state in much of its high profile litigation in recent years and Schmidt is confident he'll handle the judgeship with a philosophy consistent with how he worked for the state."Chief Justice John Roberts famously said, the role of a judge is to call balls and strikes," Schmidt said. "I think Toby will be terrific at that, understanding, again, the limited role of the courts, that his job is to interpret the law and apply it as its written, not to make it up or create it from the bench."Crouse was confirmed by the Senate 50 - 43.

Schmidt praises Crouse as he is confirmed to federal bench

UPDATE 10:45.— South Hutchinson fire crews responded to American Packaging just before 10 a.m. when a gazebo that is used for employee breaks caught fire. The fire quickly spread to the grass and burned past the company building into an open field.&nbsp;

Crews were able to stop the fire at the property line with Collins Bus.&nbsp;

No word on what caused the fire but a discarded cigarette might have been a factor. There were no injuries. Crews are still on the scene putting out hot spots.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Firefighters are battling gusty south winds on a fire call Wednesday morning in South Hutchinson.

The initial call came at at 9:57 a.m. for a structure fire behind American Packaging at 400 West Blanchard. 

A small gazebo appears to have been involved, but the main threat at this point is the resulting grass fire. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. tonight.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605716980544.jpeg" alt="SouthHutchFire 1" />
 <figcaption>SouthHutchFire 1</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 10:45.— South Hutchinson fire crews responded to American Packaging just before 10 a.m. when a gazebo that is used for employee breaks caught fire. The fire quickly spread to the grass and burned past the company building into an open field.&nbsp;Crews were able to stop the fire at the property line with Collins Bus.&nbsp;No word on what caused the fire but a discarded cigarette might have been a factor. There were no injuries. Crews are still on the scene putting out hot spots.________________________________________SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Firefighters are battling gusty south winds on a fire call Wednesday morning in South Hutchinson.The initial call came at at 9:57 a.m. for a structure fire behind American Packaging at 400 West Blanchard. A small gazebo appears to have been involved, but the main threat at this point is the resulting grass fire. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. tonight.

Firefighters working grass fire in South Hutchinson Wednesday morning

RENO COUNTY — A pedestrian was injured in an accident east of Hutchinson Tuesday night.

The Reno County Sheriff's Office reports that at 6:49 p.m., deputies responded to the 6600 Block of East 4th Avenue for a report of an injury accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on a bicycle. 

When deputies arrived, fire and EMS were already on scene rendering aid to the pedestrian, a 37-year-old male of Hutchinson. The driver was identified as a 19-year-old male of Reno County. It was reported that the pedestrian was standing next to his bicycle in the middle of the road and the driver was unable to avoid the bicycle.  

All occupants in the vehicle reported wearing their seatbelt and did not have any injuries.  The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

<figure>
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 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A pedestrian was injured in an accident east of Hutchinson Tuesday night.The Reno County Sheriff's Office reports that at 6:49 p.m., deputies responded to the 6600 Block of East 4th Avenue for a report of an injury accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on a bicycle. When deputies arrived, fire and EMS were already on scene rendering aid to the pedestrian, a 37-year-old male of Hutchinson. The driver was identified as a 19-year-old male of Reno County. It was reported that the pedestrian was standing next to his bicycle in the middle of the road and the driver was unable to avoid the bicycle. All occupants in the vehicle reported wearing their seatbelt and did not have any injuries. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

Pedestrian injured in Tuesday night accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1124 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 37.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 328 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 53 active cases, but has been responsible for 9 deaths. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

There are 861 cases in the community at large.

Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred fifty-five total have been hospitalized. Sixty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 19 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 17.88%, with the overall positive test rate at 24.66%. 24.03% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 1124 as of Tuesday evening. The death count among Reno County residents is at 37.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 328 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 53 active cases, but has been responsible for 9 deaths. There are 40 active clusters in the county.There are 861 cases in the community at large.Twenty-nine people are in the hospital. One hundred fifty-five total have been hospitalized. Sixty-two have been admitted to the ICU and 19 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 17.88%, with the overall positive test rate at 24.66%. 24.03% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oz Breezeway on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count at 1,124 with 861 in community as of Tuesday evening

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Longtime Hutchinson resident and leader of First National Bank, Nation Meyer, died last Thursday. He was 98 years old.

Meyer was a part of the Bank for 70 years, starting there when he was 22 and ending up as the Senior Chairman of the Board not that long ago.

His daughter, Laura Meyer-Dick, says the one thing that always amazed her was her father's memory.

“It was unbelievable,” Meyer-Dick said. “He was just telling me about a week ago . . . he was telling the life history of the Morton family that started Morton Salt and also founded Arbor Day. He knew all of the details and all of the generations.”

Meyer was also a driving force in starting many organizations and clubs in the area. Meyer-Dick named off a few of them.

“He founded the Data Center. He was the founding director of Prairie Dunes, founding director of the Reno County Historical Society, founding director of the Delos Smith Center,” Meyer-Dick said.&nbsp;

The Town Club was one of his other loves, according to Meyer-Dick, who talked about her father's efforts to save the club. “He worked hard. He had probably five or six restaurants come in and look at that location,” Meyer-Dick said. “And he had a business model he tried to put together. I think he would have been successful if the Board of the Town Club had not sold the building to the district so quickly.”

Meyer also had a long list of what his daughter called “Nation’s Rules.” She disclosed a few of them.

“The one was, 'there’s no place like home,' and the other one was an Einstein quote, 'The problems of this world cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them,'” she said.

Others included “everything in moderation” and “nothing good ever happens after midnight.”

Meyer-Dick said that her father never stopped working to make the city he loved a better place and was a longtime advocate for the Hutchinson community, especially the downtown area.

He was a 1939 graduate of Hutchinson High School, attended the University of Kansas until late 1942, and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. At that time, he joined the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and served until January 1946, when he returned to Hutchinson.

He served as president of the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce in 1954. Meyer was also instrumental in the merger of the two local hospitals to form Hutchinson Regional Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605648561072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Longtime Hutchinson resident and leader of First National Bank, Nation Meyer, died last Thursday. He was 98 years old.Meyer was a part of the Bank for 70 years, starting there when he was 22 and ending up as the Senior Chairman of the Board not that long ago.His daughter, Laura Meyer-Dick, says the one thing that always amazed her was her father's memory.“It was unbelievable,” Meyer-Dick said. “He was just telling me about a week ago . . . he was telling the life history of the Morton family that started Morton Salt and also founded Arbor Day. He knew all of the details and all of the generations.”Meyer was also a driving force in starting many organizations and clubs in the area. Meyer-Dick named off a few of them.“He founded the Data Center. He was the founding director of Prairie Dunes, founding director of the Reno County Historical Society, founding director of the Delos Smith Center,” Meyer-Dick said.&nbsp;The Town Club was one of his other loves, according to Meyer-Dick, who talked about her father's efforts to save the club. “He worked hard. He had probably five or six restaurants come in and look at that location,” Meyer-Dick said. “And he had a business model he tried to put together. I think he would have been successful if the Board of the Town Club had not sold the building to the district so quickly.”Meyer also had a long list of what his daughter called “Nation’s Rules.” She disclosed a few of them.“The one was, 'there’s no place like home,' and the other one was an Einstein quote, 'The problems of this world cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them,'” she said.Others included “everything in moderation” and “nothing good ever happens after midnight.”Meyer-Dick said that her father never stopped working to make the city he loved a better place and was a longtime advocate for the Hutchinson community, especially the downtown area.He was a 1939 graduate of Hutchinson High School, attended the University of Kansas until late 1942, and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. At that time, he joined the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and served until January 1946, when he returned to Hutchinson.He served as president of the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce in 1954. Meyer was also instrumental in the merger of the two local hospitals to form Hutchinson Regional Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meyer remembered for his love of Hutchinson and long service to the community

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Superior Boiler announced today that its quality management system has been certified as compliant with ISO 9001 international quality standards. The company sought ISO certification in response to customer requests and to meet the challenge itself. Isoqar, Inc., an independent, accredited U.S. certification body, performed Superior’s recent audit and authorized the certification, according to a company release.

“This is a major accomplishment for the entire Superior Boiler organization,” Superior’s President and CEO Doug Wright said. “We have always worked relentlessly on continuous improvement, and our goal to achieve this prized certification is a solid testament to the quality workmanship our employees put into their work, no matter what role or department they work in. Quality Control Manager Tim Zies has done a superb job of developing our teams and pushing us to be better at what we do. We’re proud to be an ISO certified manufacturer within the boiler industry.”

“From the beginning of this journey, our primary focus has been on continuous improvement and being customer focused,” Zies said. “These are the characteristics Superior Boiler has long been known for, along with robust quality. I’m very pleased with the team effort put in by all of the employees involved in the process.”

Superior employs approximately 150 people in Hutchinson and Richmond, Virginia. The company is in the process of relocating its Richmond operations to Hutchinson by mid-2021. The Richmond subsidiary will move into a 73,000-square-foot building Superior purchased last year in Hutchinson’s Airport Industrial Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605645740734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Superior Boiler announced today that its quality management system has been certified as compliant with ISO 9001 international quality standards. The company sought ISO certification in response to customer requests and to meet the challenge itself. Isoqar, Inc., an independent, accredited U.S. certification body, performed Superior’s recent audit and authorized the certification, according to a company release.“This is a major accomplishment for the entire Superior Boiler organization,” Superior’s President and CEO Doug Wright said. “We have always worked relentlessly on continuous improvement, and our goal to achieve this prized certification is a solid testament to the quality workmanship our employees put into their work, no matter what role or department they work in. Quality Control Manager Tim Zies has done a superb job of developing our teams and pushing us to be better at what we do. We’re proud to be an ISO certified manufacturer within the boiler industry.”“From the beginning of this journey, our primary focus has been on continuous improvement and being customer focused,” Zies said. “These are the characteristics Superior Boiler has long been known for, along with robust quality. I’m very pleased with the team effort put in by all of the employees involved in the process.”Superior employs approximately 150 people in Hutchinson and Richmond, Virginia. The company is in the process of relocating its Richmond operations to Hutchinson by mid-2021. The Richmond subsidiary will move into a 73,000-square-foot building Superior purchased last year in Hutchinson’s Airport Industrial Park.

Superior Boiler gets ISO certification 

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Board of Reno County Commissioners went on record Tuesday before allowing the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9615a469-08df-4c56-9199-c59d54caaf7b">Health Order 20-04 issued by Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith to stand.</a> Reno County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen believed it was important for the commission to vote on the issue and he asserts that at the end of the day, there is not proof that mask wearing helps stop the spread.

"That is a narrative that is being pushed and pushed strongly and being widely accepted," Steffen said Tuesday. "It's just not true and it's not going to pan out over time and I can't put my name on that and I won't put my name on that."

Commissioner Ron Hirst noted that there is a full page worth of exceptions, like there was in earlier orders that limited gathering sizes.

"I think there's enough in this, with the exceptions," said commissioner Ron Hirst. "I think we need to look at the exceptions on this, too, quite well, because it allows business to go about business, it allows churches to go about church. It allows facilities to be utilized and it gives the businesses and facilities and churches the opportunity, rather than being against them."

Commission Chair Ron Sellers voted to allow the order to go into effect, as well.

"I'm in support of the health order," Sellers said. "We have more cases in Reno County than ever. We have more deaths recently than ever. I do think that the facts show that most people that are going to die from this are population 70 and over and that's what the statistics show and I think we need to do things that can help them not die. I think our hospital and medical community is overloaded and they see no let up in sight. I do think that we're not just being an echo chamber. I think that from February and March on, we've listened to people that are experts in these fields. We've listened to our hospital and been working with them with Chuck Welch with the hospital on an ongoing basis and so I do think that we've been listening to experts in the field."

The vote to override the health order failed by that 2-1 vote. It will be in effect from 12:01 Wednesday morning until December 18, unless rescinded.

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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Board of Reno County Commissioners went on record Tuesday before allowing the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9615a469-08df-4c56-9199-c59d54caaf7b">Health Order 20-04 issued by Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith to stand.</a> Reno County Commissioner Dr. Mark Steffen believed it was important for the commission to vote on the issue and he asserts that at the end of the day, there is not proof that mask wearing helps stop the spread."That is a narrative that is being pushed and pushed strongly and being widely accepted," Steffen said Tuesday. "It's just not true and it's not going to pan out over time and I can't put my name on that and I won't put my name on that."Commissioner Ron Hirst noted that there is a full page worth of exceptions, like there was in earlier orders that limited gathering sizes."I think there's enough in this, with the exceptions," said commissioner Ron Hirst. "I think we need to look at the exceptions on this, too, quite well, because it allows business to go about business, it allows churches to go about church. It allows facilities to be utilized and it gives the businesses and facilities and churches the opportunity, rather than being against them."Commission Chair Ron Sellers voted to allow the order to go into effect, as well."I'm in support of the health order," Sellers said. "We have more cases in Reno County than ever. We have more deaths recently than ever. I do think that the facts show that most people that are going to die from this are population 70 and over and that's what the statistics show and I think we need to do things that can help them not die. I think our hospital and medical community is overloaded and they see no let up in sight. I do think that we're not just being an echo chamber. I think that from February and March on, we've listened to people that are experts in these fields. We've listened to our hospital and been working with them with Chuck Welch with the hospital on an ongoing basis and so I do think that we've been listening to experts in the field."The vote to override the health order failed by that 2-1 vote. It will be in effect from 12:01 Wednesday morning until December 18, unless rescinded.

Commissioners comment on health order proposal

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/384560e2-8f76-45cc-a983-2409862eb438">A Health Order was issued by the Reno County Interim Health Officer to go into effect for one month beginning on Wednesday, November 18.</a>

The order purports to limit gatherings to 10 people, but there is a full page of exceptions that allow for almost all types of gatherings, provided masks are worn and social distancing is practiced. The full text of the order is below.

The below was copied from an email from Reno County officials and does not include the signature of any officials, merely the text of the order.

This Emergency Public Health Order is effective the 18th day of November, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID 19 pandemic in Reno County, Kansas pursuant to the authority of K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-202 and other applicable laws and regulations.

WHEREAS, the local Health Officer is authorized and required, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-202 to immediately exercise and maintain supervision over known or suspected cases of any infectious or contagious disease during its continuance, and to issue orders seeing that all such cases are properly handled and that the provisions of the Kansas public health laws as to isolation, quarantine and disinfection are duly enforced; and

WHEREAS, the local Health Officer is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is authorized to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of any and all infectious diseases, pursuant to K.S.A 65-119; and

WHEREAS, on May 26, 2020, the Governor of the State of Kansas declared a STATE OF DISASTER PROCLAMATION in order “to protect Kansas from the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the imminent threat of future outbreaks” and issued Executive Order 20-52 on July 2, 2020, a statewide Order pertaining to the wearing of masks or other face coverings, which Proclamation and Order have been extended and remain in effect; and

WHEREAS, since March 16, 2020 through November 16, 2020 there has occurred in Reno County thirty-three (33) confirmed deaths from COVID-19, 3,534 positive cases, 731 current community active positive cases, 146 total COVID-19 Hospitalizations, and 57 total COVID-19 admissions to its Intensive Care Unit; and

WHEREAS, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Reno County Local Health Officer, all recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus, including restricting large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings; and

WHEREAS, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, measures that are recommended and considered effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Reno County Local Health Officer, all recommend, among other measures, covering one’s mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when in public settings; and

WHEREAS, because the increased spread of COVID-19 also presents a serious threat to the continued effective operation of the local economy, the Reno County Commissioners along with the Reno County Interim Health Officer seek to assist businesses being prosperous and continuing to keep job stability within Reno County; and

WHEREAS, wearing a mask in public is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect each other, help keep our businesses open and our economy running, and keep children in school; and

WHEREAS, in general, large public gatherings lead to heightened risks of large-scale COVID-19 person-to-person transmission; and

WHEREAS, the intent of this Order is not to deprive any person or entity of any rights protected by the United States Constitution, the Kansas Constitution, or any other law, but merely to set forth restrictions which would best protect Reno County residents against the community spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, there are certain activities where the wearing of masks and face coverings is exempted pursuant to the terms of this Order where customers may be in the proximity of others for extended periods of time (such as when customers may be eating, drinking, or exercising), which means such activities present a heightened risk of a person infected with COVID-19 transmitting it to another person; and

WHEREAS, for the aforementioned and other reasons, and in recognition and furtherance of the County’s responsibility to provide for and ensure the health, safety, security, and welfare of the people of Reno County, requiring that masks or other face coverings be worn in public, limiting the size of public gatherings, ensuring social distancing, and placing certain other restrictions on activities are all measures that can be taken to slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Interim Local Health Officer, pursuant to the above authorities, that:

1. Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 all public or private mass gatherings as defined below, are restricted within the border of Reno County.

a. Gatherings within a confined space are restricted to no more than “10” people if social distancing cannot be maintained.

i. See Section 2 for exemptions pertaining to gatherings where government operations, religious gatherings, businesses, schools, medical facilities, arenas, and stadiums are outlined. 

2. The following activities or facilities are exempt from the prohibition of this order:

a. Operations of the United States Government;

i. Military and National Guard facilities

b. Religious gatherings, as long as attendees engage in appropriate social distancing;

c. Public, private, or charter schools for instructional purposes;

d. Any facility being used as part of a government or community response to a natural disaster;

e. Public buildings where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 ft. of one another for more than 10 minutes;

f. Public and private businesses; provided, reasonable efforts must be made to social distance by 6 feet in work and break areas.

h. Shopping malls and other retail establishments where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 ft. of one another for more than 10 minutes;

i. Arenas where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 ft. of one another for more than 10 minutes, and are able to maintain social distancing when seated by more than 6 ft. when not seated with their family units;

j. Outdoor stadiums where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes and are able to social distance when seated by more than 6 ft. when not seated with their family units.

o Masks: Follow the governor’s mask order and respect businesses that are enforcing this mandate in their businesses. Have masks available for customers, and/or employees to wear mask when working in a public location or working around co-workers if they are not able to social distance by more than 6 ft.

o Telework: Strongly encouraged for all employees when possible.

o On-site Operations: Avoid large gatherings of employees in groups of more than 10 where social distancing protocols cannot be maintained except for infrequent or incidental moments 

o Potentially Sick Employees: Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.

o Business Travel: Minimize nonessential travel.

o Retail Stores: Due to the transitory nature of individuals within retail stores, their activities shall not be considered mass gatherings. However, retail stores shall be limited to 50 percent of the capacity permitted under the applicable fire code.

o Restaurant and/or bar, night club: Require masks upon entering and until seated, individuals at the same table may be located within 6 feet of one another. However, there shall not be more than 10 individuals at any such table. Also, all tables and individuals seated at a table shall be located at least 6 feet from any other tables and individuals seated at such tables.

o Fitness centers and health clubs: Require masks, social distancing and must frequently clean common touchpoints, which include but are not limited to benches, seating, and lockers

o Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal services businesses: where 6 feet of social distancing is not feasible should require mask and serve customers for pre-scheduled appointments or with online check-in with waiting in car until called in

3. Recreational and youth organized sports tournaments, games, practices, and related events may still occur, but attendance shall be limited to a maximum of 2 attendees per participant and such activities shall remain subject to the social distancing and mass gathering provisions. These provisions shall not apply to any collegiate sporting events and sporting events governed by Kansas State High School Activities Association and/or school boards.

This Order shall become effective as of 12:01 A.M. on November 18, 2020 and shall expire on December 18, 2020 unless amended or extended by further local Public Health Officer’s Order. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/384560e2-8f76-45cc-a983-2409862eb438">A Health Order was issued by the Reno County Interim Health Officer to go into effect for one month beginning on Wednesday, November 18.</a> The order purports to limit gatherings to 10 people, but there is a full page of exceptions that allow for almost all types of gatherings, provided masks are worn and social distancing is practiced. The full text of the order is below.The below was copied from an email from Reno County officials and does not include the signature of any officials, merely the text of the order.This Emergency Public Health Order is effective the 18th day of November, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID 19 pandemic in Reno County, Kansas pursuant to the authority of K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-202 and other applicable laws and regulations.WHEREAS, the local Health Officer is authorized and required, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-202 to immediately exercise and maintain supervision over known or suspected cases of any infectious or contagious disease during its continuance, and to issue orders seeing that all such cases are properly handled and that the provisions of the Kansas public health laws as to isolation, quarantine and disinfection are duly enforced; andWHEREAS, the local Health Officer is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is authorized to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of any and all infectious diseases, pursuant to K.S.A 65-119; andWHEREAS, on May 26, 2020, the Governor of the State of Kansas declared a STATE OF DISASTER PROCLAMATION in order “to protect Kansas from the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the imminent threat of future outbreaks” and issued Executive Order 20-52 on July 2, 2020, a statewide Order pertaining to the wearing of masks or other face coverings, which Proclamation and Order have been extended and remain in effect; andWHEREAS, since March 16, 2020 through November 16, 2020 there has occurred in Reno County thirty-three (33) confirmed deaths from COVID-19, 3,534 positive cases, 731 current community active positive cases, 146 total COVID-19 Hospitalizations, and 57 total COVID-19 admissions to its Intensive Care Unit; andWHEREAS, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Reno County Local Health Officer, all recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus, including restricting large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings; andWHEREAS, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, measures that are recommended and considered effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Reno County Local Health Officer, all recommend, among other measures, covering one’s mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when in public settings; andWHEREAS, because the increased spread of COVID-19 also presents a serious threat to the continued effective operation of the local economy, the Reno County Commissioners along with the Reno County Interim Health Officer seek to assist businesses being prosperous and continuing to keep job stability within Reno County; andWHEREAS, wearing a mask in public is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect each other, help keep our businesses open and our economy running, and keep children in school; andWHEREAS, in general, large public gatherings lead to heightened risks of large-scale COVID-19 person-to-person transmission; andWHEREAS, the intent of this Order is not to deprive any person or entity of any rights protected by the United States Constitution, the Kansas Constitution, or any other law, but merely to set forth restrictions which would best protect Reno County residents against the community spread of COVID-19; andWHEREAS, there are certain activities where the wearing of masks and face coverings is exempted pursuant to the terms of this Order where customers may be in the proximity of others for extended periods of time (such as when customers may be eating, drinking, or exercising), which means such activities present a heightened risk of a person infected with COVID-19 transmitting it to another person; andWHEREAS, for the aforementioned and other reasons, and in recognition and furtherance of the County’s responsibility to provide for and ensure the health, safety, security, and welfare of the people of Reno County, requiring that masks or other face coverings be worn in public, limiting the size of public gatherings, ensuring social distancing, and placing certain other restrictions on activities are all measures that can be taken to slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19.NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Interim Local Health Officer, pursuant to the above authorities, that:1. Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 all public or private mass gatherings as defined below, are restricted within the border of Reno County.a. Gatherings within a confined space are restricted to no more than “10” people if social distancing cannot be maintained.i. See Section 2 for exemptions pertaining to gatherings where government operations, religious gatherings, businesses, schools, medical facilities, arenas, and stadiums are outlined. 2. The following activities or facilities are exempt from the prohibition of this order:a. Operations of the United States Government;i. Military and National Guard facilitiesii. Department of Correctionsiii. Law Enforcementiv. Polling Placesb. Religious gatherings, as long as attendees engage in appropriate social distancing;c. Public, private, or charter schools for instructional purposes;d. Any facility being used as part of a government or community response to a natural disaster;e. Public buildings where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 ft. of one another for more than 10 minutes;f. Public and private businesses; provided, reasonable efforts must be made to social distance by 6 feet in work and break areas.g. Hospitals and medical facilities;i. Long Term Care facilitiesii. Assisted Livingh. Shopping malls and other retail establishments where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 ft. of one another for more than 10 minutes;i. Arenas where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 ft. of one another for more than 10 minutes, and are able to maintain social distancing when seated by more than 6 ft. when not seated with their family units;j. Outdoor stadiums where large numbers of people are present but are generally not within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes and are able to social distance when seated by more than 6 ft. when not seated with their family units.▪ Guidance for Businesso Masks: Follow the governor’s mask order and respect businesses that are enforcing this mandate in their businesses. Have masks available for customers, and/or employees to wear mask when working in a public location or working around co-workers if they are not able to social distance by more than 6 ft.o Telework: Strongly encouraged for all employees when possible.o On-site Operations: Avoid large gatherings of employees in groups of more than 10 where social distancing protocols cannot be maintained except for infrequent or incidental moments o Potentially Sick Employees: Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.o Business Travel: Minimize nonessential travel.o Retail Stores: Due to the transitory nature of individuals within retail stores, their activities shall not be considered mass gatherings. However, retail stores shall be limited to 50 percent of the capacity permitted under the applicable fire code.o Restaurant and/or bar, night club: Require masks upon entering and until seated, individuals at the same table may be located within 6 feet of one another. However, there shall not be more than 10 individuals at any such table. Also, all tables and individuals seated at a table shall be located at least 6 feet from any other tables and individuals seated at such tables.o Fitness centers and health clubs: Require masks, social distancing and must frequently clean common touchpoints, which include but are not limited to benches, seating, and lockerso Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal services businesses: where 6 feet of social distancing is not feasible should require mask and serve customers for pre-scheduled appointments or with online check-in with waiting in car until called in3. Recreational and youth organized sports tournaments, games, practices, and related events may still occur, but attendance shall be limited to a maximum of 2 attendees per participant and such activities shall remain subject to the social distancing and mass gathering provisions. These provisions shall not apply to any collegiate sporting events and sporting events governed by Kansas State High School Activities Association and/or school boards.This Order shall become effective as of 12:01 A.M. on November 18, 2020 and shall expire on December 18, 2020 unless amended or extended by further local Public Health Officer’s Order.

Text of Emergency Public Health Order 20-04

NICKERSON,
Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board approved an extended Christmas break
for students during Monday’s regular meeting.

With the
change, Christmas break will start Monday, Dec. 21, adding three days. Any snow
days would then be remote learning days.&nbsp;The break will give students and
staff two full weeks of vacation.

Also Monday,
the board approved restrictions for winter sports activities. The restrictions
will be much the same as they are for fall sports. No spectators will be
allowed in middle school activities and all high school events will provide two
tickets per athlete and cheerleader. There will be no pep band, no concession
stands and no Panther Pride gear for sale. 

And the
Board approved spending funds to make improvements to the Nickerson City Park
softball field so the teams have a local area to practice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON,
Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board approved an extended Christmas break
for students during Monday’s regular meeting.With the
change, Christmas break will start Monday, Dec. 21, adding three days. Any snow
days would then be remote learning days.&nbsp;The break will give students and
staff two full weeks of vacation.Also Monday,
the board approved restrictions for winter sports activities. The restrictions
will be much the same as they are for fall sports. No spectators will be
allowed in middle school activities and all high school events will provide two
tickets per athlete and cheerleader. There will be no pep band, no concession
stands and no Panther Pride gear for sale. And the
Board approved spending funds to make improvements to the Nickerson City Park
softball field so the teams have a local area to practice.

USD 309 approves extended Christmas break

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler School district has been trying to sell off the Obee Elementary School ever since it closed its doors six years ago.

On Monday the USD 313 Board gave approval to an offer from T-Real Estate to purchase the small school building just east of the airport for $55,000.

The district had been trying to sell the building after it was closed and students were moved to other areas of the district. The move came when the new Plum Creek Elementary School opened.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler School district has been trying to sell off the Obee Elementary School ever since it closed its doors six years ago.On Monday the USD 313 Board gave approval to an offer from T-Real Estate to purchase the small school building just east of the airport for $55,000.The district had been trying to sell the building after it was closed and students were moved to other areas of the district. The move came when the new Plum Creek Elementary School opened.With few takers the district then decided to use the facility as a day care center. But the amount of work needed to make that a reality was more than the district wanted to take on. The building was rented out occasionally and at one time a home school group used it for various activities.