HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pandemic hurt numerous events and that included the Salt City Half Marathon.&nbsp;

Now Hutch Rec has decided that they will not bring back the 13.1-mile running race in the near future.&nbsp;

“The half marathon is probably not going to come back,” Tony Finlay said. “We’re looking at replacing that with a 5K / 10K run on that first weekend of October. We believe the half marathon just ran its course.”

Finlay says it really came down to numbers as fewer people were taking part versus the number of staff and volunteers it took to hold the event.

“It requires over 90 volunteers to do that event,” Finally said. “And when you’re getting down to 200 participants plus 90 volunteers you really start to get out of balance of what you’re trying to accomplish.”

Finlay says that losing the event last year gave them the opportunity to shift gears a little bit and offer some shorter races. Hutch Rec will still have the Smallville 5K and Super Hero 1 mile events on Third Thursday as well as the Salty Dog and Pup triathlons and the Muddy Hutch 5K in 2021.

The event started out as the Run For the Rocks Half Marathon with around 500 participants. The event was popular for its route which took it through most Hutchinson neighborhoods before ending at Gowans Stadium. The name was later changed to the Salt City Half Marathon which ended along Main Street downtown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615822783548.jpeg" alt="hutch rec.jpg" />
 <figcaption>hutch rec.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pandemic hurt numerous events and that included the Salt City Half Marathon.&nbsp;Now Hutch Rec has decided that they will not bring back the 13.1-mile running race in the near future.&nbsp;“The half marathon is probably not going to come back,” Tony Finlay said. “We’re looking at replacing that with a 5K / 10K run on that first weekend of October. We believe the half marathon just ran its course.”Finlay says it really came down to numbers as fewer people were taking part versus the number of staff and volunteers it took to hold the event.“It requires over 90 volunteers to do that event,” Finally said. “And when you’re getting down to 200 participants plus 90 volunteers you really start to get out of balance of what you’re trying to accomplish.”Finlay says that losing the event last year gave them the opportunity to shift gears a little bit and offer some shorter races. Hutch Rec will still have the Smallville 5K and Super Hero 1 mile events on Third Thursday as well as the Salty Dog and Pup triathlons and the Muddy Hutch 5K in 2021.The event started out as the Run For the Rocks Half Marathon with around 500 participants. The event was popular for its route which took it through most Hutchinson neighborhoods before ending at Gowans Stadium. The name was later changed to the Salt City Half Marathon which ended along Main Street downtown.

Hutch Rec makes changes to running race schedule

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Work on the North Main project continues. Crews closed off the east side of 6th Avenue late last week. Work also continues on the east side of 7th Avenue. Once the curb, sidewalk and intersections are completed, crews will begin repaving Main from 13th South to 5th.&nbsp;

Hutchinson Public Works also announced that because of the weather, Severance between 12th and 13th Avenue will remain closed through this week. Crews are making repairs to a water main and that area of the street. If all goes as planned the street should be open again by Friday.

<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 updat&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581976958381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Work on the North Main project continues. Crews closed off the east side of 6th Avenue late last week. Work also continues on the east side of 7th Avenue. Once the curb, sidewalk and intersections are completed, crews will begin repaving Main from 13th South to 5th.&nbsp;Hutchinson Public Works also announced that because of the weather, Severance between 12th and 13th Avenue will remain closed through this week. Crews are making repairs to a water main and that area of the street. If all goes as planned the street should be open again by Friday.<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 updat&nbsp;&nbsp;

Main Street work closes off east side 6th Avenue intersection 

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson City Council meetings would begin one hour earlier if approval is given by the City Council during tonight’s agenda session.&nbsp;

The matter has been discussed at a previous meeting and tonight the council will take official action to move up the start time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also tonight, the council will discuss and take action on establishing a minimum bill of $500 for the council to review excessively high water bills and will hear an update from Dan Garber regarding the city floodplain situation.&nbsp;

The council will also discuss and review the ATV golf cart ordinance in the city. Currently the city allows all golf carts and ATVs to be tagged and operated on city streets. The issue discussed tonight is whether non city residents should be allowed to tag such vehicles in the city.

Tonight’s South Hutchinson City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615822894019.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson City Council meetings would begin one hour earlier if approval is given by the City Council during tonight’s agenda session.&nbsp;The matter has been discussed at a previous meeting and tonight the council will take official action to move up the start time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also tonight, the council will discuss and take action on establishing a minimum bill of $500 for the council to review excessively high water bills and will hear an update from Dan Garber regarding the city floodplain situation.&nbsp;The council will also discuss and review the ATV golf cart ordinance in the city. Currently the city allows all golf carts and ATVs to be tagged and operated on city streets. The issue discussed tonight is whether non city residents should be allowed to tag such vehicles in the city.Tonight’s South Hutchinson City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.<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 updat&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Hutch City Council meets this evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Medical marijuana is likely to still be debated at the Kansas Legislature this session.

"I support medical marijuana," said Representative Jason Probst. "Kansas is one of the last few states that hasn't legalized it. I feel that we are missing out on a very good revenue stream, a voluntary tax revenue stream. It's going to come one way or another and my question has always been, is Kansas going to regulate it the way it wants to regulate it, or are we going to have to accept somebody else's default regulations."

Representative Paul Waggoner believes the debate will likely get to the floor of the House.

"I sit on House Fed and State, we're the committee that actually has the medical marijuana bill in front of us to work, which supposedly is going to happen," Waggoner said. "The devil is in the details. The notion that there's 40 plus states, I mean, there's a dozen states that basically have full on legalized marijuana. The remaining states that have a medical marijuana program, there's a lot of variation. There's some that are legitimately medical marijuana. The proposal before us in Fed and State, it doesn't actually have smoking a joint. It's all edibles, it's all other methods of delivery, as they would say. The real question is, do you have this go through any sort of regulatory process to where the actual medical aspect of it is verified, or is it just all anecdotal?"

Waggoner believes the bill will be heavily amended and so, he's not sure what the final legislation will be that is voted on. Seiwert believes that is the key.

"It all depends on what's in the bill," Seiwert said. "The question that also rises, if you legalize it for medical, I have no problem for that. The question is, if you're an employer, it's kind of like drinking and driving, if you get stopped and you have an accident and you test positive for marijuana, who is going to be liable for that? That brings up some questions that haven't been answered that I don't think anybody ever talks about."

Governor Laura Kelly initially proposed tying <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0f14e9a6-5290-4ffe-b0b7-73392b98c0d4">medical marijuana to Medicaid expansion to help pay for it</a>. That was prior to the incentives put into the latest federal stimulus package on that issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562336632387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Medical marijuana is likely to still be debated at the Kansas Legislature this session."I support medical marijuana," said Representative Jason Probst. "Kansas is one of the last few states that hasn't legalized it. I feel that we are missing out on a very good revenue stream, a voluntary tax revenue stream. It's going to come one way or another and my question has always been, is Kansas going to regulate it the way it wants to regulate it, or are we going to have to accept somebody else's default regulations."Representative Paul Waggoner believes the debate will likely get to the floor of the House."I sit on House Fed and State, we're the committee that actually has the medical marijuana bill in front of us to work, which supposedly is going to happen," Waggoner said. "The devil is in the details. The notion that there's 40 plus states, I mean, there's a dozen states that basically have full on legalized marijuana. The remaining states that have a medical marijuana program, there's a lot of variation. There's some that are legitimately medical marijuana. The proposal before us in Fed and State, it doesn't actually have smoking a joint. It's all edibles, it's all other methods of delivery, as they would say. The real question is, do you have this go through any sort of regulatory process to where the actual medical aspect of it is verified, or is it just all anecdotal?"Waggoner believes the bill will be heavily amended and so, he's not sure what the final legislation will be that is voted on. Seiwert believes that is the key."It all depends on what's in the bill," Seiwert said. "The question that also rises, if you legalize it for medical, I have no problem for that. The question is, if you're an employer, it's kind of like drinking and driving, if you get stopped and you have an accident and you test positive for marijuana, who is going to be liable for that? That brings up some questions that haven't been answered that I don't think anybody ever talks about."Governor Laura Kelly initially proposed tying <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0f14e9a6-5290-4ffe-b0b7-73392b98c0d4">medical marijuana to Medicaid expansion to help pay for it</a>. That was prior to the incentives put into the latest federal stimulus package on that issue.

Medical marijuana likely to come up later this legislative session

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am going on a rant, and yes this is a warning. This past weekend was the fateful day that we spring our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Let me be clear and not mince any words here, I really dislike the time change and, I have yet to find anyone who really likes it. Over and over, I hear it is those of us in agricultural who benefit from the time change. I find that to be a categorical myth and untruth. To say that we benefit from moving the clock up one hour is ludicrous. This time change is for the birds, and I am coming out against it. Only someone not connected to agriculture could think moving the clock forward an hour and making sunset an hour later that it would increase our time in the field. We all know the reality is that we work until the job is done whether it is daylight or dark. Farmers and ranchers do not work by the clock. What it does mean is we will be heading out into the dark in the morning to do the chores we did in the daylight just a day earlier. I often wonder how confused our animals must be when we show up an hour earlier suddenly for no apparent reason. I guess they probably like it better in the fall when breakfast arrives an hour later. I hate to tell the person or probably the committee that dreamed Daylight Saving Time up, but there are only so many hours of daylight and it does not matter what a clock says. I will admit that I dislike the springtime change because it means I lose an hour of sleep, but I find the fall time change nearly as disruptive to my internal clock. I suspect most of us are up way before daylight either before or after the change, and the clock means little to us. In fact, I’d argue moving the clock forward and hour makes life more difficult. It suddenly means that instead of it getting dark at 6 p.m. it is now dark at 7 p.m., and it is awfully hard to shut down and go to a meeting when it is still light outside. I would also propose we missed the perfect opportunity to get rid of the time change this past year. With the pandemic and all its disruptions to our lives, what would one more matter. We could have done away with the time changes and no one would have noticed because none of us had anywhere to go. At least something positive would have come out of the pandemic. So never mind me, I will be the one out in the dark stumbling my way through chores.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am going on a rant, and yes this is a warning. This past weekend was the fateful day that we spring our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Let me be clear and not mince any words here, I really dislike the time change and, I have yet to find anyone who really likes it. Over and over, I hear it is those of us in agricultural who benefit from the time change. I find that to be a categorical myth and untruth. To say that we benefit from moving the clock up one hour is ludicrous. This time change is for the birds, and I am coming out against it. Only someone not connected to agriculture could think moving the clock forward an hour and making sunset an hour later that it would increase our time in the field. We all know the reality is that we work until the job is done whether it is daylight or dark. Farmers and ranchers do not work by the clock. What it does mean is we will be heading out into the dark in the morning to do the chores we did in the daylight just a day earlier. I often wonder how confused our animals must be when we show up an hour earlier suddenly for no apparent reason. I guess they probably like it better in the fall when breakfast arrives an hour later. I hate to tell the person or probably the committee that dreamed Daylight Saving Time up, but there are only so many hours of daylight and it does not matter what a clock says. I will admit that I dislike the springtime change because it means I lose an hour of sleep, but I find the fall time change nearly as disruptive to my internal clock. I suspect most of us are up way before daylight either before or after the change, and the clock means little to us. In fact, I’d argue moving the clock forward and hour makes life more difficult. It suddenly means that instead of it getting dark at 6 p.m. it is now dark at 7 p.m., and it is awfully hard to shut down and go to a meeting when it is still light outside. I would also propose we missed the perfect opportunity to get rid of the time change this past year. With the pandemic and all its disruptions to our lives, what would one more matter. We could have done away with the time changes and no one would have noticed because none of us had anywhere to go. At least something positive would have come out of the pandemic. So never mind me, I will be the one out in the dark stumbling my way through chores."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Stuck on Time

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Stage 9 in Hutchinson is getting the work done to present The Sound of Music online this month.

"We've been filming the last week, which is not something I normally say," said Lynsey Becher with Stage 9. "Our production week looked very different than it normally does, but we're having a blast over there."

Becher said The Sound of Music is something they are only able to do because of the pandemic.

"We have an extremely small 85-person seat theater," Becher said. "Normally, we would not be able to do a production of this size in our theater. That's something that has been interesting. Basically, we are camped out throughout the entirety of the theater. Normally, we'd have to worry about audiences and the lobby and now everybody's just kind of strewn everywhere and we have an organized chaos situation going on and it's been thrilling and it hasn't been nearly as stressful as I thought it could potentially be."

Given the nature of the ticketing, it may be difficult to know exactly how many people watched, but the hope is that families will get together and enjoy watching local talent in a familiar story.

"Because it's for an entire household, numbers might not look all that great," Becher said. "The amount of people watching it may be much more than the numbers we're able to generate. It is going to be a little difficult to judge whether this has been a fruitful production for us or not, but, no matter what, us staying active and us giving the actors that creative outlet right now, I think is really, really important."

Tickets are $25 for an unlimited amount of people in one household. Performances are March 19th-21st &amp; 26th-28th. Friday and Saturday shows will premiere at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615226095627.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Stage 9 in Hutchinson is getting the work done to present The Sound of Music online this month."We've been filming the last week, which is not something I normally say," said Lynsey Becher with Stage 9. "Our production week looked very different than it normally does, but we're having a blast over there."Becher said The Sound of Music is something they are only able to do because of the pandemic."We have an extremely small 85-person seat theater," Becher said. "Normally, we would not be able to do a production of this size in our theater. That's something that has been interesting. Basically, we are camped out throughout the entirety of the theater. Normally, we'd have to worry about audiences and the lobby and now everybody's just kind of strewn everywhere and we have an organized chaos situation going on and it's been thrilling and it hasn't been nearly as stressful as I thought it could potentially be."Given the nature of the ticketing, it may be difficult to know exactly how many people watched, but the hope is that families will get together and enjoy watching local talent in a familiar story."Because it's for an entire household, numbers might not look all that great," Becher said. "The amount of people watching it may be much more than the numbers we're able to generate. It is going to be a little difficult to judge whether this has been a fruitful production for us or not, but, no matter what, us staying active and us giving the actors that creative outlet right now, I think is really, really important."Tickets are $25 for an unlimited amount of people in one household. Performances are March 19th-21st &amp; 26th-28th. Friday and Saturday shows will premiere at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Stage 9 putting final touches on The Sound of Music


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council will decide when its terms begin as part of its regular agenda on Tuesday.

Thanks to a 2019 change in Kansas statute, the term of a city council member can now begin as soon as a date after December 1 following the certification of the election and no later than the second Monday in January following the certification of the election.

The body must decide whether to reorganize itself at one of the December meetings or the first one in January. The date must receive two-thirds support to pass.

Also on Tuesday, the City will look to approve the Trucks, Taps and Tunes event for Hospice and Homecare of Reno County scheduled for May 15 in Carey Park.

The Council will also vacate a portion of right-of-way at 3304 North Severance on which part of the Hutchinson East Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses building already sits.

The meeting of the Hutchinson City Council will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall. It can be viewed on the City's Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576261366986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council will decide when its terms begin as part of its regular agenda on Tuesday.Thanks to a 2019 change in Kansas statute, the term of a city council member can now begin as soon as a date after December 1 following the certification of the election and no later than the second Monday in January following the certification of the election.The body must decide whether to reorganize itself at one of the December meetings or the first one in January. The date must receive two-thirds support to pass.Also on Tuesday, the City will look to approve the Trucks, Taps and Tunes event for Hospice and Homecare of Reno County scheduled for May 15 in Carey Park.The Council will also vacate a portion of right-of-way at 3304 North Severance on which part of the Hutchinson East Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses building already sits.The meeting of the Hutchinson City Council will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall. It can be viewed on the City's Facebook page.

City Council to place organizational meeting Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County Commissioner Ron Sellers wants to see just a few more shots completed before he's ready to change the county's mask ordinance.

"Hospitalizations are way, way down," Sellers said. "Cases are down. We're getting to the point that more and more people are vaccinated. I feel like, personally, when we get our essential workers vaccinated, which is the group that they're working on at this present time, we'll probably be in a position to lift the mask ordinance."

Sellers recognizes he's not the only one making the decision, though.

"My fellow commissioners are probably wanting it lifted a couple weeks earlier than I would vote for," Sellers said. "At our county commission, there's three commissioners and it takes two votes. If you have two votes, that's what's probably going to happen."

The commission will take up the issue March 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606142712734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County Commissioner Ron Sellers wants to see just a few more shots completed before he's ready to change the county's mask ordinance."Hospitalizations are way, way down," Sellers said. "Cases are down. We're getting to the point that more and more people are vaccinated. I feel like, personally, when we get our essential workers vaccinated, which is the group that they're working on at this present time, we'll probably be in a position to lift the mask ordinance."Sellers recognizes he's not the only one making the decision, though."My fellow commissioners are probably wanting it lifted a couple weeks earlier than I would vote for," Sellers said. "At our county commission, there's three commissioners and it takes two votes. If you have two votes, that's what's probably going to happen."The commission will take up the issue March 30.

Sellers: Mask mandate could be lifted March 30


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
One year after the COVID-19 pandemic upended plans for travelers in Kansas and throughout the world, there are new signs that travel dreams won’t be deferred. 

"In a recent survey by Destination Analysts, well over half of Americans, 60% surveyed said that they are going to be traveling for leisure in the next three months," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. 

Even though they are planning later trips, spring break still feels like too soon to most Americans, based on the March 8 survey.

"Only 14% of Americans said that they plan to travel for Spring Break," Steward said. "It's looking more like late spring, early summer is going to be that peak time where people's comfort level seems to be for getting back out on the road."

A total of 36% in a late February survey believe travel activities will return to normal in the June-August time frame, while an even greater percentage, 42%, see fall as the travel sweet spot. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580240948974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
One year after the COVID-19 pandemic upended plans for travelers in Kansas and throughout the world, there are new signs that travel dreams won’t be deferred. "In a recent survey by Destination Analysts, well over half of Americans, 60% surveyed said that they are going to be traveling for leisure in the next three months," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. Even though they are planning later trips, spring break still feels like too soon to most Americans, based on the March 8 survey."Only 14% of Americans said that they plan to travel for Spring Break," Steward said. "It's looking more like late spring, early summer is going to be that peak time where people's comfort level seems to be for getting back out on the road."A total of 36% in a late February survey believe travel activities will return to normal in the June-August time frame, while an even greater percentage, 42%, see fall as the travel sweet spot.

Travelers will get moving later in the year, surveys say

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will meet in executive session on Monday to further discuss issues with the city pool during their regular meeting.

The pool was closed in 2019 after necessary repairs failed to correct several problems. The city is currently taking legal action against the contractor. After considering input from the repair engineers, City Attorney, and Department Heads, the Council decided by consensus to keep the swimming pool closed for 2020 as well.&nbsp;

At that time there was some discussion about trying to do a temporary fix on the pool and open for the season but it was decided that such action could hurt the city’s legal case. The pandemic was also a factor in the city’s decision. The city says they are doing everything they can to try and get the pool open for this summer but could not release any details since legal action is being taken by the city.

Also Monday, the Council will seek approval of a $10,000 economic development grant for Jenz Java. The new business will be located at 202 Industrial Drive, and will feature all types of coffee beverages as well as health shakes and smoothies.&nbsp;

Owner Jeniffer Brummer plans to have a breakfast and lunch menu with soups and sandwiches. The business will dine-in and drive-through. Brummer says they hope to be open by the end of May or mid June.

Monday's meeting of the Haven City Council begins at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on Zoom.

<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/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="Haven logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Haven logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will meet in executive session on Monday to further discuss issues with the city pool during their regular meeting.The pool was closed in 2019 after necessary repairs failed to correct several problems. The city is currently taking legal action against the contractor. After considering input from the repair engineers, City Attorney, and Department Heads, the Council decided by consensus to keep the swimming pool closed for 2020 as well.&nbsp;At that time there was some discussion about trying to do a temporary fix on the pool and open for the season but it was decided that such action could hurt the city’s legal case. The pandemic was also a factor in the city’s decision. The city says they are doing everything they can to try and get the pool open for this summer but could not release any details since legal action is being taken by the city.Also Monday, the Council will seek approval of a $10,000 economic development grant for Jenz Java. The new business will be located at 202 Industrial Drive, and will feature all types of coffee beverages as well as health shakes and smoothies.&nbsp;Owner Jeniffer Brummer plans to have a breakfast and lunch menu with soups and sandwiches. The business will dine-in and drive-through. Brummer says they hope to be open by the end of May or mid June.Monday's meeting of the Haven City Council begins at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on Zoom.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haven City Council to discuss legal case involving swimming pool


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce held their legislative forum Saturday morning at the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson. Representatives Jason Probst, Paul Waggoner and Joe Seiwert were able to attend. The forum touched on multiple topics, but the struggles of the state Department of Labor probably took up the most time. 

Representative Probst said the scope of the fraud problem is still unknown.

"The truth is, nobody actually knows, because we haven't been able to go case by case by case and figure out which one is fraud and which one is not," Probst said. "The underlying reason that we had so much fraud, keep in mind, I think the last report is, there's about $64 billion across the country that's been suspected fraud, about half of which they think has made its way overseas. These antiquated systems are not very adaptable to identity theft or fraud that we're seeing on a mass scale right now."

Probst said he was told the system is a 1977 relic that still uses COBOL programming language. 

Paul Waggoner echoed comments he had made <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f3a8b038-64cf-4f59-88d3-c8a0d72cc552">earlier in the session to Hutch Post about the open-ended nature of the federal program</a> that allowed fraudsters to use the loopholes they have.

"Typically, when you file for unemployment, there is a letter that goes to your employer to confirm who you are, that you worked for them and the reason you were let go," Waggoner said. "What happened this time around was, the federal pandemic unemployment assistance covered people who don't have employers. If you were a hairdresser and had your own shop or if you had your own one person contractor business, because the federal government was effectively forcing you out of work, they set up the system where you could get unemployment, which in one sense makes a lot of sense, but the problem was, there was no one to verify anything about you."

Representative Seiwert is still searching for answers, too.

"There are a lot of questions on what happened, I can't answer them, because we can't get answers when we've tried," Seiwert said. "We've met with the people on Appropriations and also with Commerce committee and he's been working on this real hard. What the failure was, I don't know. I can't imagine who was not checking the checking account to see how you could dole out millions of dollars and not realize it. Being a business person and writing checks for myself, I look at my account every so often."

Seiwert did praise KDOL for getting legislators a way to help their constituents, but he's tired of making excuses and wants to be sure they can solve the problem going forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604603917739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce held their legislative forum Saturday morning at the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson. Representatives Jason Probst, Paul Waggoner and Joe Seiwert were able to attend. The forum touched on multiple topics, but the struggles of the state Department of Labor probably took up the most time. Representative Probst said the scope of the fraud problem is still unknown."The truth is, nobody actually knows, because we haven't been able to go case by case by case and figure out which one is fraud and which one is not," Probst said. "The underlying reason that we had so much fraud, keep in mind, I think the last report is, there's about $64 billion across the country that's been suspected fraud, about half of which they think has made its way overseas. These antiquated systems are not very adaptable to identity theft or fraud that we're seeing on a mass scale right now."Probst said he was told the system is a 1977 relic that still uses COBOL programming language. Paul Waggoner echoed comments he had made <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f3a8b038-64cf-4f59-88d3-c8a0d72cc552">earlier in the session to Hutch Post about the open-ended nature of the federal program</a> that allowed fraudsters to use the loopholes they have. "Typically, when you file for unemployment, there is a letter that goes to your employer to confirm who you are, that you worked for them and the reason you were let go," Waggoner said. "What happened this time around was, the federal pandemic unemployment assistance covered people who don't have employers. If you were a hairdresser and had your own shop or if you had your own one person contractor business, because the federal government was effectively forcing you out of work, they set up the system where you could get unemployment, which in one sense makes a lot of sense, but the problem was, there was no one to verify anything about you."Representative Seiwert is still searching for answers, too."There are a lot of questions on what happened, I can't answer them, because we can't get answers when we've tried," Seiwert said. "We've met with the people on Appropriations and also with Commerce committee and he's been working on this real hard. What the failure was, I don't know. I can't imagine who was not checking the checking account to see how you could dole out millions of dollars and not realize it. Being a business person and writing checks for myself, I look at my account every so often."Seiwert did praise KDOL for getting legislators a way to help their constituents, but he's tired of making excuses and wants to be sure they can solve the problem going forward.

Legislators address KDOL issues at Saturday forum

The Flood Watch continues for portions of central, south central, and southeast Kansas through Sunday afternoon.

Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected for today and  will become more widespread by tonight, especially across central  and south central Kansas. The showers and storms will continue  into Sunday morning while moving slowly eastward. 

The rain could  be heavy at times across the region. Widespread rainfall amounts  of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts are expected.

Flooding of low-land and flood prone areas are possible, along  with modest to significant rises on area rivers and streams.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615641696170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Flood Watch continues for portions of central, south central, and southeast Kansas through Sunday afternoon.Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected for today and will become more widespread by tonight, especially across central and south central Kansas. The showers and storms will continue into Sunday morning while moving slowly eastward. The rain could be heavy at times across the region. Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts are expected.Flooding of low-land and flood prone areas are possible, along with modest to significant rises on area rivers and streams.You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Flood Watch continues

The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 80 as of Friday. 

Out of 7,727 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,510 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. 

One Reno County resident is in the hospital with COVID-19. There are still no cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 North Plum in Hutchinson.

The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612786086400.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 80 as of Friday. Out of 7,727 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,510 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. One Reno County resident is in the hospital with COVID-19. There are still no cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 North Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

Case count down to 80, one person in hospital as of Friday

Monday vaccination clinic is full and some will get their stimulus check over the weekend, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Monday vaccination clinic is full and some will get their stimulus check over the weekend, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="March 13, 2021 Saturday News" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ekvue-fd80d4?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

March 13, 2021 Saturday News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees opened its March meeting by addressing several matters of routine business before getting an update on its Strategic Planning initiatives.&nbsp;

In addition, the Board took action on tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year. Tuition will increase by $2.00 per credit hour with no increase in fees. With approval, in-state tuition will increase to $95 per credit hour, out of state students will be charged $123 per credit hour and international students will now be charged $135 per credit hour.

The Board anticipates there may be federal aid to help students offset the cost of this tuition increase. The Board also received its annual audit of its financial statements from independent auditor Swindoll Janzen Hawk &amp; Loyd. The College again received an unqualified opinion.

The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Shears&nbsp; Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend. 

<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/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees opened its March meeting by addressing several matters of routine business before getting an update on its Strategic Planning initiatives.&nbsp;In addition, the Board took action on tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year. Tuition will increase by $2.00 per credit hour with no increase in fees. With approval, in-state tuition will increase to $95 per credit hour, out of state students will be charged $123 per credit hour and international students will now be charged $135 per credit hour.The Board anticipates there may be federal aid to help students offset the cost of this tuition increase. The Board also received its annual audit of its financial statements from independent auditor Swindoll Janzen Hawk &amp; Loyd. The College again received an unqualified opinion.The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Shears&nbsp; Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend. <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;

HutchCC BOT approves tuition increase

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is that time of the year again, daylight saving time is upon us this weekend. The one hour jump ahead is met with both positive and negative reactions each year. The downside is the one hour of sleep that you lose, especially for those who wake up early. The change leaves most with a form of jet lag for the first few weeks of the change over.

The upside is that the sun now stays up longer in the evening. That's beneficial for many high school and college spring sports, especially golf and track. It also allows more people to enjoy outdoor activities after work including golfing, walking, and cycling.&nbsp;

Ways to beat the lag from the change-over include: spending more time outdoors, getting exercise and slowly adjusting your sleep patterns to accommodate the change.

It also helps to get to bed at the same time each night regardless of how you feel, and practice good habits before bedtime like finding ways to slow down. If there were no daylight saving time in the central US, the sun would come up around 5:30 a.m. during the longest days and set around 7:30 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is that time of the year again, daylight saving time is upon us this weekend. The one hour jump ahead is met with both positive and negative reactions each year. The downside is the one hour of sleep that you lose, especially for those who wake up early. The change leaves most with a form of jet lag for the first few weeks of the change over.The upside is that the sun now stays up longer in the evening. That's beneficial for many high school and college spring sports, especially golf and track. It also allows more people to enjoy outdoor activities after work including golfing, walking, and cycling.&nbsp;Ways to beat the lag from the change-over include: spending more time outdoors, getting exercise and slowly adjusting your sleep patterns to accommodate the change.It also helps to get to bed at the same time each night regardless of how you feel, and practice good habits before bedtime like finding ways to slow down. If there were no daylight saving time in the central US, the sun would come up around 5:30 a.m. during the longest days and set around 7:30 p.m.

Time to spring forward Saturday night

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will hold a special meeting on Monday evening.&nbsp;

The Board will go into executive session to discuss the finalists for the open position of Director of Communications. The district is looking to replace Ray Hemman who will retire at the end of the school year.&nbsp;

According to Executive Director of Human Resources Rick Kraus, three people were interviewed&nbsp; for the job on Friday and the hope is to offer one of those three the position during that meeting.

Monday’s meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Academy at 800 15th Circle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668793667.jpeg" alt="USD 308 resized.jpg" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 resized.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will hold a special meeting on Monday evening.&nbsp;The Board will go into executive session to discuss the finalists for the open position of Director of Communications. The district is looking to replace Ray Hemman who will retire at the end of the school year.&nbsp;According to Executive Director of Human Resources Rick Kraus, three people were interviewed&nbsp; for the job on Friday and the hope is to offer one of those three the position during that meeting.Monday’s meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Academy at 800 15th Circle.<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 308 to hold special meeting on Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; The Reno County Health Department vaccine clinic scheduled for Monday, March 15 is now full.&nbsp;

The health Department reports that 1,100 doses will be administered at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Reno County moved to Phase 2c this week, which includes High-Contact Critical Workers.

Starting Monday, March 22, the Health Department will be hosting a daily vaccine clinic at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church,101 E. 1st Avenue. The clinic will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you are a worker providing critical services, and your job requires consistent and close contact with a large number of individuals, then you are a High-Contact Critical Worker and can schedule your appointment at this time. Appointments can be scheduled online at <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/</a>. If computer access is limited, please call the Health Department at 620-694-2900 and select option six.

Reno County will remain in Phase 2 until the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) gives approval to move to Phase 3. For more information about the vaccines, visit <a href="http://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614863461419.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; The Reno County Health Department vaccine clinic scheduled for Monday, March 15 is now full.&nbsp;The health Department reports that 1,100 doses will be administered at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Reno County moved to Phase 2c this week, which includes High-Contact Critical Workers.Starting Monday, March 22, the Health Department will be hosting a daily vaccine clinic at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church,101 E. 1st Avenue. The clinic will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.If you are a worker providing critical services, and your job requires consistent and close contact with a large number of individuals, then you are a High-Contact Critical Worker and can schedule your appointment at this time. Appointments can be scheduled online at <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/</a>. If computer access is limited, please call the Health Department at 620-694-2900 and select option six.Reno County will remain in Phase 2 until the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) gives approval to move to Phase 3. For more information about the vaccines, visit <a href="http://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.<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;

Vaccination clinic for Monday full


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices are still rising at least partially as a consequence from the cold snap earlier this year.

"Today, we're at $2.66 a gallon for the average in Kansas, which is up eight cents from a week ago," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's up 36 cents from a month ago, when we were at $2.30 a gallon."

The reason why is shutting down production at refineries isn't easy, and neither is starting it back up.

"Refinery utilization is extremely low," Steward said. "In fact, a week ago or so, it was an all-time low. We're still seeing the effects of some of the refinery shutdowns from the February storm and extreme cold. We're still looking to get a lot of those refineries back on line."

Reno County is doing okay relative to the rest of the state.

"Reno County is at $2.62 a gallon, which is four cents less than the state average," Steward said. "Kansas is 14th cheapest in the U.S. as of today."

It remains to be seen if getting back to normal production levels has a price dropping effect at the pump going forward.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579620767389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices are still rising at least partially as a consequence from the cold snap earlier this year."Today, we're at $2.66 a gallon for the average in Kansas, which is up eight cents from a week ago," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's up 36 cents from a month ago, when we were at $2.30 a gallon."The reason why is shutting down production at refineries isn't easy, and neither is starting it back up."Refinery utilization is extremely low," Steward said. "In fact, a week ago or so, it was an all-time low. We're still seeing the effects of some of the refinery shutdowns from the February storm and extreme cold. We're still looking to get a lot of those refineries back on line."Reno County is doing okay relative to the rest of the state."Reno County is at $2.62 a gallon, which is four cents less than the state average," Steward said. "Kansas is 14th cheapest in the U.S. as of today."It remains to be seen if getting back to normal production levels has a price dropping effect at the pump going forward.<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;

Gas prices continue to rise, AAA says


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As the Kansas Senate and House negotiate over language to change the state's emergency response statute, State Senator Dr. Mark Steffen notes the differences in the times from the days of the so-called Spanish Flu and polio to today.

"All our previous pandemic sort of laws were written in an era where people really looked at things through the lens of a servant leader and what was in the best interest of the individual and society," Steffen said. "We saw that thing veer off course and decisions made that blew up our schools, blew up our economy."

Steffen is looking at the statute with the intent of our founders in mind.

"There's a huge layer of our population that is incredibly engaged and concerned from a constitutional standpoint," Steffen said. "That's ultimately going to be the lens that I look at it through. What's constitutional? What doesn't violate individual rights?"

It remains to be seen what the final version of the bill will look like when he has a chance to vote on it again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611761226060.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As the Kansas Senate and House negotiate over language to change the state's emergency response statute, State Senator Dr. Mark Steffen notes the differences in the times from the days of the so-called Spanish Flu and polio to today."All our previous pandemic sort of laws were written in an era where people really looked at things through the lens of a servant leader and what was in the best interest of the individual and society," Steffen said. "We saw that thing veer off course and decisions made that blew up our schools, blew up our economy."Steffen is looking at the statute with the intent of our founders in mind."There's a huge layer of our population that is incredibly engaged and concerned from a constitutional standpoint," Steffen said. "That's ultimately going to be the lens that I look at it through. What's constitutional? What doesn't violate individual rights?"It remains to be seen what the final version of the bill will look like when he has a chance to vote on it again.<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;

Steffen will look at emergency statute with Constitution in mind

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The ability to keep costs down offset lower revenue for BNSF as they released their fourth quarter earnings report this week.

The nation's second largest railroad reported total revenue of $5.6 billion a drop of 3%. Despite that net income increased by 5% to $ 41.4 billion. The pandemic and further declines in coal shipments continued to pressure the railroad. Coal shipments for the quarter dropped 21%. Most of that was offset by strong gains in ag and consumer products carloads. Total car volume for the quarter increased by 3% but still saw a 7% drop for the year, mostly due to the pandemic.

Despite all of the challenges, the railroad was able to trim operating expenses by 6% and by 15% for the year. BNSF also announced that they plan to spend nearly $3 billion track and equipment improvements this year including a large project in central Kansas that will help ease train congestion through Harvey County. That work is expected to take about three more years to complete.

BNSF operates about ten trains per day through Reno County along with Amtrak. It has the second highest valuation in the county of more than $11 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588708495024.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The ability to keep costs down offset lower revenue for BNSF as they released their fourth quarter earnings report this week.The nation's second largest railroad reported total revenue of $5.6 billion a drop of 3%. Despite that net income increased by 5% to $ 41.4 billion. The pandemic and further declines in coal shipments continued to pressure the railroad. Coal shipments for the quarter dropped 21%. Most of that was offset by strong gains in ag and consumer products carloads. Total car volume for the quarter increased by 3% but still saw a 7% drop for the year, mostly due to the pandemic.Despite all of the challenges, the railroad was able to trim operating expenses by 6% and by 15% for the year. BNSF also announced that they plan to spend nearly $3 billion track and equipment improvements this year including a large project in central Kansas that will help ease train congestion through Harvey County. That work is expected to take about three more years to complete.BNSF operates about ten trains per day through Reno County along with Amtrak. It has the second highest valuation in the county of more than $11 million.<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;

BNSF releases 4Q numbers

HAVEN, Kan. — School districts in the area battled through the pandemic with a combination of remote, staggered and in-person learning throughout the year. That includes getting students lunch and breakfast.

One area school district gave Hutch Post an example of the effort they went through to make sure all students got meals. Haven USD 312 which serves four communities worked to get meals to their outlying areas including Yoder, Mt Hope and Partridge. Sheree Jones, Food Service Director for Haven USD 312 says from the spring of 2020 when school buildings were closed up until the end of February 2021, the district district served over 57,000 breakfasts, nearly 74,000 lunches and traveled more than 8,300 miles to distribute meals.

There were times the district was doing both cafeteria meals with social distancing and delivering meals to remote students who could not make it to one of the district's four handout sites.

Jones' comments were made in a letter to the Kansas State Department of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587053540131.jpeg" alt="HAVEN DIST OFFICE.JPG" />
 <figcaption>HAVEN DIST OFFICE.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — School districts in the area battled through the pandemic with a combination of remote, staggered and in-person learning throughout the year. That includes getting students lunch and breakfast.One area school district gave Hutch Post an example of the effort they went through to make sure all students got meals. Haven USD 312 which serves four communities worked to get meals to their outlying areas including Yoder, Mt Hope and Partridge. Sheree Jones, Food Service Director for Haven USD 312 says from the spring of 2020 when school buildings were closed up until the end of February 2021, the district district served over 57,000 breakfasts, nearly 74,000 lunches and traveled more than 8,300 miles to distribute meals.There were times the district was doing both cafeteria meals with social distancing and delivering meals to remote students who could not make it to one of the district's four handout sites.Jones' comments were made in a letter to the Kansas State Department of Education.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haven USD 312 sheds some light on school lunch programs during pandemic

BUHLER, Kan. — With Buhler USD 313 making plans to offer virtual classes next fall, the district is asking for input from its patrons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In order to help the district plan for next school year, they are asking that families who intend to have virtual learners next year complete an intent to enroll survey. This is not a binding choice for next year.&nbsp;Parents of high schoolers may have already completed a similar survey. 

If you are unsure of whether you have filled out the survey or not they ask that you do it again so the district can get an accurate number. The link to the survey can be found <a href="https://forms.gle/iHjwofwQnZ2ZoYav9">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — With Buhler USD 313 making plans to offer virtual classes next fall, the district is asking for input from its patrons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to help the district plan for next school year, they are asking that families who intend to have virtual learners next year complete an intent to enroll survey. This is not a binding choice for next year.&nbsp;Parents of high schoolers may have already completed a similar survey. If you are unsure of whether you have filled out the survey or not they ask that you do it again so the district can get an accurate number. The link to the survey can be found <a href="https://forms.gle/iHjwofwQnZ2ZoYav9">here</a>.<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;

Buhler needs info on virtual learning from patrons


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Community College is planning to host its 2021 commencement with two in-person ceremonies on Friday, April 30 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

At 4:00 pm, those students earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Certificates of Technical Education will graduate while those earning a Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of General Studies (AGS) will graduate at 7:00 pm.

Guest seating will be limited and a ticket will be required for entrance. More information on ticketing will be available at a later date.

It is expected all attendees will wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Should you have any questions, contact the Records Office at records@hutchcc.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577741375097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Community College is planning to host its 2021 commencement with two in-person ceremonies on Friday, April 30 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.At 4:00 pm, those students earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Certificates of Technical Education will graduate while those earning a Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of General Studies (AGS) will graduate at 7:00 pm.Guest seating will be limited and a ticket will be required for entrance. More information on ticketing will be available at a later date.It is expected all attendees will wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.Should you have any questions, contact the Records Office at records@hutchcc.edu.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HutchCC to hold two commencement ceremonies April 30


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Commissioner Ron Sellers acknowledges the difficulties of having a three member board. It means there isn't a lot of communicating board members can do with each other ahead of public meetings without running afoul of open meetings statutes.

"It's much easier to get to the bottom of a discussion and get to understanding each other's viewpoint on a larger board," Sellers said. "There's some discussion in Reno County that we might be better served by a five person board. I think that's one of the things I'd like to explore in the next year and three-fourths that I have in my term, to see if the citizens of Reno County might move in that direction."

He believes there's more room to negotiate with more people at the table.

"I think you would have better representation, better viewpoints, more viewpoints," Sellers said. "It would be easier to come to a majority decision with five versus three."

The county commission would need to pass a resolution creating the additional districts and then that would go before the voters at the next general election.

"If you have more people, I think it's easier to get to a middle ground," Sellers said. "That's why I would recommend that we at least look at growing the commission to a five member board."

The public can also force the commission's hand by petitioning to change the number. That petition would need signatures of 5% of the registered voters in the county.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606142712734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Commissioner Ron Sellers acknowledges the difficulties of having a three member board. It means there isn't a lot of communicating board members can do with each other ahead of public meetings without running afoul of open meetings statutes."It's much easier to get to the bottom of a discussion and get to understanding each other's viewpoint on a larger board," Sellers said. "There's some discussion in Reno County that we might be better served by a five person board. I think that's one of the things I'd like to explore in the next year and three-fourths that I have in my term, to see if the citizens of Reno County might move in that direction."He believes there's more room to negotiate with more people at the table."I think you would have better representation, better viewpoints, more viewpoints," Sellers said. "It would be easier to come to a majority decision with five versus three."The county commission would need to pass a resolution creating the additional districts and then that would go before the voters at the next general election."If you have more people, I think it's easier to get to a middle ground," Sellers said. "That's why I would recommend that we at least look at growing the commission to a five member board."The public can also force the commission's hand by petitioning to change the number. That petition would need signatures of 5% of the registered voters in the county.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local