HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 will interview finalists for the district's new Public Information Officer on Friday.

According to Executive Director of Human Resources Rick Kraus, three people will interview for the job being vacated by Ray Hemman who announced his retirement earlier this year.

Kraus says if all goes as planned, they hope to hold a special board meeting on Monday and take action on their person of choice.

<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/2019/12/1575668793667.jpeg" alt="USD 308 resized.jpg" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 resized.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 will interview finalists for the district's new Public Information Officer on Friday.According to Executive Director of Human Resources Rick Kraus, three people will interview for the job being vacated by Ray Hemman who announced his retirement earlier this year.Kraus says if all goes as planned, they hope to hold a special board meeting on Monday and take action on their person of choice.Hemman's last day will be June 30.<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 conduct finalist interviews for PIO

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital notes that even though controlling the pet population is important year-round, veterinarians often think of it as a spring thing.

"We just focus, kind of, in the spring, because as these days get longer and the light stays after work a little bit more, the animals begin to respond to that diurnal cycle and they have heat cycles and the reproductive bent begins."

It's really important that animals that are born are wanted.

"If you volunteer or know anyone that volunteers at our shelter, I'm sure the people there would agree there are too many puppies and kittens produced and not enough good families to take care of them," Austin said. "Spaying and neutering is a responsible pet owner's means of preventing that. We certainly encourage that. We certainly encourage that for all of our clients and all of the pet owners in the community."

Spaying and neutering also helps to reduce the fighting between those who are still intact over potential mates, as they have fewer opportunities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615479144379.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital notes that even though controlling the pet population is important year-round, veterinarians often think of it as a spring thing."We just focus, kind of, in the spring, because as these days get longer and the light stays after work a little bit more, the animals begin to respond to that diurnal cycle and they have heat cycles and the reproductive bent begins."It's really important that animals that are born are wanted."If you volunteer or know anyone that volunteers at our shelter, I'm sure the people there would agree there are too many puppies and kittens produced and not enough good families to take care of them," Austin said. "Spaying and neutering is a responsible pet owner's means of preventing that. We certainly encourage that. We certainly encourage that for all of our clients and all of the pet owners in the community."Spaying and neutering also helps to reduce the fighting between those who are still intact over potential mates, as they have fewer opportunities.

Austin: Spring is a good time to think about spaying and neutering pets

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amtrak will restore full time service to the Southwest Chief by the end of May. The restoration is part of an effort to restore daily service to 12 long distance routes. The Chief schedule was reduced to three times per week in October as the pandemic shut down most travel.

Due to COVID relief funding, Amtrak will sustain and restore operations and recall the more than 1,200 furloughed employees through the remainder of FY21 and into FY22.&nbsp;

Amtrak also plans to use more funding to replace and refurbish a number of cars and locomotives on the long distance routes. Those plans were already in place before the pandemic. If all goes as planned, the Chief will return to its daily schedule May 31.

Ridership for the passenger rail carrier fell nearly 48% to just 16.8 million passengers. That compares with a record 32 million in 2019. Long distance ridership fell by 39% and commuter ridership fell by 50%.

The Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas and Hutchinson had total ridership in 2020 of 186,470, a drop of 43%. It was the largest decline in the long distance network. The Chief saw 327,276 passengers in 2019.

<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/2020/1/1580416889608.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amtrak will restore full time service to the Southwest Chief by the end of May. The restoration is part of an effort to restore daily service to 12 long distance routes. The Chief schedule was reduced to three times per week in October as the pandemic shut down most travel.Due to COVID relief funding, Amtrak will sustain and restore operations and recall the more than 1,200 furloughed employees through the remainder of FY21 and into FY22.&nbsp;Amtrak also plans to use more funding to replace and refurbish a number of cars and locomotives on the long distance routes. Those plans were already in place before the pandemic. If all goes as planned, the Chief will return to its daily schedule May 31.Ridership for the passenger rail carrier fell nearly 48% to just 16.8 million passengers. That compares with a record 32 million in 2019. Long distance ridership fell by 39% and commuter ridership fell by 50%.The Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas and Hutchinson had total ridership in 2020 of 186,470, a drop of 43%. It was the largest decline in the long distance network. The Chief saw 327,276 passengers in 2019.<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;

Amtrak's SW Chief back to daily service May 31

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is excited to see high-contact critical workers get vaccinated and the Chamber has been working with the Reno County Health Department to make that happen.

"Employers could opt in to come to a pod that was already set up, which we know has been very efficient, at the Sports Arena," Teufel said. "If there was a number of workers that made sense for them to go out on site, they offered to do that, as well. Tyson is one, I believe Kuhn Krause is offering that for their employees. Dillons offered to manage their workforce themselves, because, of course, Dillons as a pharmacy operation, is getting a supply, too."

Teufel believes all the large employers who qualify have chosen one or the other method of getting employees vaccinated.

"We need people to have confidence that they are safe when they are going to work, when they are going out to a store in the community," Teufel said. "We need to heighten that level of safety. Now that we've gotten through the elder population for the most part, especially those that are most at risk, I just think the next point is, it's been quite a disruption for businesses that have had COVID present in their workplace, then it spreads and then you have an attendance issue and then, all of a sudden, it disrupts your chain of business. It means so much to, especially the manufacturers out there that need to keep producing goods. They can't have a critical point in their production line disrupted."

The next vaccination clinic for those workers is Monday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. You can <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">apply for a time at the Reno County website.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is excited to see high-contact critical workers get vaccinated and the Chamber has been working with the Reno County Health Department to make that happen."Employers could opt in to come to a pod that was already set up, which we know has been very efficient, at the Sports Arena," Teufel said. "If there was a number of workers that made sense for them to go out on site, they offered to do that, as well. Tyson is one, I believe Kuhn Krause is offering that for their employees. Dillons offered to manage their workforce themselves, because, of course, Dillons as a pharmacy operation, is getting a supply, too."Teufel believes all the large employers who qualify have chosen one or the other method of getting employees vaccinated."We need people to have confidence that they are safe when they are going to work, when they are going out to a store in the community," Teufel said. "We need to heighten that level of safety. Now that we've gotten through the elder population for the most part, especially those that are most at risk, I just think the next point is, it's been quite a disruption for businesses that have had COVID present in their workplace, then it spreads and then you have an attendance issue and then, all of a sudden, it disrupts your chain of business. It means so much to, especially the manufacturers out there that need to keep producing goods. They can't have a critical point in their production line disrupted."The next vaccination clinic for those workers is Monday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. You can <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">apply for a time at the Reno County website.</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teufel: High-contact industries are opting in to vaccination


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to add technology infrastructure to the conference room at the County Annex that would allow them to hold their meetings there, if they so chose.

"The cost for just the audio and visual is $20,000 to install," said County Administrator Randy Partington. "The TriCaster add-on would be $10,500, so the total would be $30,500."

The question from commissioners was whether other departments would get enough use out of it to justify the expense.

"All the directors over there had different ideas about classes they could hold and record them for people that aren't able to attend, whether it's distancing or just distance, regional meetings they could have or training they could give to members of the public and record it and put it on the YouTube page," Partington said.

At the end of the day, commissioner Ron Sellers believed it would pay for itself.

"I think we'll find that we'll save in excess of $30,000 in the next two or three years just on having people attend meetings via that room instead of travel and taking full days for a meeting," Sellers said. "We've learned during COVID that Zoom is a fantastic approach towards learning."

Commissioners approved the purchase unanimously.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners agreed Tuesday to add technology infrastructure to the conference room at the County Annex that would allow them to hold their meetings there, if they so chose."The cost for just the audio and visual is $20,000 to install," said County Administrator Randy Partington. "The TriCaster add-on would be $10,500, so the total would be $30,500."The question from commissioners was whether other departments would get enough use out of it to justify the expense."All the directors over there had different ideas about classes they could hold and record them for people that aren't able to attend, whether it's distancing or just distance, regional meetings they could have or training they could give to members of the public and record it and put it on the YouTube page," Partington said.At the end of the day, commissioner Ron Sellers believed it would pay for itself."I think we'll find that we'll save in excess of $30,000 in the next two or three years just on having people attend meetings via that room instead of travel and taking full days for a meeting," Sellers said. "We've learned during COVID that Zoom is a fantastic approach towards learning."Commissioners approved the purchase unanimously.

County Commission agrees to annex AV infrastructure


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Texas man was injured in an accident on U.S. 50 Wednesday night.

According to information from the Reno County Sheriff's Office, just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, 65-year-old David William Coffman of Lubbock, Texas was traveling east on U.S. 50 when the semi he was driving left the roadway on the north side of the road. The semi overturned and came to rest on its top. 

Coffman was not wearing his seatbelt and was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A Texas man was injured in an accident on U.S. 50 Wednesday night.According to information from the Reno County Sheriff's Office, just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, 65-year-old David William Coffman of Lubbock, Texas was traveling east on U.S. 50 when the semi he was driving left the roadway on the north side of the road. The semi overturned and came to rest on its top. Coffman was not wearing his seatbelt and was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Texas man hurt when semi overturns in Reno County Wednesday

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Flood Watch for Portions of Central, South Central, and Southeast Kansas beginning Friday evening and stretching through Sunday afternoon. 

Occasional showers and thunderstorms will dominate the weekend. Some thunderstorms that will contain very heavy rain will be likely during the watch time.  As much as 2 to 4 inches of rain will be possible during this time.

Low land and flood prone areas will likely flood first. Areas adjacent to these areas will also be at risk.

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/2021/3/1615461002932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Flood Watch for Portions of Central, South Central, and Southeast Kansas beginning Friday evening and stretching through Sunday afternoon. Occasional showers and thunderstorms will dominate the weekend. Some thunderstorms that will contain very heavy rain will be likely during the watch time. As much as 2 to 4 inches of rain will be possible during this time.Low land and flood prone areas will likely flood first. Areas adjacent to these areas will also be at risk.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 starts Friday for McPherson and Harvey counties and points to the south and east


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 87 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

Out of 7,725 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,500 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. 

No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19, nor are there any cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters.

The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for this week. New gating criteria information has been released either late Thursday or early Friday in previous weeks.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N 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>.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 87 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. Out of 7,725 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,500 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. No Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19, nor are there any cases as part of documented long-term care facility clusters.The Positive Test Rate rolling average is at 7.0%, which leaves schools in the yellow for gating criteria for this week. New gating criteria information has been released either late Thursday or early Friday in previous weeks.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N 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 at 87, still no hospitalizations as of Wednesday

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash Tuesday morning in Sedgwick County have identified the victim as 65-year-old Carl C. Miller II of Hutchinson.

Just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, a southbound Chevy van driven by a Miller struck an eastbound Jeep Commander driven by a 29-year-old woman at the&nbsp; intersection of Kansas 15 and Meadowlark Boulevard, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The driver of the Jeep was attempting a left turn when Miller's&nbsp; van entered the intersection against a red light, according to Blick.

Miller was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the driver of the Jeep to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.

A southbound Chevy van driven by a 65-year-old man struck an eastbound Jeep Commander driven by a 29-year-old woman at the&nbsp; intersection of Kansas 15 and Meadowlark Boulevard, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The driver of the Jeep was attempting a left turn when the driver of the Chevy van entered the intersection against a red light, according to Blick.

&nbsp;The driver of the Chevy van died at the scene. EMS transported the driver of the Jeep to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities have not released the driver's names.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615330568976.png" alt="Derby police on the scene of the crash Tuesday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Derby police on the scene of the crash Tuesday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash Tuesday morning in Sedgwick County have identified the victim as 65-year-old Carl C. Miller II of Hutchinson.Just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, a southbound Chevy van driven by a Miller struck an eastbound Jeep Commander driven by a 29-year-old woman at the&nbsp; intersection of Kansas 15 and Meadowlark Boulevard, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver of the Jeep was attempting a left turn when Miller's&nbsp; van entered the intersection against a red light, according to Blick.Miller was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the driver of the Jeep to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp;----------SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Sedgwick County.A southbound Chevy van driven by a 65-year-old man struck an eastbound Jeep Commander driven by a 29-year-old woman at the&nbsp; intersection of Kansas 15 and Meadowlark Boulevard, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp;&nbsp;The driver of the Jeep was attempting a left turn when the driver of the Chevy van entered the intersection against a red light, according to Blick.&nbsp;The driver of the Chevy van died at the scene. EMS transported the driver of the Jeep to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities have not released the driver's names.

Sheriff IDs Hutchinson man who died in 2-vehicle crash 

BUHLER, Kan.— The Buhler USD 313 School Board gave approval to file an application with the Kansas Association of School Boards to bring virtual school to the district.

Approval would add Buhler to the list of school districts offering virtual schools in the county. Nickerson USD 309 and Haven USD 312 also offer at home schooling, as does Hutchinson USD 308. The district has recognized that some students excel in virtual learning, a byproduct of the pandemic which forced school districts to go to remote classes.

Under the program students in K-12 will be eligible for the program. Students will be required to meet good academic standing with the district and must maintain a passing grade is at least 60% of the course work. The student must also respond to all digital communication from the school and attend required meetings with their teachers either virtually or in person.

Students from outside the district may be accepted into the virtual school pending administrative approval. The district anticipates that only one instructor will be needed for every 40 students in the program.&nbsp;

If all goes as planned, the district will present its application to the KASB soon and hope to have an answer before the school year ends in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan.— The Buhler USD 313 School Board gave approval to file an application with the Kansas Association of School Boards to bring virtual school to the district.Approval would add Buhler to the list of school districts offering virtual schools in the county. Nickerson USD 309 and Haven USD 312 also offer at home schooling, as does Hutchinson USD 308. The district has recognized that some students excel in virtual learning, a byproduct of the pandemic which forced school districts to go to remote classes.Under the program students in K-12 will be eligible for the program. Students will be required to meet good academic standing with the district and must maintain a passing grade is at least 60% of the course work. The student must also respond to all digital communication from the school and attend required meetings with their teachers either virtually or in person.Students from outside the district may be accepted into the virtual school pending administrative approval. The district anticipates that only one instructor will be needed for every 40 students in the program.&nbsp;If all goes as planned, the district will present its application to the KASB soon and hope to have an answer before the school year ends in May.<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 USD 313 to apply for virtual learning program

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the exception of a few movies back in October, the big screen at Hutchinson’s Historic Theatre has been dark since March of 2020.&nbsp;

They hope to change that this weekend when they present DreamWorks newest animated feature The Croods: A New Age to kick off the return of the Fox Film Series. The Fox is also excited to announce the addition of classic cartoon animated shorts to be presented prior to each Fox Film Series movie. The cartoons will feature a variety of characters such as Betty Boop, Popeye, Felix the Cat, Little Audrey, Casper, and more.

The Croods: A New Age will be presented Friday, March 12th – Sunday, March 14th. Fox Film Series show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is just $5 per person and only available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time and Fox volunteers will be serving up piping hot popcorn and ice-cold beverages at our concession stand.

Film Series punch card passes are also available for just $45. Each pass includes 10 punches for admission to any Fox Film Series movie and also comes with a Popcorn Punch Card good for five free small popcorns from the Fox Concession Stand. Film Series passes aren’t movie specific and don’t expire. Passes can be purchased online at <a href="http://hutchinsonfox.com/">www.hutchinsonfox.com</a>, or at the theatre’s Box Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614097835841.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the exception of a few movies back in October, the big screen at Hutchinson’s Historic Theatre has been dark since March of 2020.&nbsp;They hope to change that this weekend when they present DreamWorks newest animated feature The Croods: A New Age to kick off the return of the Fox Film Series. The Fox is also excited to announce the addition of classic cartoon animated shorts to be presented prior to each Fox Film Series movie. The cartoons will feature a variety of characters such as Betty Boop, Popeye, Felix the Cat, Little Audrey, Casper, and more.The Croods: A New Age will be presented Friday, March 12th – Sunday, March 14th. Fox Film Series show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is just $5 per person and only available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time and Fox volunteers will be serving up piping hot popcorn and ice-cold beverages at our concession stand.Film Series punch card passes are also available for just $45. Each pass includes 10 punches for admission to any Fox Film Series movie and also comes with a Popcorn Punch Card good for five free small popcorns from the Fox Concession Stand. Film Series passes aren’t movie specific and don’t expire. Passes can be purchased online at <a href="http://hutchinsonfox.com/">www.hutchinsonfox.com</a>, or at the theatre’s Box Office.<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;

Fox to kick off movies again this Friday

NICKERSON, Kan. — The Kansas Association of School Boards and the Nickerson School District are wanting patrons input on what they want in their new superintendent.

An online survey is now available to seek that information on the desired characteristics needed to fill that position. The survey will take about five minutes to complete and can be accessed at <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/309">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/309</a>.&nbsp;

The survey will close March 21. The District appointed the KASB to help in finding a replacement for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson. The School Board said Monday they would like to be able to make an offer to their candidate of choice by mid-April.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585943325915.jpeg" alt="USD 309 Logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>USD 309 Logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The Kansas Association of School Boards and the Nickerson School District are wanting patrons input on what they want in their new superintendent.An online survey is now available to seek that information on the desired characteristics needed to fill that position. The survey will take about five minutes to complete and can be accessed at <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/309">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/309</a>.&nbsp;The survey will close March 21. The District appointed the KASB to help in finding a replacement for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson. The School Board said Monday they would like to be able to make an offer to their candidate of choice by mid-April.
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK
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sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

USD 309 offers survey as part of superintendent search


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper explained that whether or not to continue a chase of a suspect in a vehicle is a decision that is dependent on circumstances.

"What the law says when we are pursuing a suspect is that, if the reason for pursuit, so the reason that we're trying to stop them, if the danger of the pursuit outweighs that reason, then we should terminate that pursuit, is typically the guidance."

Therefore, someone guilty of a person felony would likely be chased further and with more allowed risk than someone who has only committed a traffic offense and has no outstanding warrants.

"This has been an emphasis in our department over about the last six months," Hooper said. "We have really reviewed our pursuit policy and the application of that policy. There's been a couple pursuits here of late that have concerned me. We're young. We're very young. I have officers that have never been in a pursuit before. Every one of those pursuits, we review it from the sergeant level, the lieutenant level, my operations commander and all the way up to me, review every aspect of that pursuit to determine whether it was in policy, whether its a training issue and we try to improve on that and then we review it with those supervisors who have the overall command of that pursuit."

It's important that anyone who commits an offense knows that they may be held accountable.

"I have not implemented a no pursuit policy, because then you encourage everybody to run from you," Hooper said. "It's all about that balance. You weigh the dangers of the pursuit versus the safety of the community and the need for immediate apprehension."

The information given to the officers about the suspect will likely not be known to the general public, which is why it is hard to know exactly what decision officers may make in a given situation.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper explained that whether or not to continue a chase of a suspect in a vehicle is a decision that is dependent on circumstances."What the law says when we are pursuing a suspect is that, if the reason for pursuit, so the reason that we're trying to stop them, if the danger of the pursuit outweighs that reason, then we should terminate that pursuit, is typically the guidance."Therefore, someone guilty of a person felony would likely be chased further and with more allowed risk than someone who has only committed a traffic offense and has no outstanding warrants."This has been an emphasis in our department over about the last six months," Hooper said. "We have really reviewed our pursuit policy and the application of that policy. There's been a couple pursuits here of late that have concerned me. We're young. We're very young. I have officers that have never been in a pursuit before. Every one of those pursuits, we review it from the sergeant level, the lieutenant level, my operations commander and all the way up to me, review every aspect of that pursuit to determine whether it was in policy, whether its a training issue and we try to improve on that and then we review it with those supervisors who have the overall command of that pursuit."It's important that anyone who commits an offense knows that they may be held accountable."I have not implemented a no pursuit policy, because then you encourage everybody to run from you," Hooper said. "It's all about that balance. You weigh the dangers of the pursuit versus the safety of the community and the need for immediate apprehension."The information given to the officers about the suspect will likely not be known to the general public, which is why it is hard to know exactly what decision officers may make in a given situation.
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Hooper: Police pursuit decisions made on case-by-case basis


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer explained how his department determined where to do their mitigation burning earlier this year to protect certain areas from wildfires.

"Everybody remembers the big fires of 2017 around Hutch," Beer said. "Along with that, there has been numerous other large fires around Hutch. What we did after the 2017 fire, we looked at some of the lessons that were learned. My division chief of operations and myself sat down with our GIS department and we looked at 20 years of history of big fires, wildland fires around Hutch. What we found when we started plotting these out, is that there was a lot of commonalities amongst these fires. They jumped the roads in the same spot, based on the wind speeds and different things, the wind directions and so, we came up with a plan to try to mitigate areas in key areas, based on history."

"Use Plum Street as an example north of town," Beer said. "The road is basically 30 feet, but when we burn each side of the ditches off, we gain about 80 feet of anchoring points to burn off of or work off of. You take today, the relative humidity is going to be down to 15%. A lot of people don't really understand that. They just think fire is fire and it happens any time. When the humidity drops that low, basically you can spit on the ground and it can start a fire. It doesn't take anything and these fires jump these roads so fast and then they move on to the next road and they keep going. If we have places where we can stop and control these and anchor off of, we've got a fighting chance in these 40 to 50 mile an hour wind conditions."

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581421107529.jpeg" alt="2020 Mitigation Burning File Photo" />
 <figcaption>2020 Mitigation Burning File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer explained how his department determined where to do their mitigation burning earlier this year to protect certain areas from wildfires."Everybody remembers the big fires of 2017 around Hutch," Beer said. "Along with that, there has been numerous other large fires around Hutch. What we did after the 2017 fire, we looked at some of the lessons that were learned. My division chief of operations and myself sat down with our GIS department and we looked at 20 years of history of big fires, wildland fires around Hutch. What we found when we started plotting these out, is that there was a lot of commonalities amongst these fires. They jumped the roads in the same spot, based on the wind speeds and different things, the wind directions and so, we came up with a plan to try to mitigate areas in key areas, based on history."Beer gave one example."Use Plum Street as an example north of town," Beer said. "The road is basically 30 feet, but when we burn each side of the ditches off, we gain about 80 feet of anchoring points to burn off of or work off of. You take today, the relative humidity is going to be down to 15%. A lot of people don't really understand that. They just think fire is fire and it happens any time. When the humidity drops that low, basically you can spit on the ground and it can start a fire. It doesn't take anything and these fires jump these roads so fast and then they move on to the next road and they keep going. If we have places where we can stop and control these and anchor off of, we've got a fighting chance in these 40 to 50 mile an hour wind conditions."A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Beer: Previous mitigation burns key when red flag conditions exist


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners is not going to vote on wind farm regulations until commissioner Daniel Friesen is ready.

"One of our commissioners possibly isn't ready to vote on the three major things that we're still debating, distance from a non-participating property, sound and flicker," said commissioner Ron Sellers. "If that individual isn't ready to vote on this, I'd suggest that we put this off and not take this issue up again until he's ready."

Friesen is still searching for a compromise from those who want the economic development and those who don't want the turbines changing their rural quality of life.

"I think the different interests involved, specifically, those that are most affected, the property owners, both participating and non-participating, should have some discussions with the economic development interests of this community, the Hutch Chamber, and there's been a significant amount of economic development interest in this matter. I think that's something we missed previously, is that some of this could perhaps be solved, or at least discussed better outside of this particular forum."

Friesen also noted that there is legislation that has been introduced at the state level that could make the discussion moot.

"There's Senate Bill 279 that's in front of the Kansas Senate right now," Friesen said. "It appears to, by way of statute, override a lot of the things we're talking about here. I think it might be appropriate to get a staff report sent out as to what the differences are in Senate Bill 279 as compared to what we're looking at here."

The board voted 2-1 to set the issue aside until their April 13 meeting. Friesen and Sellers voted for that, Ron Hirst wanted to talk about it sooner, so he voted no.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614975074208.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Board of Reno County Commissioners is not going to vote on wind farm regulations until commissioner Daniel Friesen is ready."One of our commissioners possibly isn't ready to vote on the three major things that we're still debating, distance from a non-participating property, sound and flicker," said commissioner Ron Sellers. "If that individual isn't ready to vote on this, I'd suggest that we put this off and not take this issue up again until he's ready."Friesen is still searching for a compromise from those who want the economic development and those who don't want the turbines changing their rural quality of life."I think the different interests involved, specifically, those that are most affected, the property owners, both participating and non-participating, should have some discussions with the economic development interests of this community, the Hutch Chamber, and there's been a significant amount of economic development interest in this matter. I think that's something we missed previously, is that some of this could perhaps be solved, or at least discussed better outside of this particular forum."Friesen also noted that there is legislation that has been introduced at the state level that could make the discussion moot."There's Senate Bill 279 that's in front of the Kansas Senate right now," Friesen said. "It appears to, by way of statute, override a lot of the things we're talking about here. I think it might be appropriate to get a staff report sent out as to what the differences are in Senate Bill 279 as compared to what we're looking at here."The board voted 2-1 to set the issue aside until their April 13 meeting. Friesen and Sellers voted for that, Ron Hirst wanted to talk about it sooner, so he voted no.
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Wind farm regs pushed off again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Parents in Hutchinson USD 308 are being asked to fill out an enrollment survey for next year. This survey will gather pre-enrollment numbers for the district's new virtual school as well as traditional schools in USD 308.

For the 2021-2022 school year, students have two options for learning, either in person or through the district's new virtual school.

Hutchinson Virtual School (HVS) is a part of USD 308. HVS is open to K-12 students who reside in the state of Kansas. Local USD 308 teachers will provide support and instruction through daily online contact with students. In-person instruction sessions can be scheduled as needed. Adults wishing to complete their diploma are also encouraged to enroll. HVS will be open for enrollment soon and will follow the USD 308 calendar.

The survey will ask a variety of questions for each child.  There will be families who move between now and August, so this is just a preliminary indication of numbers and not the actual enrollment process. March 12th is the deadline to complete the survey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Parents in Hutchinson USD 308 are being asked to fill out an enrollment survey for next year. This survey will gather pre-enrollment numbers for the district's new virtual school as well as traditional schools in USD 308.For the 2021-2022 school year, students have two options for learning, either in person or through the district's new virtual school.Hutchinson Virtual School (HVS) is a part of USD 308. HVS is open to K-12 students who reside in the state of Kansas. Local USD 308 teachers will provide support and instruction through daily online contact with students. In-person instruction sessions can be scheduled as needed. Adults wishing to complete their diploma are also encouraged to enroll. HVS will be open for enrollment soon and will follow the USD 308 calendar.The survey will ask a variety of questions for each child. There will be families who move between now and August, so this is just a preliminary indication of numbers and not the actual enrollment process. March 12th is the deadline to complete the survey.

USD 308 asking parents to fill out enrollment survey for next year

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday.

Extreme grassland fire danger is forecast. Winds from the southwest will be sustained from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 15 percent.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615373421136.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday.Extreme grassland fire danger is forecast. Winds from the southwest will be sustained from 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 15 percent.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Red Flag Warning in effect Wednesday

Red Flag Warning in effect and the mask mandate will be looked at later this month, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Red Flag Warning in effect and the mask mandate will be looked at later this month, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="March 10, 2021 Morning News" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/cvmjb-fd3327?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 10, 2021 Morning News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A hearing is set before the Kansas Court of Appeals on Wednesday in a civil case filed by a Hutchinson man serving more than 20 years in prison for a home invasion case six years ago.

Twenty-six-year-old Fredrick Lemons was convicted of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery and criminal threat. Lemons was one of four men who broke into a home on north Waldron Street in May of 2015, beat the victim and tied him up. From there, the men stole two vehicles along with a number of items.

Lemons filed a civil case in August of 2019 citing ineffective counsel and other matters. The case went before the district court in February of 2020 where the case was denied.&nbsp;

Only briefs will be presented on Wednesday. No oral arguments will be delivered.

Lemons was convicted along with three other defendants in the case. Only Lemons is involved in the civil action.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615320864932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A hearing is set before the Kansas Court of Appeals on Wednesday in a civil case filed by a Hutchinson man serving more than 20 years in prison for a home invasion case six years ago.Twenty-six-year-old Fredrick Lemons was convicted of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery and criminal threat. Lemons was one of four men who broke into a home on north Waldron Street in May of 2015, beat the victim and tied him up. From there, the men stole two vehicles along with a number of items.Lemons filed a civil case in August of 2019 citing ineffective counsel and other matters. The case went before the district court in February of 2020 where the case was denied.&nbsp;Only briefs will be presented on Wednesday. No oral arguments will be delivered.Lemons was convicted along with three other defendants in the case. Only Lemons is involved in the civil action.<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;

Civil case in aggravated burglary conviction goes before Court of Appeals Wednesday

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 will continue with its preschool application clinics this week. Parents who will have preschool students at Union Valley Elementary can attend the clinic on Thursday, March 11. The clinic will run from 5 to 7 p.m.

USD 313 offers half day preschool for children ages 3 and 4 free of charge and low cost child care in the same building. The sessions run from 7:45 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. and then in the afternoon from 11:45 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Lunch is served to both sessions with normal lunch and breakfast fees.

A third clinic will be held March 25 at Buhler Grade School in Buhler from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information go to <a href="http://usd313.org">usd313.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 will continue with its preschool application clinics this week. Parents who will have preschool students at Union Valley Elementary can attend the clinic on Thursday, March 11. The clinic will run from 5 to 7 p.m.USD 313 offers half day preschool for children ages 3 and 4 free of charge and low cost child care in the same building. The sessions run from 7:45 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. and then in the afternoon from 11:45 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Lunch is served to both sessions with normal lunch and breakfast fees.A third clinic will be held March 25 at Buhler Grade School in Buhler from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information go to <a href="http://usd313.org">usd313.org.</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 USD 313 continues with preschool clinics

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The HutchCC Board of Trustees will go over student tuition fees during Thursday's regular meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If approved, fees would increase by $2 across the board. Kansas residents would see their fees increase to $95 per credit hour and up to $126 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

International student fees would also increase to $135 per credit hour. All other student fees would remain at $23.

Also Thursday, the board will seek approval to establish a new teaching position. This one would be a Construction Trades Trainer. The new position would involve teaching building and construction trades such as plumbing, HVAC, carpentry and other building trades. It would include working with Greenbush and the Kansas Department of Corrections to bring these classes to inmates at HCF.

The board will also take action on a new position of Ag Instructor. The new instructor would teach assigned courses within the Agricultural program. Courses may include, Ag Economics, Ag Marketing, Animal Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding, Ag Math, Farm Management and Microcomputers in Ag.&nbsp;

The board will also go into executive session for negotiations. Thursday’s meeting of the HutchCC Board of Trustees begins at 7 p.m. at the Shears Technology Center on the HutchCC Campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581541933395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The HutchCC Board of Trustees will go over student tuition fees during Thursday's regular meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;If approved, fees would increase by $2 across the board. Kansas residents would see their fees increase to $95 per credit hour and up to $126 per credit hour for out-of-state students.International student fees would also increase to $135 per credit hour. All other student fees would remain at $23.Also Thursday, the board will seek approval to establish a new teaching position. This one would be a Construction Trades Trainer. The new position would involve teaching building and construction trades such as plumbing, HVAC, carpentry and other building trades. It would include working with Greenbush and the Kansas Department of Corrections to bring these classes to inmates at HCF.The board will also take action on a new position of Ag Instructor. The new instructor would teach assigned courses within the Agricultural program. Courses may include, Ag Economics, Ag Marketing, Animal Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding, Ag Math, Farm Management and Microcomputers in Ag.&nbsp;The board will also go into executive session for negotiations. Thursday’s meeting of the HutchCC Board of Trustees begins at 7 p.m. at the Shears Technology Center on the HutchCC Campus.<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 BOT to go over tuition fees on Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce notes that a significant sector of the Reno County economy was rocked by COVID-19 this past year.

"The hotel and hospitality industry and our restaurants were hit so hard," Teufel said. "Over 120 events that would normally have brought economic prosperity to Hutchinson were cancelled, including the State Fair."

The breadth of the economic impact is a staggering number.

"We've had a lot of talks with the hotels about what they are feeling," Teufel said. "If I could put a number to it, I think our hotel industry alone lost somewhere between $3.5 to $5 million over the last year here. We're not out of the woods yet."

There is a minor piece of hope for lodging growth in Hutchinson going in downtown.

"It's been wonderful to see Mark and Phoebe Davenport, who have invested in now, three buildings in our downtown," Teufel said. "Last year, they purchased the Plaza Towers and Leon Hotel. You probably saw, just last week, they closed on the purchase of the Hoke Building and their intent with the Hoke Building is to add about 18 boutique hotel rooms to our inventory."

The Chamber would love to see more hotel rooms added in other areas in the future, as they see that as an area where the community can still grow, as even the teams that come to town for the NJCAA tournament aren't able to be fully accommodated in the city right now.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580397097469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Debra Teufel with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce notes that a significant sector of the Reno County economy was rocked by COVID-19 this past year."The hotel and hospitality industry and our restaurants were hit so hard," Teufel said. "Over 120 events that would normally have brought economic prosperity to Hutchinson were cancelled, including the State Fair."The breadth of the economic impact is a staggering number."We've had a lot of talks with the hotels about what they are feeling," Teufel said. "If I could put a number to it, I think our hotel industry alone lost somewhere between $3.5 to $5 million over the last year here. We're not out of the woods yet."There is a minor piece of hope for lodging growth in Hutchinson going in downtown."It's been wonderful to see Mark and Phoebe Davenport, who have invested in now, three buildings in our downtown," Teufel said. "Last year, they purchased the Plaza Towers and Leon Hotel. You probably saw, just last week, they closed on the purchase of the Hoke Building and their intent with the Hoke Building is to add about 18 boutique hotel rooms to our inventory."The Chamber would love to see more hotel rooms added in other areas in the future, as they see that as an area where the community can still grow, as even the teams that come to town for the NJCAA tournament aren't able to be fully accommodated in the city right now.
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Teufel: Hospitality industry in Hutchinson lost millions in COVID cancellations

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Recent obituaries


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The Board of Reno County Commissioners will be looking later this month at whether or not a mask mandate is still needed in the county. 

"I think some of the policies probably were a little overreactive," said County Commissioner Daniel Friesen. "At what point do we acknowledge that and start to kind of move to reopening, to a point where we look at the evidence and say this is working and this is not."

The Reno County Medical Collaborative advised the commission that they should keep the mandate a little longer to allow for further vaccinations.

"It would be our recommendation to not opt out of the Governor's mask mandate at this time," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We feel that this is premature. Our numbers are coming down. We have gotten the high priority people as far as those 65 and older vaccinated. Also, we have the first portion of teachers vaccinated, but they don't even have their second vaccines in. We just sent all kids back to school, which we would like to keep them in school."

Friesen, at the least, wants to see more evidence. He believes that masks should be worn, but that the county commission shouldn't necessarily mandate them.

"That's where I'm seeing the difference here, between forcing somebody and having the burden of proof that it seems like we're having trouble developing and one notch less, which is, hey, this is highly recommended. Let's keep doing it until we're out of this."

He wanted to give the medical community a chance to provide their proof before voting to take anything away, so the item has been scheduled to be revisited on March 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615313530881.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The Board of Reno County Commissioners will be looking later this month at whether or not a mask mandate is still needed in the county. "I think some of the policies probably were a little overreactive," said County Commissioner Daniel Friesen. "At what point do we acknowledge that and start to kind of move to reopening, to a point where we look at the evidence and say this is working and this is not."The Reno County Medical Collaborative advised the commission that they should keep the mandate a little longer to allow for further vaccinations."It would be our recommendation to not opt out of the Governor's mask mandate at this time," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We feel that this is premature. Our numbers are coming down. We have gotten the high priority people as far as those 65 and older vaccinated. Also, we have the first portion of teachers vaccinated, but they don't even have their second vaccines in. We just sent all kids back to school, which we would like to keep them in school."Friesen, at the least, wants to see more evidence. He believes that masks should be worn, but that the county commission shouldn't necessarily mandate them."That's where I'm seeing the difference here, between forcing somebody and having the burden of proof that it seems like we're having trouble developing and one notch less, which is, hey, this is highly recommended. Let's keep doing it until we're out of this."He wanted to give the medical community a chance to provide their proof before voting to take anything away, so the item has been scheduled to be revisited on March 30.
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Mask mandate to be revisited March 30

NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board is putting their search for a new superintendent into motion.

The Board heard a presentation from the Kansas Association of School Boards who will lead the search to fill the vacant position. The Board has set a timeline of just four weeks to find a replacement for Dr. Dawn Johnson who is now the Executive Director of Human Resources for Hutchinson USD 308.&nbsp;

The KASB will assemble a subcommittee made up of teachers, staff and community leaders along with students to find out what they want in a new superintendent. If all goes as planned, they hope to have an offer to their candidate of choice by mid-April.

Also Monday night, the Board approved the school calendar for the year and held a lengthy discussion on what to do about the softball field. The district uses both Fun Valley and the Nickerson city diamond for games. The city diamond is in need of repairs and Fun Valley is off-site.&nbsp;

The district has been entertaining the idea of building a new softball field adjacent to the current baseball field at the high school. No action was taken.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582640712689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson USD 309 School Board is putting their search for a new superintendent into motion.The Board heard a presentation from the Kansas Association of School Boards who will lead the search to fill the vacant position. The Board has set a timeline of just four weeks to find a replacement for Dr. Dawn Johnson who is now the Executive Director of Human Resources for Hutchinson USD 308.&nbsp;The KASB will assemble a subcommittee made up of teachers, staff and community leaders along with students to find out what they want in a new superintendent. If all goes as planned, they hope to have an offer to their candidate of choice by mid-April.Also Monday night, the Board approved the school calendar for the year and held a lengthy discussion on what to do about the softball field. The district uses both Fun Valley and the Nickerson city diamond for games. The city diamond is in need of repairs and Fun Valley is off-site.&nbsp;The district has been entertaining the idea of building a new softball field adjacent to the current baseball field at the high school. No action was taken.<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;