Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

In recent days I’ve been catching up on chores I decided to put on hold during our recent weather, which caused temperatures to plummet, the sky to appear gray and gloomy, and left many in the middle of the country to adjust energy consumption in the hopes of keeping the power on.&nbsp; &nbsp; Many of my chores that I’ve been tackling have been household related. I’ve spent a lot of time moving laundry from the washer to the dryer. It always amazes me how much dirty laundry a family of four can create. It also amazes me how quickly it can all pile up when you pause. As I’ve been chipping away at these piles, more and more of my laundry room floor, once covered by multiple hampers and piles of sorted dirty clothes, is beginning to reappear. This simple sign of progress truly makes me happy. &nbsp; During the recent cold days, which kept our kids home from school because of extreme temperatures, I routinely bundled up in my layers and walked around our yard checking on things. I made sure to check on my beehives to ensure the insulation I had remained intact during the cold. I didn’t know if I had done enough to protect them and was concerned I would find my hives full of frozen, dead bees once everything began to thaw out. As the temperatures have risen and the warm sun has returned, I have noticed the bees are venturing out and flying in the warmth of the afternoons now. It’s a sight many may take for granted — let alone notice — but for me it is a simple sign promising sweet treats later this summer. &nbsp; While driving throughout our area, I have also noticed that the wheat fields we planted in the fall are showing hints of green. While I’ve learned over the years wheat is tough and can survive the cold — &nbsp;especially if there’s a layer of snow to insulate it — I worried that it might have been too cold for too long this year. Needless to say, the hints of green that I am viewing through the windshield as I drive past are a welcome color to see. The plants still have many months to go, but this simple sign provides me with some assurance we will have a crop to harvest this summer. &nbsp; The farm ponds in our area that recently froze over are slowly melting as well. The thick ice that covered the ponds and remained for an impressive number of days is now slowly dripping away, allowing the geese to return to swimming in the water instead of huddling on the ice.&nbsp; &nbsp; The one pond in our neighborhood, which became a community meeting place for hockey and skating enthusiasts, has almost completely melted showing only a few thin floating sheets of ice serving as receipts for the recent brutal cold. The homemade hockey rink that offered many freezing days and nights full of men and boys burning off energy during some serious games while others huddled near a fire to watch the events unfold has now been deconstructed and put away. &nbsp; The view of the pond now is that of hundreds, if not thousands, of geese floating on the water and enjoying the warmth of the sunlight. The image of the congregation of people on the ice during the recent freezing, dark days I have etched in my mind along with the views of these birds returning to the water in the sunlight is a simple sign of community gatherings throughout a variety of degrees. &nbsp; It’s strange to think that simple signs are all around us daily. May we all occasionally notice these signs and allow them to energize and power us as we move forward and return to our normal routines following the brutal cold.

"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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherIn recent days I’ve been catching up on chores I decided to put on hold during our recent weather, which caused temperatures to plummet, the sky to appear gray and gloomy, and left many in the middle of the country to adjust energy consumption in the hopes of keeping the power on.&nbsp; &nbsp; Many of my chores that I’ve been tackling have been household related. I’ve spent a lot of time moving laundry from the washer to the dryer. It always amazes me how much dirty laundry a family of four can create. It also amazes me how quickly it can all pile up when you pause. As I’ve been chipping away at these piles, more and more of my laundry room floor, once covered by multiple hampers and piles of sorted dirty clothes, is beginning to reappear. This simple sign of progress truly makes me happy. &nbsp; During the recent cold days, which kept our kids home from school because of extreme temperatures, I routinely bundled up in my layers and walked around our yard checking on things. I made sure to check on my beehives to ensure the insulation I had remained intact during the cold. I didn’t know if I had done enough to protect them and was concerned I would find my hives full of frozen, dead bees once everything began to thaw out. As the temperatures have risen and the warm sun has returned, I have noticed the bees are venturing out and flying in the warmth of the afternoons now. It’s a sight many may take for granted — let alone notice — but for me it is a simple sign promising sweet treats later this summer. &nbsp; While driving throughout our area, I have also noticed that the wheat fields we planted in the fall are showing hints of green. While I’ve learned over the years wheat is tough and can survive the cold — &nbsp;especially if there’s a layer of snow to insulate it — I worried that it might have been too cold for too long this year. Needless to say, the hints of green that I am viewing through the windshield as I drive past are a welcome color to see. The plants still have many months to go, but this simple sign provides me with some assurance we will have a crop to harvest this summer. &nbsp; The farm ponds in our area that recently froze over are slowly melting as well. The thick ice that covered the ponds and remained for an impressive number of days is now slowly dripping away, allowing the geese to return to swimming in the water instead of huddling on the ice.&nbsp; &nbsp; The one pond in our neighborhood, which became a community meeting place for hockey and skating enthusiasts, has almost completely melted showing only a few thin floating sheets of ice serving as receipts for the recent brutal cold. The homemade hockey rink that offered many freezing days and nights full of men and boys burning off energy during some serious games while others huddled near a fire to watch the events unfold has now been deconstructed and put away. &nbsp; The view of the pond now is that of hundreds, if not thousands, of geese floating on the water and enjoying the warmth of the sunlight. The image of the congregation of people on the ice during the recent freezing, dark days I have etched in my mind along with the views of these birds returning to the water in the sunlight is a simple sign of community gatherings throughout a variety of degrees. &nbsp; It’s strange to think that simple signs are all around us daily. May we all occasionally notice these signs and allow them to energize and power us as we move forward and return to our normal routines following the brutal cold."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: Simple Signs

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chance Hayes with the Wichita office of the National Weather Service notes that his annual talks to storm spotters <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/spottertalks">are different this year</a>.

"This year, we're just actually getting started, since everything is going to be virtual," Hayes said. "We're going to be able to host a lot more folks online than we are in person. I'd much rather be there in person, because getting to know the folks and chat with them is extremely important to us, but, you know, we're dealt with the situation and we're doing the best that we can."

Even though he won't be in the same room, he hopes to bring much of the same overall information.

"The talk's almost going to be identical to years past," Hayes said. "I mean, the content, of course, is going to be different, because we have to change that up every single year so that it doesn't become monotonous, but I'm still going to be giving a Power Point presentation with plenty of images and graphics. Not quite as many videos this year, just because I want to ensure that everybody has a smooth flow and it's not choppy on their end."

Hayes said his office really doesn't do a lot of trying to predict the entire season. They are focused on what's next weatherwise, but they are taking a look at what's happened in the past a bit at this point.

"Sometimes, we'll look a little bit further ahead, but our bread and butter is on the next seven days," Hayes said. "However, we have been looking at the upcoming spring and what we may expect and the patterns that are out there. A lot of that hinges on what we call El Nino and La Nina. I know that a lot of folks are starting to hear those buzzwords in the background nowadays and we're moving into what we call a neutral phase of La Nina, which in years past has given us a more active spring and early summer season."

Usually, when really active weather happens they will begin to see the ingredients coming together as far as seven days out.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592752482558.jpeg" alt="" />
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chance Hayes with the Wichita office of the National Weather Service notes that his annual talks to storm spotters <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/spottertalks">are different this year</a>."This year, we're just actually getting started, since everything is going to be virtual," Hayes said. "We're going to be able to host a lot more folks online than we are in person. I'd much rather be there in person, because getting to know the folks and chat with them is extremely important to us, but, you know, we're dealt with the situation and we're doing the best that we can."Even though he won't be in the same room, he hopes to bring much of the same overall information."The talk's almost going to be identical to years past," Hayes said. "I mean, the content, of course, is going to be different, because we have to change that up every single year so that it doesn't become monotonous, but I'm still going to be giving a Power Point presentation with plenty of images and graphics. Not quite as many videos this year, just because I want to ensure that everybody has a smooth flow and it's not choppy on their end."Hayes said his office really doesn't do a lot of trying to predict the entire season. They are focused on what's next weatherwise, but they are taking a look at what's happened in the past a bit at this point."Sometimes, we'll look a little bit further ahead, but our bread and butter is on the next seven days," Hayes said. "However, we have been looking at the upcoming spring and what we may expect and the patterns that are out there. A lot of that hinges on what we call El Nino and La Nina. I know that a lot of folks are starting to hear those buzzwords in the background nowadays and we're moving into what we call a neutral phase of La Nina, which in years past has given us a more active spring and early summer season."Usually, when really active weather happens they will begin to see the ingredients coming together as far as seven days out.

Hayes: Spotter talks virtual in 2021


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar notes that March 1 is the anniversary of the real start of COVID-19 response from his office.

"We didn't declare a public health emergency in the county until the 19th, but this would be the one year mark," Weishaar said. "At the start of this, it was one of those things that we didn't know it was really going to turn into this. We started our conversations all the way back in the early part of February, February 3 to be exact and we said hey, this could be a real thing. This could be something that's brought into Kansas, something that we see in our community and started having those discussions."

Once the virus got close in mid-March, it was clear it wasn't going away soon. 

"We said then that we're looking at maybe an 18-month response," Weishaar said. "People thought we were crazy and here we are a year later."

Weishaar thinks that timeline is still close to where we'll end up.

"I believe 18 months is still probably pretty accurate," Weishaar said. "Our disaster declaration and the state's declaration is set to expire on the 31st of March. I would like to see them stay in place, just for the simple fact of it keeps the flow going. It keeps the availability of resources, the availability of getting personal protective equipment or sharps containers or testing supplies, whatever we happen to need."

Weishaar's office is responsible for finding those commonly needed resources through state and federal government channels when they are not available privately.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585131092050.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar notes that March 1 is the anniversary of the real start of COVID-19 response from his office."We didn't declare a public health emergency in the county until the 19th, but this would be the one year mark," Weishaar said. "At the start of this, it was one of those things that we didn't know it was really going to turn into this. We started our conversations all the way back in the early part of February, February 3 to be exact and we said hey, this could be a real thing. This could be something that's brought into Kansas, something that we see in our community and started having those discussions."Once the virus got close in mid-March, it was clear it wasn't going away soon. "We said then that we're looking at maybe an 18-month response," Weishaar said. "People thought we were crazy and here we are a year later."Weishaar thinks that timeline is still close to where we'll end up."I believe 18 months is still probably pretty accurate," Weishaar said. "Our disaster declaration and the state's declaration is set to expire on the 31st of March. I would like to see them stay in place, just for the simple fact of it keeps the flow going. It keeps the availability of resources, the availability of getting personal protective equipment or sharps containers or testing supplies, whatever we happen to need."Weishaar's office is responsible for finding those commonly needed resources through state and federal government channels when they are not available privately.
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Weishaar: One year in, county still needs emergency declaration for COVID-19

from <a href="https://ksstorm.info/">KSStorm.info</a>

It’s an annual rite of passage in Spring, the daily severe weather forecast. If you are the uber-weather geek, you are likely checking the Storm Prediction Center’s forecast, sometimes multiple times a day, to get the latest severe weather forecast.

But if you are not one to check the severe weather forecast every day, do you know the risk categories and how to use them in your severe weather preparations?

Five Tiers Indicate Risk, Probabilities

The color-coded, five-tiered forecasts became operational in late 2014 and offered an update to the three-tiered — slight, moderate, high — system that had been in use for more than forty years.

“We found that many people only looked at the categorical risk terms (Slight, Moderate, High) and not the probabilities, and as a result may have missed important information about the risk,” said Bill Bunting, Chief of Forecast Operations for the Storm Prediction Center.&nbsp; “By adding two additional categories (Marginal Risk better reflects lower probability risk than the previous “See Text”), virtually any change to the underlying probabilities now results in a change in the risk category.&nbsp; This allows one to gain a more complete picture of the spatial distribution of the risk simply by looking at the convective outlook categorical risk graphic.”

Since the change, Bunting says the response from NWS meteorologists, broadcast media, and emergency management partners has been positive.

Bunting says the outlook forecasts, issued multiple times each day, are based on anticipated coverage of severe storms. From there, forecasters use subjectively based calibrations for a tornado, large hail (larger than one-inch in diameter), and damaging wind (58 mph or more) risks within 25 miles of a given location. Storm Prediction Center forecasters do not issue forecasts for heavy rain and lightning. But, heavy rain and lightning are just dangerous as a tornado, hail, or high winds.

“The risk terms reflect an increasing likelihood of a severe storm at any given location from Marginal to High Risk, and this is very useful information to anyone wanting to plan for severe weather. The individual hazard probabilities in the Day 1 and Day 2 Convective Outlooks provide insight into which threats are greatest on a particular day,” Bunting said.

When severe weather is forecast, forecasters at local National Weather Service offices will offer media partners and emergency managers briefings on the greatest risks in a particular area. From there, they relay the information to the general public. The communication of risks could be used to postpone outdoor or mass-gathering events, church services or shorten school days.

Since the five-tiered system’s implementation, there have been some slight refinements as social science has evolved. Bunting says the SPC continues to work with social and behavioral scientists to better understand how to communicate severe storm risk. They will gather best practices from that research to help guide any potential future changes to their communication strategies.&nbsp; This could include changes to the risk terms, colors, numbers, and other aspects of the communication process.

Outlooks are the first step in your Severe Weather preparation

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614597671277.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
MATTHEW HARDING
from <a href="https://ksstorm.info/">KSStorm.info</a> It’s an annual rite of passage in Spring, the daily severe weather forecast. If you are the uber-weather geek, you are likely checking the Storm Prediction Center’s forecast, sometimes multiple times a day, to get the latest severe weather forecast.But if you are not one to check the severe weather forecast every day, do you know the risk categories and how to use them in your severe weather preparations?<h2>Five Tiers Indicate Risk, Probabilities </h2>The color-coded, five-tiered forecasts became operational in late 2014 and offered an update to the three-tiered — slight, moderate, high — system that had been in use for more than forty years.“We found that many people only looked at the categorical risk terms (Slight, Moderate, High) and not the probabilities, and as a result may have missed important information about the risk,” said Bill Bunting, Chief of Forecast Operations for the Storm Prediction Center.&nbsp; “By adding two additional categories (Marginal Risk better reflects lower probability risk than the previous “See Text”), virtually any change to the underlying probabilities now results in a change in the risk category.&nbsp; This allows one to gain a more complete picture of the spatial distribution of the risk simply by looking at the convective outlook categorical risk graphic.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614597919635.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Feedback on the change is positive</h2>Since the change, Bunting says the response from NWS meteorologists, broadcast media, and emergency management partners has been positive.Bunting says the outlook forecasts, issued multiple times each day, are based on anticipated coverage of severe storms. From there, forecasters use subjectively based calibrations for a tornado, large hail (larger than one-inch in diameter), and damaging wind (58 mph or more) risks within 25 miles of a given location. Storm Prediction Center forecasters do not issue forecasts for heavy rain and lightning. But, heavy rain and lightning are just dangerous as a tornado, hail, or high winds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614597944458.png" alt="Courtesy: Storm Prediction Center" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy: Storm Prediction Center</figcaption>
 </figure>“The risk terms reflect an increasing likelihood of a severe storm at any given location from Marginal to High Risk, and this is very useful information to anyone wanting to plan for severe weather. The individual hazard probabilities in the Day 1 and Day 2 Convective Outlooks provide insight into which threats are greatest on a particular day,” Bunting said.When severe weather is forecast, forecasters at local National Weather Service offices will offer media partners and emergency managers briefings on the greatest risks in a particular area. From there, they relay the information to the general public. The communication of risks could be used to postpone outdoor or mass-gathering events, church services or shorten school days.Since the five-tiered system’s implementation, there have been some slight refinements as social science has evolved. Bunting says the SPC continues to work with social and behavioral scientists to better understand how to communicate severe storm risk. They will gather best practices from that research to help guide any potential future changes to their communication strategies.&nbsp; This could include changes to the risk terms, colors, numbers, and other aspects of the communication process.<h2>Outlooks are the first step in your Severe Weather preparation</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614597970274.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy: National Weather Service, Norman, OK" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy: National Weather Service, Norman, OK</figcaption>
 </figure>
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Aware 2021: Explaining the Storm Prediction Center’s Risk Forecasts


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

Out of 7,709 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,449 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.

Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Sunday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. Out of 7,709 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,449 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count at 122 at end of February

RICE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Rice County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 28-year-old Kraymer Fox Bennett of Lyons, was northbound on Kansas 14 behind a 2018 Dodge Journey driven by 38-year-old Rachel H. Hatcher of Alden.

The Dodge slowed to make a turn to the west on Avenue T.&nbsp; The motorcycle made an evasive maneuver to avoid rear-ending the Dodge and ended up in the northwest ditch.

Bennett was taken by private vehicle to the hospital in Lyons.&nbsp; Hatcher and a passenger in the Dodge were not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident.&nbsp; The motorcyclist was also wearing a helmet and eye protection at the time of the accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606580369257.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Rice County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 28-year-old Kraymer Fox Bennett of Lyons, was northbound on Kansas 14 behind a 2018 Dodge Journey driven by 38-year-old Rachel H. Hatcher of Alden.The Dodge slowed to make a turn to the west on Avenue T.&nbsp; The motorcycle made an evasive maneuver to avoid rear-ending the Dodge and ended up in the northwest ditch.Bennett was taken by private vehicle to the hospital in Lyons.&nbsp; Hatcher and a passenger in the Dodge were not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident.&nbsp; The motorcyclist was also wearing a helmet and eye protection at the time of the accident.

Man from Lyons hospitalized after motorcycle accident


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Dr. Rex Degner, Chief Medical Officer at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System wants to clear up the way Hutchinson Regional handles death certificates and COVID-19. There is a difference between dying with COVID-19 and dying of COVID-19.

"You can have cancer, but you still die of something else," Degner said. "You don't necessarily die of your cancer. You can have a heart attack or a stroke or something like that. It's the same thing with COVID. Somebody can have COVID and still die of another cause. The ultimate one is walking out in front of a truck and getting run over. You die from an accident. You didn't die from your COVID and that's where things get a little tricky when you die of some other medical condition."

If it's a lung condition and a person has COVID, that's pretty straightforward. If it involves other systems, it gets murky. 

"When the doctors are signing out their death certificates, they try and sign them out in such a way that it explains, it gives what the immediate cause of death was, and if there's something else that actually fully contributed to it, also put that there," Degner said. "It's my understanding that for the state of Kansas. I don't know nationwide how this works or not, that if you write COVID anywhere on a death certificate, it's going to be listed as a COVID death. I believe our hospitalists and most docs are somewhat aware of that and only put it down if they really thought it was actually contributing to the death."

Degner gave an example of a question that came up last year regarding a death.

"We're trying very much to do the right thing here in Reno County," Degner said. "We early on had a patient that had very advanced cancer, came in with complications of her cancer, happened to also, late in the process, realized that she at some point had been COVID positive, but it really didn't contribute to her death, but they didn't put it on the death certificate and it didn't get counted."

Degner is part of a group that includes the Chief of Staff that reviews all death certificates for deaths that occur at Hutchinson Regional.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604662016880.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Dr. Rex Degner, Chief Medical Officer at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System wants to clear up the way Hutchinson Regional handles death certificates and COVID-19. There is a difference between dying with COVID-19 and dying of COVID-19."You can have cancer, but you still die of something else," Degner said. "You don't necessarily die of your cancer. You can have a heart attack or a stroke or something like that. It's the same thing with COVID. Somebody can have COVID and still die of another cause. The ultimate one is walking out in front of a truck and getting run over. You die from an accident. You didn't die from your COVID and that's where things get a little tricky when you die of some other medical condition."If it's a lung condition and a person has COVID, that's pretty straightforward. If it involves other systems, it gets murky. "When the doctors are signing out their death certificates, they try and sign them out in such a way that it explains, it gives what the immediate cause of death was, and if there's something else that actually fully contributed to it, also put that there," Degner said. "It's my understanding that for the state of Kansas. I don't know nationwide how this works or not, that if you write COVID anywhere on a death certificate, it's going to be listed as a COVID death. I believe our hospitalists and most docs are somewhat aware of that and only put it down if they really thought it was actually contributing to the death."Degner gave an example of a question that came up last year regarding a death."We're trying very much to do the right thing here in Reno County," Degner said. "We early on had a patient that had very advanced cancer, came in with complications of her cancer, happened to also, late in the process, realized that she at some point had been COVID positive, but it really didn't contribute to her death, but they didn't put it on the death certificate and it didn't get counted."Degner is part of a group that includes the Chief of Staff that reviews all death certificates for deaths that occur at Hutchinson Regional.
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Degner explains death certificate process and COVID-19

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will give consideration to fill a vacant position on the Haven police force during Monday’s meeting.

The city has been short an officer for almost two months, but will go into executive session along with Police Chief Stephen Schaffer and City Manager Leslie Atherton to review applicants. Action is expected to be taken up by the council following the executive session.

Also Monday, the board will consider a $10,000 grant for Jonell Harper's Daisy Jo's Ice Cream parlor, which she hopes to open in July, and get an energy update on the new Evergy substation located near Burrton.

Monday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will be held via Zoom.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council will give consideration to fill a vacant position on the Haven police force during Monday’s meeting.The city has been short an officer for almost two months, but will go into executive session along with Police Chief Stephen Schaffer and City Manager Leslie Atherton to review applicants. Action is expected to be taken up by the council following the executive session.Also Monday, the board will consider a $10,000 grant for Jonell Harper's Daisy Jo's Ice Cream parlor, which she hopes to open in July, and get an energy update on the new Evergy substation located near Burrton.Monday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will be held via Zoom.<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;

Haven council to take up vacant police officer position Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fairgrounds will be hosting its annual document shredding event on Monday. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Attorney General's Office as part of National Consumer Protection Week.&nbsp;

The Hutchinson event is at gate 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those wanting to discard documents are asked to enter at gate 3.

Each year, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office sponsors free document destruction at eight locations throughout the state. Securely shredding personal documents is an important step toward preventing identity theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614007886340.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fairgrounds will be hosting its annual document shredding event on Monday. The event is sponsored by the Kansas Attorney General's Office as part of National Consumer Protection Week.&nbsp;The Hutchinson event is at gate 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those wanting to discard documents are asked to enter at gate 3.Each year, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office sponsors free document destruction at eight locations throughout the state. Securely shredding personal documents is an important step toward preventing identity theft.<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;

Document shredding event Monday at fairgrounds


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A formal authorization on Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine happened Saturday. Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D. says if that's the vaccine available, it's worth taking.

"Absolutely," Marshall said. "Even though the other ones are incredibly effective, like 90 percent effective after two shots, which is unheard of. The flu vaccines we get every year are probably 60 or 70 percent effective and this one, the Johnson &amp; Johnson, is probably more in line with the flu vaccine. Yes, I think, if it's available, people can get it. I won't be surprised if there's a booster shot available this fall, as well. I think we've got to take what we can get."

The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine had an overall efficacy rate of 72 percent in the United States and 64 percent in South Africa. Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine is approved as a single dose, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are two doses.

"We pretty well have two shots in all of the senior citizens across the country now," Marshall said. "Hospitalization is down in Kansas 70%. We've got this virus on the run. Don't let down, anybody. We need to keep our masks on, we need to keep washing our hands, social distancing, all those things. I really think that we're ramping up now. We have the infrastructure in place that we're going to win this battle. Spring is going to come after all."

A potential second dose for the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is still in clinical trials.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — A formal authorization on Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine happened Saturday. Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, M.D. says if that's the vaccine available, it's worth taking."Absolutely," Marshall said. "Even though the other ones are incredibly effective, like 90 percent effective after two shots, which is unheard of. The flu vaccines we get every year are probably 60 or 70 percent effective and this one, the Johnson &amp; Johnson, is probably more in line with the flu vaccine. Yes, I think, if it's available, people can get it. I won't be surprised if there's a booster shot available this fall, as well. I think we've got to take what we can get."The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine had an overall efficacy rate of 72 percent in the United States and 64 percent in South Africa. Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine is approved as a single dose, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are two doses."We pretty well have two shots in all of the senior citizens across the country now," Marshall said. "Hospitalization is down in Kansas 70%. We've got this virus on the run. Don't let down, anybody. We need to keep our masks on, we need to keep washing our hands, social distancing, all those things. I really think that we're ramping up now. We have the infrastructure in place that we're going to win this battle. Spring is going to come after all."A potential second dose for the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine is still in clinical trials.

Marshall: Take whichever COVID vaccine you can get

A dense fog advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Saturday. 

Visibility could be less than a quarter of a mile in spots. Driving conditions will be hazardous where fog is present. If you are driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614424379208.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A dense fog advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Saturday. Visibility could be less than a quarter of a mile in spots. Driving conditions will be hazardous where fog is present. If you are driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Dense fog could be dangerous Saturday morning


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 123 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

The school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.

Out of 7,707 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,446 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 123 as of Friday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.Out of 7,707 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,446 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Three Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County Locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count at 123, just three in hospital as of Friday

Dense fog is around, an accident kills three people in Marion County and the U.S. House passes another COVID relief package, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Dense fog is around, an accident kills three people in Marion County and the U.S. House passes another COVID relief package, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="February 27, 2021 Saturday News" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/5zk25-fc0d21?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

February 27, 2021 News

MARION COUNTY — Three people died in an accident just after noon Friday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Nathan D.&nbsp;Puett, 30, Salina, was eastbound on U.S. 56 four miles west of Limestone Road.&nbsp; The van crossed the centerline and struck a 2000 Ford F150 pulling a greyhound dog trailer and driven by James L. Potter, 70, Emporia, head-on.

Puett was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Yazel-Megli Funeral Home.&nbsp; Potter and a passenger in the Ford Jody L. Potter, 61, Emporia, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Jost Funeral Home.&nbsp;

EMS transported two child passengers in the van from Salina to a Wichita hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The occupants of the van were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The KHP did not have seat belt usage information on the occupants of the Ford.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614381759333.png" alt="Authorities at the crash scene Friday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Authorities at the crash scene Friday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY — Three people died in an accident just after noon Friday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Nathan D.&nbsp;Puett, 30, Salina, was eastbound on U.S. 56 four miles west of Limestone Road.&nbsp; The van crossed the centerline and struck a 2000 Ford F150 pulling a greyhound dog trailer and driven by James L. Potter, 70, Emporia, head-on.Puett was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Yazel-Megli Funeral Home.&nbsp; Potter and a passenger in the Ford Jody L. Potter, 61, Emporia, were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Jost Funeral Home.&nbsp;EMS transported two child passengers in the van from Salina to a Wichita hospital for treatment of serious injuries.The occupants of the van were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The KHP did not have seat belt usage information on the occupants of the Ford.

3 dead, 2 children hospitalized after head-on crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is a light agenda for the Hutchinson City Council Tuesday. As of right now, the only agenda item is an ordinance that would allow the city to use its power of eminent domain to acquire a small piece of land that will be used for the Cow Creek drainage improvement project.

The parcel of land is located along the creek near Avenue F and on the opposite side of the Cargill Salt rail line.

The council will also provide its own reports and hear the city manager’s report. The council will also seek approval to appoint Jim Seitnater to replace Ron Sellers on the Hutch Rec Commission. Seitnater will fill the unexpired term to run through August 2021.

The council will hear presentations from Kari Mailloux of the Hutchinson Community Foundation and Jim Remar of the Comosphere.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614286607818.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is a light agenda for the Hutchinson City Council Tuesday. As of right now, the only agenda item is an ordinance that would allow the city to use its power of eminent domain to acquire a small piece of land that will be used for the Cow Creek drainage improvement project.The parcel of land is located along the creek near Avenue F and on the opposite side of the Cargill Salt rail line.The council will also provide its own reports and hear the city manager’s report. The council will also seek approval to appoint Jim Seitnater to replace Ron Sellers on the Hutch Rec Commission. Seitnater will fill the unexpired term to run through August 2021.The council will hear presentations from Kari Mailloux of the Hutchinson Community Foundation and Jim Remar of the Comosphere.Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.<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;

City Council to take action on eminent domain for Cow Creek project

RENO COUNTY, Kan.-&nbsp;The Reno County District Attorney’s office announces the appointment of Andrew Davidson to the Deputy District Attorney position, effective January 1. Davidson grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, and graduated from Buhler High School in 1997. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in United States History in 2001. Davidson continued his education at Washburn University School of Law and graduated in 2004.&nbsp;

After law school, Davidson was an associate for the Law Firm of Tenopir and Huerter in Topeka, Kansas, practicing criminal law, domestic and family law, and other areas general legal practice. In 2009 Davidson was hired as an Assistant County Attorney in McPherson County, prosecuting juvenile and child in need of care cases, traffic and driving under the influence cases, drug crimes, and other person crimes.&nbsp; He also served on the McPherson &amp; Harvey County Community Corrections Advisory Board.

In February 2011, Davidson joined the Reno County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. He was responsible for traffic and driving under the influence cases, misdemeanors, and property felonies. In 2015 he began prosecuting financial crimes and drug felonies. In 2018, Davidson was promoted to Senior Assistant District Attorney and assigned to prosecuting person felonies.

As Deputy District Attorney, Davidson will take on additional duties including administering the office in the absence of the District Attorney, assisting in the training and supervision of the prosecutors within the office, and advising the District Attorney on a wide variety of issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614365557141.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY, Kan.-&nbsp;The Reno County District Attorney’s office announces the appointment of Andrew Davidson to the Deputy District Attorney position, effective January 1. Davidson grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, and graduated from Buhler High School in 1997. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in United States History in 2001. Davidson continued his education at Washburn University School of Law and graduated in 2004.&nbsp;After law school, Davidson was an associate for the Law Firm of Tenopir and Huerter in Topeka, Kansas, practicing criminal law, domestic and family law, and other areas general legal practice. In 2009 Davidson was hired as an Assistant County Attorney in McPherson County, prosecuting juvenile and child in need of care cases, traffic and driving under the influence cases, drug crimes, and other person crimes.&nbsp; He also served on the McPherson &amp; Harvey County Community Corrections Advisory Board.In February 2011, Davidson joined the Reno County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. He was responsible for traffic and driving under the influence cases, misdemeanors, and property felonies. In 2015 he began prosecuting financial crimes and drug felonies. In 2018, Davidson was promoted to Senior Assistant District Attorney and assigned to prosecuting person felonies.As Deputy District Attorney, Davidson will take on additional duties including administering the office in the absence of the District Attorney, assisting in the training and supervision of the prosecutors within the office, and advising the District Attorney on a wide variety of issues.

Reno County announces Davidson appointed as Deputy DA


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site at the Hutchinson Salvation Army is doing its best to continue to serve despite the pandemic.

"We have taken a lot of precautions in order to stay safe from COVID," said Sue Wegerle with the VITA program. "Masks are required and we are trying to social distance in there. We've reduced the number of tax preparers to seven so that we can have everybody socially distance and we have acrylic shields on each of the desks to try to keep everyone safe and keep our tax preparers safe also."

The site is for those who would likely not be able to afford professional tax preparation.

"It's for incomes that are below $57,000 this year," Wegerle said. "They have to be relatively simple returns. We don't prepare every type of return. We are not CPAs and we are not trained accountants. We do simple returns."

If you had to file for unemployment, be sure VITA has those documents.

"Unemployment is taxable at both the federal and the state level," Wegerle said. "Many of the unemployment 1099-Gs that we've seen have had no income tax withheld, so a lot of the people who have received fairly substantial unemployment checks are going to see they are going to owe some taxes probably, this year."

The VITA site is open at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They will also have a preparation date Saturday, March 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site at the Hutchinson Salvation Army is doing its best to continue to serve despite the pandemic."We have taken a lot of precautions in order to stay safe from COVID," said Sue Wegerle with the VITA program. "Masks are required and we are trying to social distance in there. We've reduced the number of tax preparers to seven so that we can have everybody socially distance and we have acrylic shields on each of the desks to try to keep everyone safe and keep our tax preparers safe also."The site is for those who would likely not be able to afford professional tax preparation."It's for incomes that are below $57,000 this year," Wegerle said. "They have to be relatively simple returns. We don't prepare every type of return. We are not CPAs and we are not trained accountants. We do simple returns."If you had to file for unemployment, be sure VITA has those documents."Unemployment is taxable at both the federal and the state level," Wegerle said. "Many of the unemployment 1099-Gs that we've seen have had no income tax withheld, so a lot of the people who have received fairly substantial unemployment checks are going to see they are going to owe some taxes probably, this year."The VITA site is open at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They will also have a preparation date Saturday, March 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
<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.

VITA tax site serving in spite of pandemic

HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing in Newton and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11 p.m. Thursday, a police officer witnessed a vehicle driving erratically in the 2000 block of West First Street in Newton, according to a media release.

 The officer stopped the vehicle, and the 16-year-old male driver immediately reported he had just been involved in a fight and had stabbed someone. Police found a bloody knife in the vehicle.   

Police located a victim identified as 27-year-old Ian Foy in the 100 block of Evans Street with life-threatening injuries. EMS transported Ian Foy to a Wichita hospital, where he later died. 

Police arrested the juvenile on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

Investigators are working to determine the relationship between the victim, the suspect and other factors contributing to the stabbing. Police did release the name of the juvenile suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582670795079.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing in Newton and have a suspect in custody.Just before 11 p.m. Thursday, a police officer witnessed a vehicle driving erratically in the 2000 block of West First Street in Newton, according to a media release. The officer stopped the vehicle, and the 16-year-old male driver immediately reported he had just been involved in a fight and had stabbed someone. Police found a bloody knife in the vehicle. Police located a victim identified as 27-year-old Ian Foy in the 100 block of Evans Street with life-threatening injuries. EMS transported Ian Foy to a Wichita hospital, where he later died. Police arrested the juvenile on a requested charge of second-degree murder.Investigators are working to determine the relationship between the victim, the suspect and other factors contributing to the stabbing. Police did release the name of the juvenile suspect.

Police: Teen arrested for fatal stabbing of 27-year-old in Newton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County saw higher yields with last summer's wheat harvest than the year before. The Kansas Ag Statistics Service released their row crop numbers for 2020 on Thursday.

The numbers show that Reno County farmers planted 198,000 acres of wheat in 2020. Out of that 189,800 acres were harvested. Yields increased for the year by 5.5% to 53 bushels per acre. Wheat production also increased by 5.8% to 10,097,000 bushels.

The USDA also released its 2021 projections on crop values in Kansas. The value of winter wheat production is expected to total $1.27 billion, down 11% from the previous marketing year. The Kansas winter wheat price is projected to average $4.50 per bushel, up $0.42 from the last marketing year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598739288757.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County saw higher yields with last summer's wheat harvest than the year before. The Kansas Ag Statistics Service released their row crop numbers for 2020 on Thursday.The numbers show that Reno County farmers planted 198,000 acres of wheat in 2020. Out of that 189,800 acres were harvested. Yields increased for the year by 5.5% to 53 bushels per acre. Wheat production also increased by 5.8% to 10,097,000 bushels.The USDA also released its 2021 projections on crop values in Kansas. The value of winter wheat production is expected to total $1.27 billion, down 11% from the previous marketing year. The Kansas winter wheat price is projected to average $4.50 per bushel, up $0.42 from the last marketing year.

Wheat production in Reno County up for 2020

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Summer is not too far off for Hutch Rec to hold its seasonal job fair.

The summer job fair will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 2 until 4 p.m. at Memorial Hall.

This is a chance for potential summer employees to meet with staff and learn more about seasonal job opportunities. Jobs include lifeguards, pool managers, swim lesson instructors, admission and concessions and custodial work at Salt City Splash.

Umpires, concession workers,scorekeepers and customer service spots are also needed for summer tournaments. In addition, there will be seasonal jobs available for the Hutchinson Parks&nbsp;Department. Camp counselors are also needed for the Dillon Nature Center.

Applications can be filled out online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a> and applications can be filled out during the job fair as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614357075294.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Summer is not too far off for Hutch Rec to hold its seasonal job fair.The summer job fair will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 2 until 4 p.m. at Memorial Hall.This is a chance for potential summer employees to meet with staff and learn more about seasonal job opportunities. Jobs include lifeguards, pool managers, swim lesson instructors, admission and concessions and custodial work at Salt City Splash.Umpires, concession workers,scorekeepers and customer service spots are also needed for summer tournaments. In addition, there will be seasonal jobs available for the Hutchinson Parks&nbsp;Department. Camp counselors are also needed for the Dillon Nature Center.Applications can be filled out online at <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/">hutchrec.com</a> and applications can be filled out during the job fair as well.

Hutch Rec Job Fair to be held March 20; applications available online

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Burrton Consolidated Fire Department will be hosting a car wash fundraiser on Saturday. The event was to be held earlier in the month but was moved to Saturday because of the weather.

Tom Reeves recently lost his home in a fire so the fire department wants to help out. The car wash runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 111 Burrton Avenue. If your car or truck needs a good clean up this is a chance to get that done and help out someone in need.&nbsp;

The cost of the wash is a free will donation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614356955946.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Burrton Consolidated Fire Department will be hosting a car wash fundraiser on Saturday. The event was to be held earlier in the month but was moved to Saturday because of the weather.Tom Reeves recently lost his home in a fire so the fire department wants to help out. The car wash runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 111 Burrton Avenue. If your car or truck needs a good clean up this is a chance to get that done and help out someone in need.&nbsp;The cost of the wash is a free will donation.

Burrton Fire Department to hold car wash Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After being brought to a standstill due to the weather, the North Main construction work is underway again. Work crews began tearing out the east side of the intersection at 7th and Main.&nbsp;

Work will move in small sections to the south eventually getting to East 5th Avenue. The work will include new curb, gutter and sidewalks.&nbsp;

Once that work is completed, the entire street will be milled and then overlaid from 13th to 5th. The completion of this section of Main will end the four-year-long construction of the street that started at 30th Avenue.

If you need any information on this or any other street project contact Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614356766471.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After being brought to a standstill due to the weather, the North Main construction work is underway again. Work crews began tearing out the east side of the intersection at 7th and Main.&nbsp;Work will move in small sections to the south eventually getting to East 5th Avenue. The work will include new curb, gutter and sidewalks.&nbsp;Once that work is completed, the entire street will be milled and then overlaid from 13th to 5th. The completion of this section of Main will end the four-year-long construction of the street that started at 30th Avenue.If you need any information on this or any other street project contact Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.

Main Street work underway again


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Julia Westfahl with SCKEDD explained that there is a rental assistance program starting next month that Hutchinson residents can take advantage of. 

"The State of Kansas did receive $185 million to be able to be passed down to individuals seeking rental assistance that will maybe be behind or are going to be behind in the future in rental payment with something due to COVID," Westfahl said. "They have to have either a job loss due to COVID, reduction of hours, maybe homeschooling their children and they had to reduce their hours. Maybe they went from a two income household to a single income household, because they had to take care of those children while they were remote learning."

It's not quite time to get signed up for that one yet.

"It will be a program that is launched on March 15," Westfahl said. "We are going to be a partner in the area that will be able to assist and help throughout those applications with the tenants and the landlords to be able to get individuals qualified."

The tenant and the landlord have to apply together.

"With the joint application, the landlord fills it out first," Westfahl said. "Basically, they are just filling out their information the rent roll of the properties that may be seeking assistance, as well as getting their banking account information. The payments are made directly to the landlord to ensure the payment is going for that back rent or that future rent that may be behind."

Everything is done online, so you can call SCKEDD at 620-259-6544, or once we get to the 15th, you'll be able to set an appointment at their office at 530 E. 30th Avenue.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Julia Westfahl with SCKEDD explained that there is a rental assistance program starting next month that Hutchinson residents can take advantage of. "The State of Kansas did receive $185 million to be able to be passed down to individuals seeking rental assistance that will maybe be behind or are going to be behind in the future in rental payment with something due to COVID," Westfahl said. "They have to have either a job loss due to COVID, reduction of hours, maybe homeschooling their children and they had to reduce their hours. Maybe they went from a two income household to a single income household, because they had to take care of those children while they were remote learning."It's not quite time to get signed up for that one yet."It will be a program that is launched on March 15," Westfahl said. "We are going to be a partner in the area that will be able to assist and help throughout those applications with the tenants and the landlords to be able to get individuals qualified."The tenant and the landlord have to apply together."With the joint application, the landlord fills it out first," Westfahl said. "Basically, they are just filling out their information the rent roll of the properties that may be seeking assistance, as well as getting their banking account information. The payments are made directly to the landlord to ensure the payment is going for that back rent or that future rent that may be behind."Everything is done online, so you can call SCKEDD at 620-259-6544, or once we get to the 15th, you'll be able to set an appointment at their office at 530 E. 30th Avenue.

Rental assistance program for COVID-impacted renters to start March 15

Release from University of Kansas

HUTCHINSON — As hearings commence on January’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Darin Beck, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)</a>, begins work with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adl.org/">the Anti-Defamation League</a>’s national Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate.

ADL launched the consortium in December 2019 to convene leaders from major national law enforcement associations in regular dialogue on efforts to combat extremism and hate. Michael Becar, executive director of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), selected Beck to represent IADLEST on this consortium.

“IADLEST is happy to partner with the Anti-Defamation League to provide a representative to their meeting of the Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate,” Becar said. “Our partnership will help provide input from the Law Enforcement Training and Standards (POST) commissions on training programs designed for law enforcement. Darin Beck’s experience and expertise will be a valuable voice in this dialogue about combatting extremism and hate.”

Beck and KLETC – a unit of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lpe.ku.edu/">University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education</a>&nbsp;– have a longstanding focus on policing without bias and upholding the law and safety of all citizens. Beck attended his first Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate meeting virtually Feb. 23, where the group discussed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adl.org/ProtectPlanFactSheet">ADL’s PROTECT Plan to fight domestic terrorism</a>, which includes law enforcement’s role in responding to domestic terrorist threats, online extremism, processing digital evidence, reporting suspicious white supremacist behavior and more.

“I am very honored to join this group of partners in what I believe is one of the most important issues confronting our country,” Beck said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to add my voice to the fight for social justice issues on a global scale.”

To date, 19 national law enforcement associations participate in the consortium, which has resulted in multiple partnerships between organizations to address issues related to extremism and hate.

“In these meetings and through these partnerships, we identify current challenges and collaborate to address them head on and try to mitigate threats,” said Elise Jarvis, director of Law enforcement Outreach and Partnerships for ADL.

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 </figure>Release from University of Kansas HUTCHINSON — As hearings commence on January’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Darin Beck, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kletc.org/">Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)</a>, begins work with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adl.org/">the Anti-Defamation League</a>’s national Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate.ADL launched the consortium in December 2019 to convene leaders from major national law enforcement associations in regular dialogue on efforts to combat extremism and hate. Michael Becar, executive director of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), selected Beck to represent IADLEST on this consortium.“IADLEST is happy to partner with the Anti-Defamation League to provide a representative to their meeting of the Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate,” Becar said. “Our partnership will help provide input from the Law Enforcement Training and Standards (POST) commissions on training programs designed for law enforcement. Darin Beck’s experience and expertise will be a valuable voice in this dialogue about combatting extremism and hate.”Beck and KLETC – a unit of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lpe.ku.edu/">University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education</a>&nbsp;– have a longstanding focus on policing without bias and upholding the law and safety of all citizens. Beck attended his first Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate meeting virtually Feb. 23, where the group discussed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adl.org/ProtectPlanFactSheet">ADL’s PROTECT Plan to fight domestic terrorism</a>, which includes law enforcement’s role in responding to domestic terrorist threats, online extremism, processing digital evidence, reporting suspicious white supremacist behavior and more.“I am very honored to join this group of partners in what I believe is one of the most important issues confronting our country,” Beck said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to add my voice to the fight for social justice issues on a global scale.”To date, 19 national law enforcement associations participate in the consortium, which has resulted in multiple partnerships between organizations to address issues related to extremism and hate.“In these meetings and through these partnerships, we identify current challenges and collaborate to address them head on and try to mitigate threats,” said Elise Jarvis, director of Law enforcement Outreach and Partnerships for ADL.

KLETC leader selected to serve on national Consortium on Fighting Extremism and Hate.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. 

The 14-day positive test rate has slipped back up slightly even as the case count continues to go down. The positive test rate updated Thursday as of February 21 is 9.1%. It was as low as 7.2% on the 14th. At those levels, the school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.

Out of 7,700 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,440 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.

Four Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 122 as of Thursday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The 14-day positive test rate has slipped back up slightly even as the case count continues to go down. The positive test rate updated Thursday as of February 21 is 9.1%. It was as low as 7.2% on the 14th. At those levels, the school gating criteria will remain in the yellow for the upcoming week, which should allow the districts that have been planning for a March 1 return to do so.Out of 7,700 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,440 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 13 active cases.Four Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred sixty-five total have been hospitalized. One hundred three have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.Drive-thru testing is currently available at two Reno County locations at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson and at Simply Good Overstocks at 401 N Main in South Hutchinson.Both sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

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