HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Oct. 12, 2020) approved updated gating criteria that allows spectators at district sporting events even when schools are in the orange and red zones.

Currently, the district is in the orange area of the gating criteria because of the number of cases of COVID-19 in the county and the percent of positive test results. The data, however, is on the high side of the orange currently, nearing the red zone.

In the orange area, classes are held in a hybrid fashion with half the students coming for in-person classes each day Monday through Thursday with the other half learning remotely on those days. All students learning remotely on Fridays.

If the district gets into the red zone, the current criteria would call for all classes to occur remotely.

The motion does allow two spectators per participant at games in both the red and orange zone. The original gating criteria did not allow for spectators in either the orange or red zones.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:

Reviewed first-of-the-year reading and math diagnostic data.

Approved minutes of the Sept. 28, 2020, Board meeting.

Approved iPad purchases for Early Head Start.

Approved the purchase of computer backpacks, iPads and Chromebooks to augment equipment the district currently has.

Approved the purchase of Swivl technology to help with hybrid classes.

Approved three new computer assisted instruction classes for Hutchinson High School – communications, art History and ACT test prep. Each is worth a half credit.

Approved a broadband partnership adoption grant that should bring internet to some district families currently lacking it.

Approved the accounts payable report for September 2020.

Held executive sessions for personnel and negotiations.

The Board approved the following personnel changes.

Jeremy Gonsalves, Substitute teacher, District, effective October 1, 2020

Cristina Vazquaz, Lunch Aide, Hutcherson Center, effective October 12, 2020

Raymond Barry, BSS Para, McCandless Elementary, effective October 7, 2020

Quinn Dilbeck, Custodian, Wiley Elementary, effective October 14, 2020

Jacob Miller, Substitute Teacher, District, effective October 12, 2020

Cindy Grumbein, Custodian, McCandless Elementary, effective October 15, 2020

Melissa Seibert, RR Para, Hutchinson High School, effective October 12, 2020

Julie McAllister, BSS Para, McCandless Elementary, effective September 6, 2020

Lorna Pauls, PAT Parent Educator, Avenue A School, effective October 16, 2020

Aaron Bell, Custodian, Avenue A School, effective October 9, 2020

Janna Foss, Nurse, Hutchinson Middle School 8, effective October 16, 2020

Desiree Ross, Lead cook/server, Lincoln Elementary, effective November 20, 2020

Pat Hill, Custodian, Hutchinson Middle School 8, effective October 2, 2020

The Board formally accepted the following gifts and thanked donors.

$2,000 from Randy Hamilton to McCandless Elementary for teacher supplies/student needs

$200 from Wiley PTO to Wiley Elementary for Books for students

$1,628 from Wiley PTO to Wiley for Headphones for All Classrooms

$300 Donation from Jenny Ricker to Wiley for student needs

Goodie bags from Eastwood Church to Wiley to brighten Staff's start

$100 from Wayne’s Printing to HHS for Athletics

$100 from Sheila Metzger to HHS for Athletics

$825 from Advance Termite &amp; Pest Control to HHS for Athletics

$675 from Peoples Bank &amp; Trust to HHS for Athletics

$175 from R &amp; B Drive Inn to HHS for Athletics

$100 from Jonathan &amp; Michele Lane to HHS for Drama

$100 from Ronn &amp; Annie Roehm to HHS for Drama

$200 from Anthony and Amanda Jackson to HHS for Drama

$100 from Herchel Crainer Insurance Agency to HHS for Athletics

$525 from Conklin Cars to HHS for Athletics

$100 from Sheila Metzger Agency to HHS for Athletics

$175 from R-B Drive Inn to HHS for Athletics

$100 from All That Jazz to HHS for Volleyball

$100 from Joe McGuire to HHS for Cross Country

$605 from Jason &amp; Christy West to HHS for Cross Country

$100 from KaAnn Graham to HHS for Volleyball

$100 from Jeff &amp; Cindy Rehlander to HHS for Volleyball

18 books from Deborah Minner to HMS-7 for Library books

3 books from Marcia Hudson to McCandless for Library books

The next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Hutchinson USD 308HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education Monday (Oct. 12, 2020) approved updated gating criteria that allows spectators at district sporting events even when schools are in the orange and red zones.Currently, the district is in the orange area of the gating criteria because of the number of cases of COVID-19 in the county and the percent of positive test results. The data, however, is on the high side of the orange currently, nearing the red zone.In the orange area, classes are held in a hybrid fashion with half the students coming for in-person classes each day Monday through Thursday with the other half learning remotely on those days. All students learning remotely on Fridays.If the district gets into the red zone, the current criteria would call for all classes to occur remotely.The motion does allow two spectators per participant at games in both the red and orange zone. The original gating criteria did not allow for spectators in either the orange or red zones.Also during Monday’s meeting, the Board:Reviewed first-of-the-year reading and math diagnostic data.Approved minutes of the Sept. 28, 2020, Board meeting.Approved iPad purchases for Early Head Start.Approved the purchase of computer backpacks, iPads and Chromebooks to augment equipment the district currently has.Approved the purchase of Swivl technology to help with hybrid classes.Approved three new computer assisted instruction classes for Hutchinson High School – communications, art History and ACT test prep. Each is worth a half credit.Approved a broadband partnership adoption grant that should bring internet to some district families currently lacking it.Approved the accounts payable report for September 2020.Held executive sessions for personnel and negotiations.Personnel ReportThe Board approved the following personnel changes.HiredJeremy Gonsalves, Substitute teacher, District, effective October 1, 2020Cristina Vazquaz, Lunch Aide, Hutcherson Center, effective October 12, 2020Raymond Barry, BSS Para, McCandless Elementary, effective October 7, 2020Quinn Dilbeck, Custodian, Wiley Elementary, effective October 14, 2020Jacob Miller, Substitute Teacher, District, effective October 12, 2020Cindy Grumbein, Custodian, McCandless Elementary, effective October 15, 2020Melissa Seibert, RR Para, Hutchinson High School, effective October 12, 2020ResignationsJulie McAllister, BSS Para, McCandless Elementary, effective September 6, 2020Lorna Pauls, PAT Parent Educator, Avenue A School, effective October 16, 2020Aaron Bell, Custodian, Avenue A School, effective October 9, 2020Janna Foss, Nurse, Hutchinson Middle School 8, effective October 16, 2020RetirementsDesiree Ross, Lead cook/server, Lincoln Elementary, effective November 20, 2020Pat Hill, Custodian, Hutchinson Middle School 8, effective October 2, 2020Gifts to SchoolsThe Board formally accepted the following gifts and thanked donors.$2,000 from Randy Hamilton to McCandless Elementary for teacher supplies/student needs$200 from Wiley PTO to Wiley Elementary for Books for students$1,628 from Wiley PTO to Wiley for Headphones for All Classrooms$300 Donation from Jenny Ricker to Wiley for student needsGoodie bags from Eastwood Church to Wiley to brighten Staff's start$100 from Wayne’s Printing to HHS for Athletics$100 from Sheila Metzger to HHS for Athletics$825 from Advance Termite &amp; Pest Control to HHS for Athletics$675 from Peoples Bank &amp; Trust to HHS for Athletics$175 from R &amp; B Drive Inn to HHS for Athletics$100 from Jonathan &amp; Michele Lane to HHS for Drama$100 from Ronn &amp; Annie Roehm to HHS for Drama$200 from Anthony and Amanda Jackson to HHS for Drama$200 from Doris Sutton to HHS for Drama$100 from Herchel Crainer Insurance Agency to HHS for Athletics$525 from Conklin Cars to HHS for Athletics$100 from Sheila Metzger Agency to HHS for Athletics$175 from R-B Drive Inn to HHS for Athletics$100 from All That Jazz to HHS for Volleyball$100 from Joe McGuire to HHS for Cross Country$605 from Jason &amp; Christy West to HHS for Cross Country$100 from KaAnn Graham to HHS for Volleyball$100 from Jeff &amp; Cindy Rehlander to HHS for Volleyball18 books from Deborah Minner to HMS-7 for Library books3 books from Marcia Hudson to McCandless for Library booksNext meetingThe next regular meeting of the Board will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 26.

USD 308 board approves limited fans at games even if in red zone


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson firefighters were busy early Tuesday. Crews were called to 320 Logan Street at 4:22 a.m. 

Firefighters said there was a lot of fire in the single story structure, they had to take a defensive posture. 

One person was living at the home. No one was hurt. 

The home is a total loss. The fire is still under investigation. They don't know what caused it. 

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson firefighters were busy early Tuesday. Crews were called to 320 Logan Street at 4:22 a.m. Firefighters said there was a lot of fire in the single story structure, they had to take a defensive posture. One person was living at the home. No one was hurt. The home is a total loss. The fire is still under investigation. They don't know what caused it.

Hutch firefighters at work early Tuesday

HARVEY COUNTY — 
A Kansas college golfer from Texas was injured in a car accident in Harvey County Monday evening.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2020 Nissan Altima driven by 18-year-old Ana Herrin of Waxahatchie, Texas was southbound on I-135 at milepost 38 just before 8 p.m. when her car left the roadway, struck and went through a KDOT guardrail, then vaulted onto NW 60th, striking a second guardrail. 

Herrin was taken to Wesley Medical Center with a suspected serious injury. She was buckled up.

Herrin is listed as a freshman member of the Bethany College golf team on <a href="https://www.bethanyswedes.com/roster/19/27/11057.php">their website</a>.

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 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — 
A Kansas college golfer from Texas was injured in a car accident in Harvey County Monday evening.According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2020 Nissan Altima driven by 18-year-old Ana Herrin of Waxahatchie, Texas was southbound on I-135 at milepost 38 just before 8 p.m. when her car left the roadway, struck and went through a KDOT guardrail, then vaulted onto NW 60th, striking a second guardrail. Herrin was taken to Wesley Medical Center with a suspected serious injury. She was buckled up.Herrin is listed as a freshman member of the Bethany College golf team on <a href="https://www.bethanyswedes.com/roster/19/27/11057.php">their website</a>.

Harvey County accident injures Bethany College athlete


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Reno County, Hutch Rec announces the following community events are canceled:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October Third Thursday: Salt City Music Showcase on Thursday, October 15

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dillon Nature Center’s SpookWalk on Friday, October 16 &amp; Saturday, October 17

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hutch Rec Race Series Trail &amp; Treat 5K/3K events at Sand Hills State Park on Saturday, October 24

Dillon Nature Center staff will refund those individuals who purchased tickets in advance to the SpookWalk event. Individuals must bring their tickets to the nature center for a refund. Contact DNC at (620) 663-7411 for more details.

Participants who registered for the Trail &amp; Treat 5K/3K events will receive a full refund and be contacted by event staff this week.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Reno County, Hutch Rec announces the following community events are canceled:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October Third Thursday: Salt City Music Showcase on Thursday, October 15·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dillon Nature Center’s SpookWalk on Friday, October 16 &amp; Saturday, October 17·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hutch Rec Race Series Trail &amp; Treat 5K/3K events at Sand Hills State Park on Saturday, October 24Dillon Nature Center staff will refund those individuals who purchased tickets in advance to the SpookWalk event. Individuals must bring their tickets to the nature center for a refund. Contact DNC at (620) 663-7411 for more details.Participants who registered for the Trail &amp; Treat 5K/3K events will receive a full refund and be contacted by event staff this week.

Hutch Rec announces cancellation of upcoming community events


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A downtown Hutchinson business owner is opening up her space to be sure residents are registered to vote.

"Voting is foundational to our society," said Sara Crow with Crow and Co. bookstore in downtown Hutchinson. "I just want to make sure that as many people as possible are signed up and registered before the deadline."

You can register to vote at Crow and Co. between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday at 2 South Main in Hutchinson.

"I was talking to Miriam Kitson actually, from Hutch and Harmony and she mentioned the deadline was coming up, and I was like, oh, well, maybe we should do something and make sure everyone who has the opportunity is registered to vote," Crow said.

Volunteers from United Way of Reno County, Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Hutch in Harmony and Big Brothers Big Sisters will be available to help get forms filled out properly. 

Tuesday is the deadline to register for the November 3 general election.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A downtown Hutchinson business owner is opening up her space to be sure residents are registered to vote."Voting is foundational to our society," said Sara Crow with Crow and Co. bookstore in downtown Hutchinson. "I just want to make sure that as many people as possible are signed up and registered before the deadline."You can register to vote at Crow and Co. between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday at 2 South Main in Hutchinson."I was talking to Miriam Kitson actually, from Hutch and Harmony and she mentioned the deadline was coming up, and I was like, oh, well, maybe we should do something and make sure everyone who has the opportunity is registered to vote," Crow said.Volunteers from United Way of Reno County, Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Hutch in Harmony and Big Brothers Big Sisters will be available to help get forms filled out properly. Tuesday is the deadline to register for the November 3 general election.

Voter registration event at Crow and Co. Tuesday

Release from Reno County Master Gardeners

Hutchinson, KS - Share the joy of “extras” in your garden. Fall is an excellent time to thin perennials and plant new ones in the garden. 

Everyone is invited to bring some favorite garden plants and exchange them for new ones at the Reno County Extension Master Gardener Perennial Plant Swap. The Plant Swap will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Reno County Farmer’s Market from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Reno County Farmers’ Market is located at 2nd and Washington in Hutchinson.

Anyone interested is welcome to participate. There is no charge for the event. Plants should be healthy and free of insects. Any type of houseplant or perennial can be exchanged - flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and herbs. No annuals please. There will also be a seed exchange. Seeds can be either annuals or perennials. Garden books, tools, and supplies are also welcome. 

Please have all plants and seeds labeled. Plants should be in some kind of bag or container so they can be easily transported.

Extension Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. For more information, contact the Reno County Extension Office at 620-662-2371.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574882129291.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Reno County Master Gardeners Hutchinson, KS - Share the joy of “extras” in your garden. Fall is an excellent time to thin perennials and plant new ones in the garden. Everyone is invited to bring some favorite garden plants and exchange them for new ones at the Reno County Extension Master Gardener Perennial Plant Swap. The Plant Swap will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Reno County Farmer’s Market from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Reno County Farmers’ Market is located at 2nd and Washington in Hutchinson.Anyone interested is welcome to participate. There is no charge for the event. Plants should be healthy and free of insects. Any type of houseplant or perennial can be exchanged - flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and herbs. No annuals please. There will also be a seed exchange. Seeds can be either annuals or perennials. Garden books, tools, and supplies are also welcome. Please have all plants and seeds labeled. Plants should be in some kind of bag or container so they can be easily transported.Extension Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. For more information, contact the Reno County Extension Office at 620-662-2371.

Master Gardeners Plant Swap Saturday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Barbara Lilyhorn, Reno County Public Transportation Director, announced Monday that effective at 7 a.m. on October 13, Rcat will reinstate social distancing for seating passengers on all vehicles. This is due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Reno County. Fixed Routes vehicles will be limited to 6 passengers and will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

"We will limit the capacity on the buses to six," Lilyhorn said. "We will have the seats cordoned off."

Rcat will operate four Fixed routes on the following schedule: 1 North hourly, 1 South hourly, 2 East will operate at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., 2 Northwest will operate at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Route 3 will operate hourly.

Paratransit vehicles will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

County On Demand will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"When they come on the bus there will only be certain seats that are available," Lilyhorn said. "When we have six people on the bus, that's capacity. That's going to be a change. We had been doing that from March until July, when the mask order went in."

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

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

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Barbara Lilyhorn, Reno County Public Transportation Director, announced Monday that effective at 7 a.m. on October 13, Rcat will reinstate social distancing for seating passengers on all vehicles. This is due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Reno County. Fixed Routes vehicles will be limited to 6 passengers and will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays."We will limit the capacity on the buses to six," Lilyhorn said. "We will have the seats cordoned off."Rcat will operate four Fixed routes on the following schedule: 1 North hourly, 1 South hourly, 2 East will operate at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., 2 Northwest will operate at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Route 3 will operate hourly.Paratransit vehicles will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.County On Demand will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday."When they come on the bus there will only be certain seats that are available," Lilyhorn said. "When we have six people on the bus, that's capacity. That's going to be a change. We had been doing that from March until July, when the mask order went in."Passengers are required to wear a mask and are asked to observe good hygiene with frequent handwashing and responsible respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into their elbow bend and limiting physical contact with drivers and other passengers. Hand sanitizer is available on all vehicles.Rcat is first come first served general public transportation funded in part by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.

Reno County Public Transportation announces change in bus capacity due to COVID-19

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>.

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

Recent obituaries


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The 43rd Avenue bridge project is going forward.

According to an email Monday from Reno County Public Works, in addition to the closure of 43rd from Old K-61 to just west of Lucille, now Old K-61 is closed from 56th to 43rd until further notice to all through traffic.

The total project is due to take well into 2021, or even early 2022 before it's done. 

If you have questions on any county project, call Public Works at (620) 694-2976.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The 43rd Avenue bridge project is going forward.According to an email Monday from Reno County Public Works, in addition to the closure of 43rd from Old K-61 to just west of Lucille, now Old K-61 is closed from 56th to 43rd until further notice to all through traffic.The total project is due to take well into 2021, or even early 2022 before it's done. If you have questions on any county project, call Public Works at (620) 694-2976.

Old K-61 now closed as 43rd bridge project continues


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Museum's annual Spook Walk will be different this year.

"This is the first year that we are hosting our Spook Walk outdoors," said Katie Broker with the museum. "In the past, it's always been in our exhibits. Given the current situation, we decided it was best to move it outside to accommodate for social distancing."

"We're still going to have ghosts of Reno County's past haunting the grounds," Broker said. "They'll have a few tricks for you as you walk around and find where they are at. We will still be handing out candy, just not in the traditional sense. We'll have sealed treat bags at the end of the Spook Walk for people to pick up in our courtyard. We plan to enhance the event with a pumpkin painting craft for kids and some light refreshments."

The event is a fundraiser for the museum and costs $2.50 per child.

"On the corner of Walnut and Avenue A, we take up the whole corner of that block," Broker said. "We will have people spread out between our outdoor exhibits across the parking lot, in our courtyard and all around the area. There will be plenty of room for social distancing. We do still ask that people wear their masks, please. "We'll have ways for you to wash your hands, hand sanitizer. We're taking every necessary precaution."

The walk is Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Museum's annual Spook Walk will be different this year."This is the first year that we are hosting our Spook Walk outdoors," said Katie Broker with the museum. "In the past, it's always been in our exhibits. Given the current situation, we decided it was best to move it outside to accommodate for social distancing."Some traditions will continue, however."We're still going to have ghosts of Reno County's past haunting the grounds," Broker said. "They'll have a few tricks for you as you walk around and find where they are at. We will still be handing out candy, just not in the traditional sense. We'll have sealed treat bags at the end of the Spook Walk for people to pick up in our courtyard. We plan to enhance the event with a pumpkin painting craft for kids and some light refreshments."The event is a fundraiser for the museum and costs $2.50 per child."On the corner of Walnut and Avenue A, we take up the whole corner of that block," Broker said. "We will have people spread out between our outdoor exhibits across the parking lot, in our courtyard and all around the area. There will be plenty of room for social distancing. We do still ask that people wear their masks, please. "We'll have ways for you to wash your hands, hand sanitizer. We're taking every necessary precaution."The walk is Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Spook Walk outside Thursday

After a few days of blaming our service provider for a shaky internet connection, I recently discovered the real problem was the decade-old Wi-Fi router when it quit transmitting signal in the middle of a workday. I uttered a few choice words as I pulled out my phone and checked a local store for a viable replacement.

I decided to go ahead and replace the modem as well since it predated the router. I found a decently priced combo, drove across town and back, then said a few more words while getting the whole thing set up. All told, it took just under an hour to complete.

It was a minor inconvenience, and I had access to several workarounds if I wasn’t able to buy a new router immediately. I could have taken the old-fashioned route of connecting a computer directly to the modem like our caveman ancestors did. I also could have used my phone as a hotspot.

In any event, the mild annoyance I encountered pales in comparison to the struggle of thousands of Kansans who lack any connectivity options at all. The pandemic has put a spotlight on just how important fast, reliable internet is for the state to prosper.

Education, health care, business, entertainment and work are all possible uses in connected households. Kansas will spend $50 million in CARES Act funding to hook up an estimated 70,000 households to broadband, defined as download speeds of 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 megabits per second.

It’s a step in the right direction, but the 67 projects across the state will only scratch the surface of connecting every home, business, school and health facility to modern technology. The hard part in any network is always making the last-mile delivery.

In cities where density means a mile of fiberoptic cable can give a company access to tens of thousands of potential customers or a wireless transceiver can cover multiple blocks, private companies will readily invest.

But on the outskirts of town where there are fewer people and greater distances, the potential profit goes down. It evaporates entirely when you start looking at farms and ranches across Kansas that are miles apart. There’s a reason only 4 percent of urban Americans lack access to broadband while nearly 40 percent of their rural counterparts are searching for signal.

The goal of connecting Kansas may seem too hard, too expensive, too slow, but I can guarantee you it’s worth all the, toil, trouble and time. Imagine where our state would be today if large swaths of the countryside lacked access to electricity or phone service.

Broadband internet is the latest in a string of societal advances that will require a mix of solutions for everyone to gain access. While it’s tempting to just dust off the template used to light up every home in America for broadband, that misses the reality of the current technology.

Fiber, wireless or beams from space are all options for increasing connectivity. Government action, like tax incentives, grants or regulation also has a role to play.

Broadband access isn’t a silver bullet for rural revitalization, but it will open up tremendous opportunities for farmers, ranchers and others who want to live in wide-open spaces but still feel connected to the rest of the world.

Someday I hope everyone gets to experience the joy of hurriedly replacing a bad router in the middle of a workday. The sooner the better.

"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.

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 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm BureauAfter a few days of blaming our service provider for a shaky internet connection, I recently discovered the real problem was the decade-old Wi-Fi router when it quit transmitting signal in the middle of a workday. I uttered a few choice words as I pulled out my phone and checked a local store for a viable replacement.I decided to go ahead and replace the modem as well since it predated the router. I found a decently priced combo, drove across town and back, then said a few more words while getting the whole thing set up. All told, it took just under an hour to complete.It was a minor inconvenience, and I had access to several workarounds if I wasn’t able to buy a new router immediately. I could have taken the old-fashioned route of connecting a computer directly to the modem like our caveman ancestors did. I also could have used my phone as a hotspot.In any event, the mild annoyance I encountered pales in comparison to the struggle of thousands of Kansans who lack any connectivity options at all. The pandemic has put a spotlight on just how important fast, reliable internet is for the state to prosper.Education, health care, business, entertainment and work are all possible uses in connected households. Kansas will spend $50 million in CARES Act funding to hook up an estimated 70,000 households to broadband, defined as download speeds of 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 megabits per second.It’s a step in the right direction, but the 67 projects across the state will only scratch the surface of connecting every home, business, school and health facility to modern technology. The hard part in any network is always making the last-mile delivery.In cities where density means a mile of fiberoptic cable can give a company access to tens of thousands of potential customers or a wireless transceiver can cover multiple blocks, private companies will readily invest.But on the outskirts of town where there are fewer people and greater distances, the potential profit goes down. It evaporates entirely when you start looking at farms and ranches across Kansas that are miles apart. There’s a reason only 4 percent of urban Americans lack access to broadband while nearly 40 percent of their rural counterparts are searching for signal.The goal of connecting Kansas may seem too hard, too expensive, too slow, but I can guarantee you it’s worth all the, toil, trouble and time. Imagine where our state would be today if large swaths of the countryside lacked access to electricity or phone service.Broadband internet is the latest in a string of societal advances that will require a mix of solutions for everyone to gain access. While it’s tempting to just dust off the template used to light up every home in America for broadband, that misses the reality of the current technology.Fiber, wireless or beams from space are all options for increasing connectivity. Government action, like tax incentives, grants or regulation also has a role to play.Broadband access isn’t a silver bullet for rural revitalization, but it will open up tremendous opportunities for farmers, ranchers and others who want to live in wide-open spaces but still feel connected to the rest of the world.Someday I hope everyone gets to experience the joy of hurriedly replacing a bad router in the middle of a workday. The sooner the better."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. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Connecting Kansas


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Thanks to Ineeda Cleaners and the generosity of the Hutchinson community, the annual coat drive continues this year.

"We are able to give coats out to anyone in need," said D.J. James with the Salvation Army. "You just need to get an appointment time. In the past, we've done about 300 families in one day. That's just not possible this year. We need to spread it out."

Drop gently used coats off at INEEDA Cleaners by October 31 to be distributed.

"You can go click on our link on Facebook," said James. "You can go click on our link on our website and just claim an appointment."

If you can't log on to the internet to make an appointment, you can call (620) 663-3353.

"We're spreading that out," James said. "It's going to be through that first week in November."

Currently, appointment times are available on November 5, 6 and 7.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Thanks to Ineeda Cleaners and the generosity of the Hutchinson community, the annual coat drive continues this year."We are able to give coats out to anyone in need," said D.J. James with the Salvation Army. "You just need to get an appointment time. In the past, we've done about 300 families in one day. That's just not possible this year. We need to spread it out."Drop gently used coats off at INEEDA Cleaners by October 31 to be distributed."You can go click on our link on Facebook," said James. "You can go click on our link on our website and just claim an appointment."If you can't log on to the internet to make an appointment, you can call (620) 663-3353."We're spreading that out," James said. "It's going to be through that first week in November."Currently, appointment times are available on November 5, 6 and 7.

Coat drive still going, but sign up has changed


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The active COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 306 as of Sunday evening.

The county is in a Moderate Alert level or orange overall. That's also where the schools are for this week.

Nine people are in the hospital. Of the 58 hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, half have required intensive care and eight have required intubation. Seven people have died.

Testing in the county has broken the 10,000 mark, with 10,618 tests administered. 9,192 tests were negative, for an overall positive test rate of 13.43% and a community positive test rate of 9.53%. 16.89% of the population has been tested.

There are nine active clusters. Four of those have cases. Hutchinson Correctional Facility has 111 cases. Mennonite Friendship Communities cluster has 62 active cases and two of the deaths have been attributed to that cluster. Fourteen cases are still active in the Hutchinson Community College cluster. There is also a workplace cluster with three active cases currently.

The next community testing date for Reno County residents is at Salt City Splash on Tuesday, October 13th from 4 pm to 7 pm.  All residents of Reno County are eligible for free testing regardless of if you have symptoms or not. Call the Reno County Health Department at 844-834-3657 today to schedule your appointment.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The active COVID-19 case count in Reno County is at 306 as of Sunday evening.The county is in a Moderate Alert level or orange overall. That's also where the schools are for this week.Nine people are in the hospital. Of the 58 hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, half have required intensive care and eight have required intubation. Seven people have died.Testing in the county has broken the 10,000 mark, with 10,618 tests administered. 9,192 tests were negative, for an overall positive test rate of 13.43% and a community positive test rate of 9.53%. 16.89% of the population has been tested.There are nine active clusters. Four of those have cases. Hutchinson Correctional Facility has 111 cases. Mennonite Friendship Communities cluster has 62 active cases and two of the deaths have been attributed to that cluster. Fourteen cases are still active in the Hutchinson Community College cluster. There is also a workplace cluster with three active cases currently.The next community testing date for Reno County residents is at Salt City Splash on Tuesday, October 13th from 4 pm to 7 pm. All residents of Reno County are eligible for free testing regardless of if you have symptoms or not. Call the Reno County Health Department at 844-834-3657 today to schedule your appointment.

Active case count in Reno County at 306 as of Sunday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson firefighters at the Mullen Fire gave their home department an update on Sunday.

According to a Facebook post from the department, the fire is at over 175,000 acres. Over 1200 firefighters are working the fire, approximately 40 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming.

To give an idea of the size, the entire response area for Hutchinson Fire is about 69,000 acres. The Mullen Fire is well over twice that large. It is just over one-quarter contained.

The crew continues to assist with burn out operations and structure protection.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson firefighters at the Mullen Fire gave their home department an update on Sunday.According to a Facebook post from the department, the fire is at over 175,000 acres. Over 1200 firefighters are working the fire, approximately 40 miles southwest of Laramie, Wyoming.To give an idea of the size, the entire response area for Hutchinson Fire is about 69,000 acres. The Mullen Fire is well over twice that large. It is just over one-quarter contained.The crew continues to assist with burn out operations and structure protection.

Mullen fire update: Over 1200 firefighters now fighting two-state blaze


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Commissioners will introduce a Communications Specialist at their meeting on Tuesday.

Laurie Moody, who most recently was Assistant Director of Graduate Studies for the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, will be introduced at the Tuesday meeting. 

Also on the agenda for Tuesday is a COVID-19 update from Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith and Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar.

There will also be a presentation from Matt Baki with Tria Health on the benefits of including telephone consultation with a pharmacist in helping control chronic conditions like diabetes. 

Reno County Human Resources coordinator Renee Harris will join him before the commission. There will also be two privileged legal matters discussed in separate executive sessions.

The Reno County commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Reno County courthouse.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Commissioners will introduce a Communications Specialist at their meeting on Tuesday.Laurie Moody, who most recently was Assistant Director of Graduate Studies for the Barton School of Business at Wichita State University, will be introduced at the Tuesday meeting. Also on the agenda for Tuesday is a COVID-19 update from Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith and Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar.There will also be a presentation from Matt Baki with Tria Health on the benefits of including telephone consultation with a pharmacist in helping control chronic conditions like diabetes. Reno County Human Resources coordinator Renee Harris will join him before the commission. There will also be two privileged legal matters discussed in separate executive sessions.The Reno County commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Reno County courthouse.

County commission to meet Tuesday

TREGO COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Sunday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven by Chad M.&nbsp;Uhrich, 27, WaKeeney, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of WaKeeney.

The Hyundai rear-ended a 2008&nbsp;Mercedes-Benz M35 SUV driven by Peyton K. Jensen, 29, Kansas City, Mo., that had slowed to due the dust storm.

EMS transported Uhrich, Jensen and a passenger in the Mercedes Miranda R. Goodwin, 26, Hutchinson, to Trego County-Lemke Memorial.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

The interstate was closed from WaKeeney to Russell for several hours due to the dust storm.&nbsp; The high winds and blowing dust was responsible for many other non-injury accidents that temporarily closed portions of K283, K96 and K4 Sunday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602472350873.jpeg" alt="Sunday evening crash in the dust storm on Interstate 70 .&nbsp;Visibility was down to 20 to 30 feet in some areas, according to the KHP." />
 <figcaption>Sunday evening crash in the dust storm on Interstate 70 .&nbsp;Visibility was down to 20 to 30 feet in some areas, according to the KHP.</figcaption>
 </figure>TREGO COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Sunday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven by Chad M.&nbsp;Uhrich, 27, WaKeeney, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of WaKeeney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602472558311.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>The Hyundai rear-ended a 2008&nbsp;Mercedes-Benz M35 SUV driven by Peyton K. Jensen, 29, Kansas City, Mo., that had slowed to due the dust storm.EMS transported Uhrich, Jensen and a passenger in the Mercedes Miranda R. Goodwin, 26, Hutchinson, to Trego County-Lemke Memorial.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.The interstate was closed from WaKeeney to Russell for several hours due to the dust storm.&nbsp; The high winds and blowing dust was responsible for many other non-injury accidents that temporarily closed portions of K283, K96 and K4 Sunday evening.

Hutchinson woman hospitalized after crash in dust storm

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Heath Department will receive funding to help support prevention and surveillance to help combat opioid and drug overdose.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Health Promotion was awarded $3.1 million as part of its second year of the Overdose Data to Action Cooperative Agreement through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;

The Health Department will receive some of the funding to implement overdose prevention initiatives. No dollar amount was provided in a release from the KDHE.

This award will support prevention and surveillance efforts surrounding the opioid and drug use, misuse and overdose crisis in Kansas. The award will bring in $3.1 million per year through 2022.

In 2019, there were more than 393 drug-poisoning deaths in Kansas, and approximately 177 of those involved a prescription or an illicit opioid, and 153 involved psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine.&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Heath Department will receive funding to help support prevention and surveillance to help combat opioid and drug overdose.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Health Promotion was awarded $3.1 million as part of its second year of the Overdose Data to Action Cooperative Agreement through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;The Health Department will receive some of the funding to implement overdose prevention initiatives. No dollar amount was provided in a release from the KDHE.This award will support prevention and surveillance efforts surrounding the opioid and drug use, misuse and overdose crisis in Kansas. The award will bring in $3.1 million per year through 2022.In 2019, there were more than 393 drug-poisoning deaths in Kansas, and approximately 177 of those involved a prescription or an illicit opioid, and 153 involved psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine.&nbsp;

Health Department to receive funding for drug abuse prevention initiative


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A political scientist with Emporia State University still believes there is a value in a Presidential debate, even as the October 15 debate has gone by the boards and we're down to just one more scheduled before the November election.

"There's no evidence that these debates influence the outcome of elections," said Michael Smith. "There's nothing. Even really memorable ones like Kennedy-Nixon in 1960. We just don't have the evidence that it swayed the election."

There is a question if civility can come back if the two candidates meet again.

"You know, a lot of people reported watching the first debate with their kids and the kids were horrified," Smith said. "The parents really struggled. How do I explain this to my kids? It would be neat for the next generations and for civic culture if we could role model a civil debate. It won't affect the outcome of our election, but it would be good for our civic culture."

The final debate is still on for now on October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;A political scientist with Emporia State University still believes there is a value in a Presidential debate, even as the October 15 debate has gone by the boards and we're down to just one more scheduled before the November election."There's no evidence that these debates influence the outcome of elections," said Michael Smith. "There's nothing. Even really memorable ones like Kennedy-Nixon in 1960. We just don't have the evidence that it swayed the election."There is a question if civility can come back if the two candidates meet again."You know, a lot of people reported watching the first debate with their kids and the kids were horrified," Smith said. "The parents really struggled. How do I explain this to my kids? It would be neat for the next generations and for civic culture if we could role model a civil debate. It won't affect the outcome of our election, but it would be good for our civic culture."The final debate is still on for now on October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Smith: Another debate won't sway election, but would be nice

RENO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Toyota Camry driven by Scott M. Nienke, 37, Hutchinson, was eastbound on Kansas 14 five miles northeast of Hutchinson attempting to pass a vehicle without sufficient room to do so.

The Toyota collided with westbound 2014 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by&nbsp;Dinning, Faith A. Dinning, 26, Sharon Springs.

EMS transported Nienke to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;Dinning was not injured. Nienke was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

RENO COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Saturday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Toyota Camry driven by Scott M. Nienke, 37, Hutchinson, was eastbound on Kansas 14 five miles northeast of Hutchinson attempting to pass a vehicle without sufficient room to do so.The Toyota collided with westbound 2014 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by&nbsp;Dinning, Faith A. Dinning, 26, Sharon Springs.EMS transported Nienke to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;Dinning was not injured. Nienke was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Hutchinson man hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thanks to some help from a Florida company, the Cosmosphere is embarking on a new program that will bring some of its most treasured artifacts into the interactive world.

Starting Tuesday, the Cosmosphere will begin creating high-resolution, full-color, digitally interactive 3D models of the space museum’s collection starting with one of the most iconic crafts in American history — the Mercury spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7. The craft will be uncased by museum staff and then 3D laser-scanned by a company from Florida called Creaform. Creaform is donating its services to the non-profit museum for this project.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to create a digital library of artifacts in our collection,” Nathan Meyer, Cosmosphere VP of Education and Strategy, said. “The pandemic really amplified the need for accessible, quality educational resources and we want to help provide those to the public at large.”&nbsp;

Cosmosphere staff will take full-color, high-resolution photos of the craft once the case has been removed. By layering those photos with the detailed 3D laser-scan of the spacecraft, a fully digital and interactive 3D model will be created. That digital model can then be used for 3D printing, in virtual reality software and placed alongside corresponding educational resources online.&nbsp;

“With over 10,000 pieces in our collection, this isn’t going to be an overnight project,” Meyer said. “But we wanted to start with a major piece of space history and the Liberty Bell 7 gets a lot of attention, both locally and internationally — as it spent the previous six years on a world tour, so we thought it was the perfect piece to start with.”&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thanks to some help from a Florida company, the Cosmosphere is embarking on a new program that will bring some of its most treasured artifacts into the interactive world.Starting Tuesday, the Cosmosphere will begin creating high-resolution, full-color, digitally interactive 3D models of the space museum’s collection starting with one of the most iconic crafts in American history — the Mercury spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7. The craft will be uncased by museum staff and then 3D laser-scanned by a company from Florida called Creaform. Creaform is donating its services to the non-profit museum for this project.&nbsp;“Our goal is to create a digital library of artifacts in our collection,” Nathan Meyer, Cosmosphere VP of Education and Strategy, said. “The pandemic really amplified the need for accessible, quality educational resources and we want to help provide those to the public at large.”&nbsp;Cosmosphere staff will take full-color, high-resolution photos of the craft once the case has been removed. By layering those photos with the detailed 3D laser-scan of the spacecraft, a fully digital and interactive 3D model will be created. That digital model can then be used for 3D printing, in virtual reality software and placed alongside corresponding educational resources online.&nbsp;“With over 10,000 pieces in our collection, this isn’t going to be an overnight project,” Meyer said. “But we wanted to start with a major piece of space history and the Liberty Bell 7 gets a lot of attention, both locally and internationally — as it spent the previous six years on a world tour, so we thought it was the perfect piece to start with.”&nbsp;While similar work has already begun on smaller artifacts housed in the museum’s collection, the Liberty Bell 7 3D model will be the premiere example of the new digital offerings available via a virtual museum platform, which the Cosmosphere team plans to launch in 2021.A sneak peek of the Liberty Bell 7 project, including a time-lapse video of the 3D scanning, will be available to view on the Cosmosphere’s social media sites next week.&nbsp;

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