HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sales tax revenue for Reno County in February was the second highest in at least seven years.

According to figures released by the Treasurer's Department, sales tax collections for February totaled $499,195. Only February of 2018 was higher at $517,804. Sales tax numbers for February reflect the December Christmas shopping season.

The number is nearly $85,000 higher than February of 2020 and more than $129,000 higher than last month. A combination of higher prices and continued strong local shopping trends in the area fueled the numbers.&nbsp;

In the first two months of the year, the county has taken in $868,787.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sales tax revenue for Reno County in February was the second highest in at least seven years.According to figures released by the Treasurer's Department, sales tax collections for February totaled $499,195. Only February of 2018 was higher at $517,804. Sales tax numbers for February reflect the December Christmas shopping season.The number is nearly $85,000 higher than February of 2020 and more than $129,000 higher than last month. A combination of higher prices and continued strong local shopping trends in the area fueled the numbers.&nbsp;In the first two months of the year, the county has taken in $868,787.<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;

February sales tax numbers strong again

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The next Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Lunchtime Lowdown is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This month's program will feature elder law and special needs attorney Kristen Armstrong, who will discuss the types of estate planning documents that everyone should consider, especially during times like COVID-19.&nbsp;

Armstrong will also discuss other estate planning and elder law considerations such as Medicare and Medicaid as they relate to long-term care, VA in-home care benefits, and the need for care contracts. This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Go to <a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/LunchtimeLowdown%20Planning%20Ahead%20for%20the%20Future%20%20Life%20and%20Estate%20Planning%20Considerations-7484/details">hutchchamber.com</a> for more information or to register.

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<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— The next Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Lunchtime Lowdown is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, at 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;This month's program will feature elder law and special needs attorney Kristen Armstrong, who will discuss the types of estate planning documents that everyone should consider, especially during times like COVID-19.&nbsp;Armstrong will also discuss other estate planning and elder law considerations such as Medicare and Medicaid as they relate to long-term care, VA in-home care benefits, and the need for care contracts. This event is free to attend, but registration is required.Go to <a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/LunchtimeLowdown%20Planning%20Ahead%20for%20the%20Future%20%20Life%20and%20Estate%20Planning%20Considerations-7484/details">hutchchamber.com</a> for more information or to register.<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Chamber monthly Lunchtime Lowdown is March 3


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The super cold snap is still reverberating through the commodity markets, including crude oil, which is reflected at the gasoline pump.

"Motorists are filling up to some of the most expensive gas prices we've seen in over a year," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to last week's winter weather, gasoline stocks have tightened up and gas prices have gone up pretty significantly."

Sixty-six percent of state averages across the country spiked by double digits.

"Here in Kansas, it's pretty much the same story," Steward said. "We're at $2.47 a gallon today. That's up 12 cents from a week ago."

"Reno County today is a little bit less than the state average, we're at $2.41, so six cents less," Steward said.

Kansas also is still among the ten least expensive states for gas overall.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The super cold snap is still reverberating through the commodity markets, including crude oil, which is reflected at the gasoline pump."Motorists are filling up to some of the most expensive gas prices we've seen in over a year," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to last week's winter weather, gasoline stocks have tightened up and gas prices have gone up pretty significantly."Sixty-six percent of state averages across the country spiked by double digits."Here in Kansas, it's pretty much the same story," Steward said. "We're at $2.47 a gallon today. That's up 12 cents from a week ago."That's up 29 cents from a month ago."Reno County today is a little bit less than the state average, we're at $2.41, so six cents less," Steward said.Kansas also is still among the ten least expensive states for gas overall.
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Cold keeps gas prices rising fast

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation has opened its Teacher of the Year 2021 nominations for educators in USD 308.

Nominations will be taken through March 5.

The foundation will grant five awards this year for outstanding classroom teachers. Two will be selected from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, one from grades 7 and 8, and two from Hutchinson High School. Teachers must be currently serving in the Hutchinson Public Schools to receive consideration. Administrators and other non-classroom and non-teaching personnel are not eligible to receive these awards.

Staff who receive the award will be honored at the district’s opening convocation in August and at a Salthawk football game in the fall.

The public can make nominations as well. The nomination form is available <a href="https://5il.co/p8kd">online</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation has opened its Teacher of the Year 2021 nominations for educators in USD 308.Nominations will be taken through March 5.The foundation will grant five awards this year for outstanding classroom teachers. Two will be selected from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, one from grades 7 and 8, and two from Hutchinson High School. Teachers must be currently serving in the Hutchinson Public Schools to receive consideration. Administrators and other non-classroom and non-teaching personnel are not eligible to receive these awards.Staff who receive the award will be honored at the district’s opening convocation in August and at a Salthawk football game in the fall.The public can make nominations as well. The nomination form is available <a href="https://5il.co/p8kd">online</a>.
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USD 308 Teacher of the Year nominations close next week


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Thursday marked five years since the mass shooting event at Excel Industries in Hesston where Cedric Ford shot seventeen people, killing three.

Hesston Police Chief Doug Schroeder declined to comment for this story, but his efforts on that day in 2016 were what ultimately stopped Ford. Schroeder shot and killed Ford in the line of duty. 

Robb Reeves owned the local newspaper, the Hesston Record, at the time.

"You go through it and you just want to put it behind you," Reeves said. "At the same time, we have to remember what happened. Some people lost their lives. It was a tough day for Hesston. You can't just forget it."

The events happened in the late afternoon, shortly after Reeves and his staff had put the weekly paper to bed.

"It was a quarter of a mile from our office, half a mile and it was still going on," Reeves said when his editor at the time, Jackie Nelson, who still writes for the paper under its current ownership, made it to Excel. "I think she saw some bad things there, tough things to see. I checked our old Twitter account and her first report was at 5:22 p.m. that day."

Schroeder was honored for his service at the White House in 2018.

"I have in my office the edition where Donald Trump is putting a medal around Doug's neck," Reeves said. "He received the Presidential Medal of Valor. The man's a true hero. He won't promote himself or anything, that's just the kind of guy he is, but he's a real hero."

Before the establishment of the Medal of Valor in 2000, there were no Federal awards to specifically acknowledge the bravery performed by public safety officers throughout the United States.

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By
NICK GOSNELL and ROB DREHER
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Thursday marked five years since the mass shooting event at Excel Industries in Hesston where Cedric Ford shot seventeen people, killing three.Hesston Police Chief Doug Schroeder declined to comment for this story, but his efforts on that day in 2016 were what ultimately stopped Ford. Schroeder shot and killed Ford in the line of duty. Robb Reeves owned the local newspaper, the Hesston Record, at the time."You go through it and you just want to put it behind you," Reeves said. "At the same time, we have to remember what happened. Some people lost their lives. It was a tough day for Hesston. You can't just forget it."The events happened in the late afternoon, shortly after Reeves and his staff had put the weekly paper to bed."It was a quarter of a mile from our office, half a mile and it was still going on," Reeves said when his editor at the time, Jackie Nelson, who still writes for the paper under its current ownership, made it to Excel. "I think she saw some bad things there, tough things to see. I checked our old Twitter account and her first report was at 5:22 p.m. that day."Schroeder was honored for his service at the White House in 2018."I have in my office the edition where Donald Trump is putting a medal around Doug's neck," Reeves said. "He received the Presidential Medal of Valor. The man's a true hero. He won't promote himself or anything, that's just the kind of guy he is, but he's a real hero."Before the establishment of the Medal of Valor in 2000, there were no Federal awards to specifically acknowledge the bravery performed by public safety officers throughout the United States.
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Former newspaper owner reflects on Hesston Excel shooting five years later


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — All current eighth&nbsp;graders and their parents are invited to the Hutchinson High School Eighth Grade Open House Tuesday, March 2, in the HHS Performing Arts Center, 810 E. 13th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

To help with social distancing, the opening assembly will be split into two this year. Students whose last names begin with the letters A through L will assemble at 6:30 p.m. Students whose last names begin with the letters M through Z will assemble at 7 p.m. Parents and students are welcome to tour HHS after the assemblies.

The presentation also can be viewed <a href="https://youtu.be/XNa-Otmw3YY">online</a>.

During the evening, students and families will hear about the enrollment process and meet HHS teachers, administrators and coaches. The evening will begin with a short program in the auditorium followed by the opportunity to see the campus.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — All current eighth&nbsp;graders and their parents are invited to the Hutchinson High School Eighth Grade Open House Tuesday, March 2, in the HHS Performing Arts Center, 810 E. 13th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To help with social distancing, the opening assembly will be split into two this year. Students whose last names begin with the letters A through L will assemble at 6:30 p.m. Students whose last names begin with the letters M through Z will assemble at 7 p.m. Parents and students are welcome to tour HHS after the assemblies.The presentation also can be viewed <a href="https://youtu.be/XNa-Otmw3YY">online</a>.During the evening, students and families will hear about the enrollment process and meet HHS teachers, administrators and coaches. The evening will begin with a short program in the auditorium followed by the opportunity to see the campus.
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Incoming freshmen at Hutch High to have open house Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — There are conflicting numbers between the Kansas Department of Labor and the office of the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit as to how widespread the payments disbursed to fraudulent unemployment claims in the state are, but a local legislator says the audit report shows where some of the vulnerabilities ultimately lie.

"Because of the pandemic, they were extending unemployment to like self-employed hairdressers or masseuse or independent contractors, they didn't have the normal fraud stop that you would have," said Waggoner. "As an employer, you get somebody filed for unemployment and you confirm it or you deny it or you give your rationale. With this, there was no one to send it to because they were self-employed."

Looser rules regarding proof of income made it easier for untrue claims to be both filed and paid.

"Basically, the organized fraudsters saw the vulnerability, that you could just file and you didn't have to, there was no employer to confirm it and you didn't even have to prove your income," Waggoner said. "Rules and regs on the federal level made it very easy for fraud to happen."

There are also issues with the Department of Labor's computer system that the legislature does plan to address.

"It's not just that we're unable to solve this problem," Waggoner said. "It's just that it didn't happen a number of years ago. As I understand, there was money appropriated, but just, the agencies, once they get the money, they don't have to spend it exactly how the legislature thought they were going to spend it."

The Legislature plans a full week of floor work starting Monday.

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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — There are conflicting numbers between the Kansas Department of Labor and the office of the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit as to how widespread the payments disbursed to fraudulent unemployment claims in the state are, but a local legislator says the audit report shows where some of the vulnerabilities ultimately lie."Because of the pandemic, they were extending unemployment to like self-employed hairdressers or masseuse or independent contractors, they didn't have the normal fraud stop that you would have," said Waggoner. "As an employer, you get somebody filed for unemployment and you confirm it or you deny it or you give your rationale. With this, there was no one to send it to because they were self-employed."Looser rules regarding proof of income made it easier for untrue claims to be both filed and paid."Basically, the organized fraudsters saw the vulnerability, that you could just file and you didn't have to, there was no employer to confirm it and you didn't even have to prove your income," Waggoner said. "Rules and regs on the federal level made it very easy for fraud to happen."There are also issues with the Department of Labor's computer system that the legislature does plan to address."It's not just that we're unable to solve this problem," Waggoner said. "It's just that it didn't happen a number of years ago. As I understand, there was money appropriated, but just, the agencies, once they get the money, they don't have to spend it exactly how the legislature thought they were going to spend it."The Legislature plans a full week of floor work starting Monday.
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Waggoner: Department of Labor fraud about more than just computers


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt explained that reining in executive branch power through legislative action as he and leading legislators proposed this week isn't new.

"The volume of agency regulations, not just in Kansas, but around the country has grown substantially in the past handful of decades," Schmidt said. "The mechanisms to have oversight of those regulations by elected officials in the legislature has not grown at the same time. Our proposal is to restore a mechanism that used to exist in Kansas law years ago and then went by the wayside that would allow the legislature to call up specific agency regulations and if they think that they are out of bounds, to vote to actually revoke them."

Schmidt thinks this is good policy no matter who resides at Cedar Crest or leads other offices where regulations can be written.

"I think it's good government," Schmidt said. "We came across the old Kansas Supreme Court case that set aside the previous legislative veto that Kansas had and discovered this was quite an issue in the 1980s. Many states had a similar mechanism. Their courts invalidated them. In about half a dozen states, give or take, the people were so enamored of their legislative veto process that after the court set them aside, the people came back and amended their state constitution and reenacted that power, just as we're proposing be considered in Kansas now."

It's Schmidt's contention that this will realign things with the way government was intended to function.

"We all learned that there are three branches of government that are kept in place by checks and balances one against the other," Schmidt said. "What has essentially happened with the modern administrative state is that a fourth branch of government has emerged and that's the regulatory state, generally led by unelected administrative agencies. This creates a meaningful check and balance over how that so-called branch of government exercises power."

The proposal would need two-thirds majorities to get put on a future ballot. The 2021 legislature has already voted to raise one constitutional question regarding abortion this session.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt explained that reining in executive branch power through legislative action as he and leading legislators proposed this week isn't new."The volume of agency regulations, not just in Kansas, but around the country has grown substantially in the past handful of decades," Schmidt said. "The mechanisms to have oversight of those regulations by elected officials in the legislature has not grown at the same time. Our proposal is to restore a mechanism that used to exist in Kansas law years ago and then went by the wayside that would allow the legislature to call up specific agency regulations and if they think that they are out of bounds, to vote to actually revoke them."Schmidt thinks this is good policy no matter who resides at Cedar Crest or leads other offices where regulations can be written."I think it's good government," Schmidt said. "We came across the old Kansas Supreme Court case that set aside the previous legislative veto that Kansas had and discovered this was quite an issue in the 1980s. Many states had a similar mechanism. Their courts invalidated them. In about half a dozen states, give or take, the people were so enamored of their legislative veto process that after the court set them aside, the people came back and amended their state constitution and reenacted that power, just as we're proposing be considered in Kansas now."It's Schmidt's contention that this will realign things with the way government was intended to function."We all learned that there are three branches of government that are kept in place by checks and balances one against the other," Schmidt said. "What has essentially happened with the modern administrative state is that a fourth branch of government has emerged and that's the regulatory state, generally led by unelected administrative agencies. This creates a meaningful check and balance over how that so-called branch of government exercises power."The proposal would need two-thirds majorities to get put on a future ballot. The 2021 legislature has already voted to raise one constitutional question regarding abortion this session.
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Schmidt: Legislative veto idea goes back decades

ARLINGTON,
Kan. — Motorists who travel K-11 south of Arlington can expect short delays due to a bridge replacement that will begin March 8.&nbsp;

The bridge over Goose Creek a little more than six miles north of the Reno-Kingman County line will be replaced.

The highway will stay open, but during&nbsp;the project, traffic will be diverted to a temporary road at the construction site. Motorists should be prepared to slow down through the construction zone.

Depending on the weather, the project is expected to be completed around mid-December.

King Construction Co. Inc., of Hesston, is the prime contractor for the $1,460,469 project.

<figure>
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 </figure>ARLINGTON,
Kan. — Motorists who travel K-11 south of Arlington can expect short delays due to a bridge replacement that will begin March 8.&nbsp;The bridge over Goose Creek a little more than six miles north of the Reno-Kingman County line will be replaced.The highway will stay open, but during&nbsp;the project, traffic will be diverted to a temporary road at the construction site. Motorists should be prepared to slow down through the construction zone.Depending on the weather, the project is expected to be completed around mid-December.King Construction Co. Inc., of Hesston, is the prime contractor for the $1,460,469 project.
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K-11 bridge replacement south of Arlington will start March 8


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 124 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.

Out of 7,696 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,434 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 <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 124 as of Wednesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 138. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.Out of 7,696 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,434 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 <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

Wednesday case count down to 124, long-term care down to 13

An honor for Hutchinson's Eagle Radio stations and conflicting numbers on unemployment fraud in Kansas, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>An honor for Hutchinson's Eagle Radio stations and conflicting numbers on unemployment fraud in Kansas, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="February 25, 2021 Morning News" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/udkm6-fbd9d0?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 25, 2021 Morning News

Eagle Radio of Hutchinson earns 2020 Spirit Award

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The golf course at Carey Park has been a part of the community since before the park existed. The Carey Park Golf Course will celebrate 90 years of business next year. 

The course, which opened in 1932, is still a popular course and one of three currently operating in the Hutchinson area. The course is old-school with a mixture of long and short holes and lots of trees. One person that has been a big part of Carey Park, both as a player and an employee, is golf shop assistant Mike Benscheidt. Benscheidt says the course is one you can always enjoy.

“It’s kind of a subtle thing, but it really is honestly a golf course that you don’t get tired of playing,” Benscheidt said. “It’s got some long par 4’s,&nbsp; it's got some real short par 4’s, so you might get some birdies out there and three holes out there, if there’s a south wind par is a great score.”

In a time where golf may be in a slow decline, the course saw one of its best years ever in 2020 as golfers and others tried to find a way to get outdoors despite the pandemic. The course has also been in the midst of a major renovation project, which is being completed in phases. Parks Director Justin Combs says the course is one of the really good quality of life attractions in Hutchinson.

“I think Carey Park is so special because of the history behind it,” Combs said. “I can’t even count the number of people that have mentioned to me that they grew up learning to play or play golf at Carey Park.”

One person that Combs refers to is Jack McClelland, who has played golf at Carey for more than 50 years.

“I just got out of the service and my wife and I got married,” McClelland said. “We had some money and we went out and bought golf clubs and went out and learned to play.”

McClelland, who now may spend more time in the club house drinking coffee with his friends than golfing, says the course has come a long way since he started playing.

“When I first started playing, the fairways were hard and they were full of stickers, and there were probably eight golf carts out there,” McClelland said. “I’ve known a lot of those guys out there for the whole 50 years. We don’t play as much as we used to, but we still go out there about every day and drink coffee.”

The history of the course certainly cannot be denied. It is one of three courses that sprang up in the area in the 1930s. The Carey Park Golf Course came into existence five years before the more notable Prairie Dunes placed the first nine holes into the ground in 1937. The other course of that era was Prairie Lakes, which lasted only a short time on the east side of town.

Since then, other courses have come and gone, most notably Cottonwood Hills, which is now closed, and Crazy Horse, which has had mixed history north of the city.

Matt Miller, Superintendent of Carey Park, says the course is still prominent in the area. Like most things in Hutchinson, early on it was fueled by the Carey family.

“It’s got a long history here in Hutch,” Miller said. “The Carey family was involved with just about all of golf around Hutch and I think it’s a great deal that they chose this property for a municipal golf course.”

As the course continues its facelift, there are some that feel putting money into the course is not necessary. That includes some members of the Hutchinson City Council who have voted against earmarking funds for phases of the renovation. Miller says the course needs the improvements to stay competitive.

“We have to keep up,” Miller said. “There is a lot of golf in the area between Wichita and here and surrounding areas. We want to keep our residents here close by and have something to do here in the area.”&nbsp;

Miller says there are a lot of golfers in Hutchinson and they want to give them a good quality golf course. The latest renovations include continued updates to the course's irrigation system that is nearly 70 years old.&nbsp; At the same time they are putting in fairways that are more resistant to the summer conditions and replacing several greens.

The current phase involves holes five through eight and should be completed this spring. It also includes a new practice area near the driving range.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614183084085.jpeg" alt="The 4th green at Carey Park was part of the most recent renovations made to the course. The renovations are moving along in phases, which include new fairways, irrigation and new greens." />
 <figcaption>The 4th green at Carey Park was part of the most recent renovations made to the course. The renovations are moving along in phases, which include new fairways, irrigation and new greens.</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
ROD ZOOK
Hutch
PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The golf course at Carey Park has been a part of the community since before the park existed. The Carey Park Golf Course will celebrate 90 years of business next year. The course, which opened in 1932, is still a popular course and one of three currently operating in the Hutchinson area. The course is old-school with a mixture of long and short holes and lots of trees. One person that has been a big part of Carey Park, both as a player and an employee, is golf shop assistant Mike Benscheidt. Benscheidt says the course is one you can always enjoy.“It’s kind of a subtle thing, but it really is honestly a golf course that you don’t get tired of playing,” Benscheidt said. “It’s got some long par 4’s,&nbsp; it's got some real short par 4’s, so you might get some birdies out there and three holes out there, if there’s a south wind par is a great score.”In a time where golf may be in a slow decline, the course saw one of its best years ever in 2020 as golfers and others tried to find a way to get outdoors despite the pandemic. The course has also been in the midst of a major renovation project, which is being completed in phases. Parks Director Justin Combs says the course is one of the really good quality of life attractions in Hutchinson.“I think Carey Park is so special because of the history behind it,” Combs said. “I can’t even count the number of people that have mentioned to me that they grew up learning to play or play golf at Carey Park.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614183197716.jpeg" alt="One of the tougher holes on the course is the par 4 fifth. The hole is now getting some humps and bumps in the fairway with taller rough. Several new sand bunkers will also be installed around the green.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>One of the tougher holes on the course is the par 4 fifth. The hole is now getting some humps and bumps in the fairway with taller rough. Several new sand bunkers will also be installed around the green.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>One person that Combs refers to is Jack McClelland, who has played golf at Carey for more than 50 years.“I just got out of the service and my wife and I got married,” McClelland said. “We had some money and we went out and bought golf clubs and went out and learned to play.”McClelland, who now may spend more time in the club house drinking coffee with his friends than golfing, says the course has come a long way since he started playing.“When I first started playing, the fairways were hard and they were full of stickers, and there were probably eight golf carts out there,” McClelland said. “I’ve known a lot of those guys out there for the whole 50 years. We don’t play as much as we used to, but we still go out there about every day and drink coffee.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614183389461.jpeg" alt="Carey Park is known for its long par 3 holes with three of the four over 190 yards from the&nbsp; normal tee boxes. (there are longer and shorter ones). The only par 3 that is less than that is hole 8. That hole is getting a new green and an additional tee box to lengthen the hole. Yes, the giant cottonwood is staying put.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Carey Park is known for its long par 3 holes with three of the four over 190 yards from the&nbsp; normal tee boxes. (there are longer and shorter ones). The only par 3 that is less than that is hole 8. That hole is getting a new green and an additional tee box to lengthen the hole. Yes, the giant cottonwood is staying put.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The history of the course certainly cannot be denied. It is one of three courses that sprang up in the area in the 1930s. The Carey Park Golf Course came into existence five years before the more notable Prairie Dunes placed the first nine holes into the ground in 1937. The other course of that era was Prairie Lakes, which lasted only a short time on the east side of town.Since then, other courses have come and gone, most notably Cottonwood Hills, which is now closed, and Crazy Horse, which has had mixed history north of the city.Matt Miller, Superintendent of Carey Park, says the course is still prominent in the area. Like most things in Hutchinson, early on it was fueled by the Carey family.“It’s got a long history here in Hutch,” Miller said. “The Carey family was involved with just about all of golf around Hutch and I think it’s a great deal that they chose this property for a municipal golf course.”As the course continues its facelift, there are some that feel putting money into the course is not necessary. That includes some members of the Hutchinson City Council who have voted against earmarking funds for phases of the renovation. Miller says the course needs the improvements to stay competitive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614183932958.jpeg" alt="Hole 7 is a short par 5 but with a twist. There is a very large cottonwood tree sitting in the middle of the fairway. The hole has always had a green that suffered through the summer. Now that green is being replaced along with a new tee box and new fairway. Like with all phases of the renovation, new irrigation is also being put in." />
 <figcaption>Hole 7 is a short par 5 but with a twist. There is a very large cottonwood tree sitting in the middle of the fairway. The hole has always had a green that suffered through the summer. Now that green is being replaced along with a new tee box and new fairway. Like with all phases of the renovation, new irrigation is also being put in.</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have to keep up,” Miller said. “There is a lot of golf in the area between Wichita and here and surrounding areas. We want to keep our residents here close by and have something to do here in the area.”&nbsp;Miller says there are a lot of golfers in Hutchinson and they want to give them a good quality golf course. The latest renovations include continued updates to the course's irrigation system that is nearly 70 years old.&nbsp; At the same time they are putting in fairways that are more resistant to the summer conditions and replacing several greens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614184136308.jpeg" alt="Carey Park is still host to two of the largest high school golf tournaments in the area along with small college tournaments and local events. The club house offers food and beverages along with equipment and apparel. They also do club repairs and offer lessons. PHOTO COURTESY: Carey Park." />
 <figcaption>Carey Park is still host to two of the largest high school golf tournaments in the area along with small college tournaments and local events. The club house offers food and beverages along with equipment and apparel. They also do club repairs and offer lessons. PHOTO COURTESY: Carey Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>The current phase involves holes five through eight and should be completed this spring. It also includes a new practice area near the driving range.
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Carey Park Golf Course a part of the city for nearly 90 years

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Ed Berger is set to testify Thursday before the Senate Federal and State Committee in regard to one of two Senate bills that would benefit the fair’s financial picture.

Berger will be testifying on Senate Bill 2. The bill would allow fairgoers to take alcoholic drinks outside of the establishment during the fair. Berger feels such a bill would improve liquor sales at the fair by more than 20%. The bill would also allow the fair to collect the sales tax generated by alcohol sales and use it in the capital outlay fund. Sales tax collection on alcohol could reach about $30,000 during the fair.

The other bill progressing through the legislature is S.B. 1, which would allow the fair to use its capital outlay funds for daily operations if needed. The fair is trying to stay up on its finances ever since the pandemic shut down the 2020 event. The bill would be a simple stop-gap for the daily operations and would have a sunset clause ending in 2022. Berger says they do not want to tap into the capital outlay funds if possible, but want the option in place if it is needed.

That bill has been looked upon favorably by both the Senate and the House and is currently in the House Appropriations Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594650625292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State Fair General Manager Ed Berger is set to testify Thursday before the Senate Federal and State Committee in regard to one of two Senate bills that would benefit the fair’s financial picture.Berger will be testifying on Senate Bill 2. The bill would allow fairgoers to take alcoholic drinks outside of the establishment during the fair. Berger feels such a bill would improve liquor sales at the fair by more than 20%. The bill would also allow the fair to collect the sales tax generated by alcohol sales and use it in the capital outlay fund. Sales tax collection on alcohol could reach about $30,000 during the fair.The other bill progressing through the legislature is S.B. 1, which would allow the fair to use its capital outlay funds for daily operations if needed. The fair is trying to stay up on its finances ever since the pandemic shut down the 2020 event. The bill would be a simple stop-gap for the daily operations and would have a sunset clause ending in 2022. Berger says they do not want to tap into the capital outlay funds if possible, but want the option in place if it is needed.That bill has been looked upon favorably by both the Senate and the House and is currently in the House Appropriations Committee.<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&nbsp;sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Berger to testify on Senate bill for state fair


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Those over 65 who are on the list already with the Reno County Health Department for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and haven't gotten it yet, you'll know more soon.

"I do want people to know that if they've pre-registered, over the next couple of weeks, we will be calling everybody on that pre-registration list so they know when their appointment is. Our upcoming primary dose pods only are March 2, March 8 and March 15."

Everyone who has signed up that is in the over 65 cohort should have a dose by the middle of the month.

"That's getting through 2700 phone calls, it's going to take some time and patience from everybody," Nichols said. "We will call them. Please do not call us. If they call us, that's going to delay us a little bit."

If there are any doses left over after the waiting list, they will let others in that age group know of the availability. They are still seeing a large age spread based upon the appointments already set for March 2nd.

"Twelve point five percent are 80 plus," Nichols said. "15.3% are 75 to 79 and 40.6 are between 72 and 74. We're really kind of targeting those 72 plus in that next pod."

The county is continuing to work its way through phase 2 of the statewide vaccination plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Those over 65 who are on the list already with the Reno County Health Department for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and haven't gotten it yet, you'll know more soon."I do want people to know that if they've pre-registered, over the next couple of weeks, we will be calling everybody on that pre-registration list so they know when their appointment is. Our upcoming primary dose pods only are March 2, March 8 and March 15."Everyone who has signed up that is in the over 65 cohort should have a dose by the middle of the month."That's getting through 2700 phone calls, it's going to take some time and patience from everybody," Nichols said. "We will call them. Please do not call us. If they call us, that's going to delay us a little bit."If there are any doses left over after the waiting list, they will let others in that age group know of the availability. They are still seeing a large age spread based upon the appointments already set for March 2nd."Twelve point five percent are 80 plus," Nichols said. "15.3% are 75 to 79 and 40.6 are between 72 and 74. We're really kind of targeting those 72 plus in that next pod."The county is continuing to work its way through phase 2 of the statewide vaccination plan.

Health Department should finish waiting list for vaccine by mid-March


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Horizons Mental Health Center CEO Mike Garrett gave a report Tuesday to the Board of Reno County Commissioners. He noted that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their in-person business.

"I think there's probably a myriad of answers to the question," Garrett said. "One is, I think, everybody's just incredibly stressed and impacted by the pandemic, so I think tolerance, patience are stretched, both on our customer side as well as our staff side and so I think that impacts that a lot. I think people have been less willing to come to the center out of some concern and fear for their safety, although we do temperature checks on everybody that comes in to our building. They all have to wear masks. We have hand sanitizers. We hired a dedicated housekeeper that just sanitizes our waiting areas, those high traffic areas, several times a day, but I think that impacted that, as well."

Garrett also talked about a grant Horizons has received through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to work to become a certified community behavioral health clinic.

"That's a national standard that states have to authorize that's kind of sweeping the country," Garrett said. "Other than the last rounds of grantees, there were 137 awarded throughout the country and Horizons was able to get one of those. It's a pretty high standard. I've told our staff and I kind of show my age when I say this, if we're able to achieve that standard, it's like getting the Good Housekeeping seal of approval."

Horizons is also funded to establish an adult crisis stabilization unit.

"Commissioner Friesen has set in on the Stepping Up Council meetings already," Garrett said. "That typically comes up in there is how we're going to do that. This grant will allow us to create that and we should have that up and operational, probably within about five months, where we will try to divert people picked up by law enforcement, rather than taking them to jail or to the ED, but to a crisis stabilization unit that will work with them to try to stabilize them within 72 hours. If we're able to do that, we'll return them to the community."

If not, then mental health professionals from Horizons can make the call as to if they need an inpatient hospital bed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587129819284.jpeg" alt="" />
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Horizons Mental Health Center CEO Mike Garrett gave a report Tuesday to the Board of Reno County Commissioners. He noted that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their in-person business."I think there's probably a myriad of answers to the question," Garrett said. "One is, I think, everybody's just incredibly stressed and impacted by the pandemic, so I think tolerance, patience are stretched, both on our customer side as well as our staff side and so I think that impacts that a lot. I think people have been less willing to come to the center out of some concern and fear for their safety, although we do temperature checks on everybody that comes in to our building. They all have to wear masks. We have hand sanitizers. We hired a dedicated housekeeper that just sanitizes our waiting areas, those high traffic areas, several times a day, but I think that impacted that, as well."Garrett also talked about a grant Horizons has received through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to work to become a certified community behavioral health clinic."That's a national standard that states have to authorize that's kind of sweeping the country," Garrett said. "Other than the last rounds of grantees, there were 137 awarded throughout the country and Horizons was able to get one of those. It's a pretty high standard. I've told our staff and I kind of show my age when I say this, if we're able to achieve that standard, it's like getting the Good Housekeeping seal of approval."Horizons is also funded to establish an adult crisis stabilization unit."Commissioner Friesen has set in on the Stepping Up Council meetings already," Garrett said. "That typically comes up in there is how we're going to do that. This grant will allow us to create that and we should have that up and operational, probably within about five months, where we will try to divert people picked up by law enforcement, rather than taking them to jail or to the ED, but to a crisis stabilization unit that will work with them to try to stabilize them within 72 hours. If we're able to do that, we'll return them to the community."If not, then mental health professionals from Horizons can make the call as to if they need an inpatient hospital bed.

Horizons CEO: Grants are helping fuel progress


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Democratic State Representative Jason Probst notes that once policy proposals make it to the floor of the Kansas Legislature this session, there isn't a lot his party can do to stop them in that process.

"When you have a supermajority in power and that's what we have right now, they literally can do anything they want," Probst said. "The only backstop in this case, because we have a Democratic governor is her veto. If we had a Republican governor, it would be very similar to what we had under Sam Brownback, where there's no backstop, nothing to prevent some of these really, what I view as dangerous policies from going through."

One proposal that really gives Probst pause is the tax bill that has been working its way through the legislature, which would allow taxpayers to itemize on their state return even if they don't on their federal, but also would make offshore income for some Kansas businesses tax-free again, in addition to other business tax breaks.

"There was a lot of talk about Senate Bill 22, we don't know what that version's going to end up like," Probst said. "Over in the Senate, they took that from a $620 million fiscal note over three years to about $500 million. Then, I think the last estimate was that it had ballooned up to about a $1.4 billion fiscal note."

The fiscal note is the amount of money the state would no longer get with the tax cuts. 

"The question will be, do we have the votes to sustain a veto?" Probst wondered. "That's what we'll see later in the session, I expect, because I think, they have the numbers. They were successful in their elections and they have all the power. The question now, is how will they use that power?"

The legislature plans to spend all of next week on the floor working through bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600960659626.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Democratic State Representative Jason Probst notes that once policy proposals make it to the floor of the Kansas Legislature this session, there isn't a lot his party can do to stop them in that process."When you have a supermajority in power and that's what we have right now, they literally can do anything they want," Probst said. "The only backstop in this case, because we have a Democratic governor is her veto. If we had a Republican governor, it would be very similar to what we had under Sam Brownback, where there's no backstop, nothing to prevent some of these really, what I view as dangerous policies from going through."One proposal that really gives Probst pause is the tax bill that has been working its way through the legislature, which would allow taxpayers to itemize on their state return even if they don't on their federal, but also would make offshore income for some Kansas businesses tax-free again, in addition to other business tax breaks."There was a lot of talk about Senate Bill 22, we don't know what that version's going to end up like," Probst said. "Over in the Senate, they took that from a $620 million fiscal note over three years to about $500 million. Then, I think the last estimate was that it had ballooned up to about a $1.4 billion fiscal note."The fiscal note is the amount of money the state would no longer get with the tax cuts. "The question will be, do we have the votes to sustain a veto?" Probst wondered. "That's what we'll see later in the session, I expect, because I think, they have the numbers. They were successful in their elections and they have all the power. The question now, is how will they use that power?"The legislature plans to spend all of next week on the floor working through bills.

Probst: Governor is 'the only backstop' to Republican legislative agenda


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; After hearing a half hour each of impassioned testimony both for and against new wind farm regulations in Reno County, the Board of Reno County Commissioners again weren't ready to make a decision Tuesday.

"I'm not going to be ready to vote today," said commissioner Daniel Friesen. "I don't know that going through what we went through two weeks ago is going to produce any significant work today. I think we're down to a couple key points and what I saw the staff bring back on the red lines, I think is, it's clear, there's just a couple things. Perhaps that's better in a meeting after things are absorbed here."

Proponents of wind in Reno County talked about economic development and specifically showing Siemens Gamesa that the county is committed to an industry that has brought them jobs.

"Over the months of planning and negotiating, I think I was in every meeting or on every phone call," said former State Senator Dave Kerr. "I don't recall a single time anyone said to Siemens, we'd really like to have those jobs here, but, we're not so excited about the towers. In fact, we might come up with setbacks and covenants so severe that you probably won't be able to sell any units here."

Opponents of wind mainly consisted of the people that are in the area previously laid out for the NextEra project, simply not wanting the project there.

"When we built our homes, we were under kind of an unspoken agreement with the county that we wouldn't be subjected to shadow flicker from 500 foot tall towers," said Andy Helton with Reno County Citizens for Qualify of Life. "We wouldn't be subjected to noise of any level from an industrial facility in the middle of our rural county. How about we go back to that?"

It still wasn't clear as of the end of Tuesday's meeting exactly where the regulations would lie. The commission's next meeting is March 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614110855039.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; After hearing a half hour each of impassioned testimony both for and against new wind farm regulations in Reno County, the Board of Reno County Commissioners again weren't ready to make a decision Tuesday."I'm not going to be ready to vote today," said commissioner Daniel Friesen. "I don't know that going through what we went through two weeks ago is going to produce any significant work today. I think we're down to a couple key points and what I saw the staff bring back on the red lines, I think is, it's clear, there's just a couple things. Perhaps that's better in a meeting after things are absorbed here."Proponents of wind in Reno County talked about economic development and specifically showing Siemens Gamesa that the county is committed to an industry that has brought them jobs."Over the months of planning and negotiating, I think I was in every meeting or on every phone call," said former State Senator Dave Kerr. "I don't recall a single time anyone said to Siemens, we'd really like to have those jobs here, but, we're not so excited about the towers. In fact, we might come up with setbacks and covenants so severe that you probably won't be able to sell any units here."Opponents of wind mainly consisted of the people that are in the area previously laid out for the NextEra project, simply not wanting the project there."When we built our homes, we were under kind of an unspoken agreement with the county that we wouldn't be subjected to shadow flicker from 500 foot tall towers," said Andy Helton with Reno County Citizens for Qualify of Life. "We wouldn't be subjected to noise of any level from an industrial facility in the middle of our rural county. How about we go back to that?"It still wasn't clear as of the end of Tuesday's meeting exactly where the regulations would lie. The commission's next meeting is March 9.
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No wind regulations vote from county commission Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department is finishing up its wildfire mitigation program this week. 

Mitigation burns will happen Thursday along North Lorraine in the 3600 Blk to 4300 Blk, starting around 11 a.m. and then move north along Plum from 69th to 95th. 

There will be lane closures while crews operate in the area. This will be the last day for mitigation burns this year.

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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Fire Department is finishing up its wildfire mitigation program this week. Mitigation burns will happen Thursday along North Lorraine in the 3600 Blk to 4300 Blk, starting around 11 a.m. and then move north along Plum from 69th to 95th. There will be lane closures while crews operate in the area. This will be the last day for mitigation burns this year.
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Mitigation burns planned for Thursday near Hutchinson


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 132 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 137. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.

Out of 7,689 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,420 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 18 active cases.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The overall case count is at 132 as of Tuesday. The death count among Reno County residents is at 137. The last time we were below this case count was September 18.Out of 7,689 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,420 recoveries. There are 14 clusters still being monitored. The long-term care facility cluster type is down to just 18 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 <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.
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Tuesday dashboard: Case count down to 132, lowest number since September


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards says with regard to the education legislation out there right now, its important that legislators think about some of the potential unintended consequences if some proposals pass as written.

"There's a bill on Thursday in the Senate that would require that all students be given an in person learning option by March 26," Tallman said. "We think almost all districts will be back by then. In fact, most districts in the state are already doing so, but not always full time. One thing about this bill, although it would appear to be in response to the current pandemic, it would last forever, really, going forward. There are some concerns among school boards that even if you like the idea, that this bill may be too restrictive."

It's okay to be out of school, but all kids need to be the same, as the bill is written.

"You don't have to necessarily be offering school, but if you do, you have to give that option," Tallman said. "If there is an emergency, not necessarily the COVID pandemic, just an outbreak of flu, school districts could not go to a hybrid option or a remote option, even for a short period of time."

Tallman isn't sure that's the actual intent of the bill.

"We know how frustrated people are with this," Tallman said. "The question is whether we should just eliminate one option or tool in all cases going forward. The philosophy is, at what point should the state come in and say, we're going to tell you when you have to be in school regardless of the circumstances. That will be the debate."

This would seem to be another area where the Legislature is not leaving decisions in the hands of other elected officials. This often happens in education in particular, between the state board of education and local school boards.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards says with regard to the education legislation out there right now, its important that legislators think about some of the potential unintended consequences if some proposals pass as written."There's a bill on Thursday in the Senate that would require that all students be given an in person learning option by March 26," Tallman said. "We think almost all districts will be back by then. In fact, most districts in the state are already doing so, but not always full time. One thing about this bill, although it would appear to be in response to the current pandemic, it would last forever, really, going forward. There are some concerns among school boards that even if you like the idea, that this bill may be too restrictive."It's okay to be out of school, but all kids need to be the same, as the bill is written."You don't have to necessarily be offering school, but if you do, you have to give that option," Tallman said. "If there is an emergency, not necessarily the COVID pandemic, just an outbreak of flu, school districts could not go to a hybrid option or a remote option, even for a short period of time."Tallman isn't sure that's the actual intent of the bill."We know how frustrated people are with this," Tallman said. "The question is whether we should just eliminate one option or tool in all cases going forward. The philosophy is, at what point should the state come in and say, we're going to tell you when you have to be in school regardless of the circumstances. That will be the debate."This would seem to be another area where the Legislature is not leaving decisions in the hands of other elected officials. This often happens in education in particular, between the state board of education and local school boards.
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Tallman: Legislators need to consider unintended consequences of proposals

No decision on wind farms and Republicans want to limit Laura Kelly's power, plus more from Hutch Post.

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February 24, 2021 Morning News

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department has scheduled another vaccination clinic for Friday, Feb. 26, at the Hutchinson Sports Arena from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp;

The clinic will be second doses only for those who received their first dose on Jan. 29. Appointments were made the day of the first clinic for the same time as the original dose. Those attending are asked to bring their vaccination card.

There will be first round doses available next week on Tuesday, March 2, at the Sports Arena from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those ages 65 and over. Vaccine was delayed last week because of the weather, but the Health Department hopes to continue weekly clinics for first and second doses starting in March.

If you have already pre-registered for the vaccine, there is no need to register again. You will still be in the system for future clinics. Please note the vaccination site will NOT be accepting walk-ins.

For information on the vaccine or to pre-register, visit the Reno County website at <a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a> or call 844-834-3657.

For assistance getting to the vaccination clinic and returning home, please contact RCAT at 620-694-2913.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611179732999.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department has scheduled another vaccination clinic for Friday, Feb. 26, at the Hutchinson Sports Arena from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp;The clinic will be second doses only for those who received their first dose on Jan. 29. Appointments were made the day of the first clinic for the same time as the original dose. Those attending are asked to bring their vaccination card.There will be first round doses available next week on Tuesday, March 2, at the Sports Arena from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those ages 65 and over. Vaccine was delayed last week because of the weather, but the Health Department hopes to continue weekly clinics for first and second doses starting in March.If you have already pre-registered for the vaccine, there is no need to register again. You will still be in the system for future clinics. Please note the vaccination site will NOT be accepting walk-ins.For information on the vaccine or to pre-register, visit the Reno County website at <a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a> or call 844-834-3657.For assistance getting to the vaccination clinic and returning home, please contact RCAT at 620-694-2913.<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;

Vaccination clinic update

NICKERSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 is back on its regular in-person schedule as of Monday. With the gating criteria back into the yellow category, the district has opened up classrooms to middle and high school students.&nbsp;

Students at South Hutchinson Elementary will continue to be dismissed early at 1:40 p.m. for the rest of the week so the district can re-establish logistics with busing, re-arranging classes back to their normal schedule and giving teachers time to build lesson plans. They will return to full time classroom learning on monday March 1.

Nickerson High School is now back on the block learning schedule as normal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585943325915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — Nickerson USD 309 is back on its regular in-person schedule as of Monday. With the gating criteria back into the yellow category, the district has opened up classrooms to middle and high school students.&nbsp;Students at South Hutchinson Elementary will continue to be dismissed early at 1:40 p.m. for the rest of the week so the district can re-establish logistics with busing, re-arranging classes back to their normal schedule and giving teachers time to build lesson plans. They will return to full time classroom learning on monday March 1.Nickerson High School is now back on the block learning schedule as normal.<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;

USD 309 brings students back into buildings


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Educators in Reno County will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

"The Medicine Shoppe was informed that they were able to get over 1000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "In a collaboration with all the school districts and private schools in Reno County, they're going to host a pod and we will assist with organizing that."

The pod will be Sunday at the Salthawk Activity Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"That would be open to all employees in those districts," Hammersmith said. "Hopefully that will get all K-12 people vaccinated in Reno County that choose to be."

The Pfizer vaccine has not been the main type of vaccination in the county, due to its additional storage needs.

"The hospital, they're the only ones in town previously that got the Pfizer," Hammersmith said. "I think some of the nursing homes were vaccinated with Pfizer as well, but that wasn't transferred vaccinations, those companies came out and vaccinated for them."

The main difference in the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccine other than the need for super cold refrigeration with the Pfizer is that the second dose comes after 21 days with Pfizer and 28 days with Moderna.

The Medicine Shoppe staff, nurses from all districts, school volunteers, and the Health Department will staff the clinic. 

A pre-registration link is being sent to districts and schools to distribute to staff. All K-12 school employees are eligible. The pre-registration form will identify a specific appointment time so that proper social distancing can be maintained. 

Attendees are asked to bring in their completed registration form and a copy of their insurance card. No walk-ins will be accepted.

For information on the vaccine or to contact the Reno County Health Department, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Educators in Reno County will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine."The Medicine Shoppe was informed that they were able to get over 1000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "In a collaboration with all the school districts and private schools in Reno County, they're going to host a pod and we will assist with organizing that."The pod will be Sunday at the Salthawk Activity Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m."That would be open to all employees in those districts," Hammersmith said. "Hopefully that will get all K-12 people vaccinated in Reno County that choose to be."The Pfizer vaccine has not been the main type of vaccination in the county, due to its additional storage needs."The hospital, they're the only ones in town previously that got the Pfizer," Hammersmith said. "I think some of the nursing homes were vaccinated with Pfizer as well, but that wasn't transferred vaccinations, those companies came out and vaccinated for them."The main difference in the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccine other than the need for super cold refrigeration with the Pfizer is that the second dose comes after 21 days with Pfizer and 28 days with Moderna.The Medicine Shoppe staff, nurses from all districts, school volunteers, and the Health Department will staff the clinic. A pre-registration link is being sent to districts and schools to distribute to staff. All K-12 school employees are eligible. The pre-registration form will identify a specific appointment time so that proper social distancing can be maintained. Attendees are asked to bring in their completed registration form and a copy of their insurance card. No walk-ins will be accepted.For information on the vaccine or to contact the Reno County Health Department, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19" target="_blank">https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>.

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