
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council will approve its 2021 subsidy agreements with the Hutchinson Symphony Association, Reno Choral Society and Stage 9 on Tuesday. Also slated is the approval  of lease renewal with the Salthawk Archery Association and an approval of the contract with Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo for operation of a narrow gauge train and a separate contract with the same group related to the employment of a Zoo administrative assistant.

The subsidy to the Reno Choral Society is $2,813.74. The subsidy to the Hutchinson Symphony Association is $5000 and the subsidy to Stage 9 is $1,794.

The lease for the Salthawk Archery Association on West 4th Street is for $250 a year.

The train contract at the zoo allows the Friends of the Zoo to keep the proceeds from the train for its maintenance.

The administrative assistant agreement notes that the administrative assistant is a city employee, but that the Friends of the Zoo pays the city what it costs to have that person on staff.

All of those contracts are part of the Hutchinson City Council's consent agenda for Tuesday's meeting. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council will approve its 2021 subsidy agreements with the Hutchinson Symphony Association, Reno Choral Society and Stage 9 on Tuesday. Also slated is the approval of lease renewal with the Salthawk Archery Association and an approval of the contract with Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo for operation of a narrow gauge train and a separate contract with the same group related to the employment of a Zoo administrative assistant.The subsidy to the Reno Choral Society is $2,813.74. The subsidy to the Hutchinson Symphony Association is $5000 and the subsidy to Stage 9 is $1,794.The lease for the Salthawk Archery Association on West 4th Street is for $250 a year.The train contract at the zoo allows the Friends of the Zoo to keep the proceeds from the train for its maintenance.The administrative assistant agreement notes that the administrative assistant is a city employee, but that the Friends of the Zoo pays the city what it costs to have that person on staff.All of those contracts are part of the Hutchinson City Council's consent agenda for Tuesday's meeting. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.

City council to deal with yearly subsidies, contracts Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Even small speed increases can have huge impacts on crash outcomes and cancel the effectiveness of vehicle safety features, according to new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The organizations partnered to study the damage from crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). The results showed slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.

"Drivers want to save time and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Increasing speed limits to address those concerns can come at a deadly cost. When speed limits are correctly set and enforced, they improve traffic flow and maximize all road users safety."

Three 2010 Honda CR-V EX crossovers were used because they represented the average age (11.8 years) of a typical vehicle on U.S. roadways and earned the top rating in the IIHS moderate overlap front test. 

"We did some testing with crash dummies," Steward said. "At a 50 mph speed, there was a noticeable deformation of the driver side door openingin a crash. The dashboard and foot area were also damaged. At 56 mph, the vehicle interior was significantly compromised, with the crash dummy's sensors registering severe neck injuries and a likelihood of fractures."

At both 50 and 56 mph, the steering wheel's upward movement caused the crash dummy's head to go through the deployed airbag. 

"Just a small increase in speed can translate to a lot more serious injuries in the event of a crash," Steward said. 

IIHS has been conducting this type of test, which simulates a head-on, partial-overlap impact between two vehicles of the same weight and size traveling at the same speed, since 1995. The research tests were conducted following the same protocol that is used for the IIHS moderate overlap evaluation; only the speed was varied. With a test dummy representing an average-sized male in the driver's seat, the cars were crashed with 40 percent of the vehicle's front on the driver side overlapping the barrier.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1612009464869.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy AAA Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy AAA Kansas</figcaption>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Even small speed increases can have huge impacts on crash outcomes and cancel the effectiveness of vehicle safety features, according to new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The organizations partnered to study the damage from crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). The results showed slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death."Drivers want to save time and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Increasing speed limits to address those concerns can come at a deadly cost. When speed limits are correctly set and enforced, they improve traffic flow and maximize all road users safety."Three 2010 Honda CR-V EX crossovers were used because they represented the average age (11.8 years) of a typical vehicle on U.S. roadways and earned the top rating in the IIHS moderate overlap front test. "We did some testing with crash dummies," Steward said. "At a 50 mph speed, there was a noticeable deformation of the driver side door openingin a crash. The dashboard and foot area were also damaged. At 56 mph, the vehicle interior was significantly compromised, with the crash dummy's sensors registering severe neck injuries and a likelihood of fractures."At both 50 and 56 mph, the steering wheel's upward movement caused the crash dummy's head to go through the deployed airbag. "Just a small increase in speed can translate to a lot more serious injuries in the event of a crash," Steward said. IIHS has been conducting this type of test, which simulates a head-on, partial-overlap impact between two vehicles of the same weight and size traveling at the same speed, since 1995. The research tests were conducted following the same protocol that is used for the IIHS moderate overlap evaluation; only the speed was varied. With a test dummy representing an average-sized male in the driver's seat, the cars were crashed with 40 percent of the vehicle's front on the driver side overlapping the barrier.

AAA: Speed has literal impact on crash dummies in testing


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A former Hutchinson City Council member is looking to join the Hutchinson Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.

David Inskeep has applied to replace Terry Bisbee who termed out of the planning commission after serving two terms.

Should Inskeep be approved, he would serve for three years and then be eligible for a second three year term.

Inskeep's application is on the consent agenda for the council on Tuesday. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and can be seen on the City's Youtube channel.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A former Hutchinson City Council member is looking to join the Hutchinson Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.David Inskeep has applied to replace Terry Bisbee who termed out of the planning commission after serving two terms.Should Inskeep be approved, he would serve for three years and then be eligible for a second three year term.Inskeep's application is on the consent agenda for the council on Tuesday. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. and can be seen on the City's Youtube channel.

Inskeep applies to join planning commission

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>.

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

Recent obituaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena Friday went off as planned, with help from county employees and volunteers. It took about 60 people to get the 700 who were at the top of the list vaccinated.

"I am one of the elderly high risk transplant persons who have long been waiting on the vaccine shot," said Richard Kennedy in an email to Hutch Post. "I was amazed how well it was organized and how easy the process was.  They went above and beyond helping anyone with assistance into the facility, registration, and the actual shot.  Then they assisted you into the arena and help you find a seat to wait out your time of observation to be sure you are doing well."

Reno County Commissioner Daniel Friesen took time to talk to those who had received their vaccination while they were waiting out their observation time.

"What a pleasant experience with people who were very caring, friendly, and helpful, Kennedy said.&nbsp; "They made the apprehensive situation much more enjoyable."

Over 4,000 people preregistered before the Friday clinic. <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/01998f35f69046e0afb508d6da1ffad3">Enter your information here to get on the list.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611951564706.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Hutchinson Sports Arena Friday went off as planned, with help from county employees and volunteers. It took about 60 people to get the 700 who were at the top of the list vaccinated."I am one of the elderly high risk transplant persons who have long been waiting on the vaccine shot," said Richard Kennedy in an email to Hutch Post. "I was amazed how well it was organized and how easy the process was. They went above and beyond helping anyone with assistance into the facility, registration, and the actual shot. Then they assisted you into the arena and help you find a seat to wait out your time of observation to be sure you are doing well."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611951850223.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>Reno County Commissioner Daniel Friesen took time to talk to those who had received their vaccination while they were waiting out their observation time."What a pleasant experience with people who were very caring, friendly, and helpful, Kennedy said.&nbsp; "They made the apprehensive situation much more enjoyable."Over 4,000 people preregistered before the Friday clinic. <a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/01998f35f69046e0afb508d6da1ffad3">Enter your information here to get on the list.</a>

Vaccine clinic for seniors Friday a success

MCPHERSON,
Kan. — A person is in custody after a stabbing in McPherson Friday afternoon. 

Police, Fire and EMS were sent to the 300 block of East Allison just before 3 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;

A 28-year-old woman was taken from the residence to McPherson Center for Health in stable condition.

Police say a person of interest is in custody on an unrelated warrant.

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 </figure>MCPHERSON,
Kan. — A person is in custody after a stabbing in McPherson Friday afternoon. Police, Fire and EMS were sent to the 300 block of East Allison just before 3 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;A 28-year-old woman was taken from the residence to McPherson Center for Health in stable condition.Police say a person of interest is in custody on an unrelated warrant.

McPherson police respond to stabbing Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 407 as of Friday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 115.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 20 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 78 active cases. Forty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,473 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 389 cases in the community at large. 6,951 people have recovered thus far.

Twelve Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty total have been hospitalized. One hundred have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized. Intubation numbers are no longer on the county's dashboard.

The community's positive test rate is at 27.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.32%. 36.79% of the population has been tested.

There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593790914635.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 407 as of Friday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 115.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 20 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 78 active cases. Forty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,473 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 389 cases in the community at large. 6,951 people have recovered thus far.Twelve Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred fifty total have been hospitalized. One hundred have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized. Intubation numbers are no longer on the county's dashboard.The community's positive test rate is at 27.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.32%. 36.79% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Case count at 407, with 389 in community as of Friday afternoon, deaths now at 115

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Land Bank Board has a regular meeting scheduled <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7516300035f">on Zoom</a> for Tuesday at 3 p.m.

On the agenda is an update on the proposed purchase of land on East Harvey Street. At its January meeting, the Land Bank Board asked if they could include the cost of the removal of a tree on the property in the sale of the property to Nancy Moreno and passed a motion to add that work to the purchase price, to now total $1,800.

Also on the agenda is a regular financial report, including a new allocation of city dollars, and a property report.

The next Land Bank Board of Trustees meeting after Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

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

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Land Bank Board has a regular meeting scheduled <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7516300035f">on Zoom</a> for Tuesday at 3 p.m.On the agenda is an update on the proposed purchase of land on East Harvey Street. At its January meeting, the Land Bank Board asked if they could include the cost of the removal of a tree on the property in the sale of the property to Nancy Moreno and passed a motion to add that work to the purchase price, to now total $1,800.Also on the agenda is a regular financial report, including a new allocation of city dollars, and a property report.The next Land Bank Board of Trustees meeting after Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2021.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update&nbsp;&nbsp;

Land Bank Board will meet Tuesday

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas Public Management Center has announced the graduates of the Kansas Certified Public Manager (CPM) program. The graduation ceremony was held virtually in December 2020 for COVID-19 safety reasons. Dale Dennis, retired deputy education commissioner and the 2020 Native Sons and Daughters Kansan of the Year, delivered remarks to the graduates.   

The nearly 70 graduates including Martin Robertson from the Hutchinson Police Department who began their coursework in January 2020, represent local, county, state and federal agencies from across Kansas. Their classes took place online after the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

Of these participants, 20 are graduates of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) Command School who completed their CPM certification through classroom instruction and online work. They were recognized in mid-November by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and were also included in the virtual CPM graduation ceremony.

“The Kansas CPM program is a dynamic and engaging certification program of 300 contact hours that uses a capstone project as the final exam and course materials that inspire new ways of thinking and innovative approaches to solving problems,” said Terri Callahan, program manager.

“I am always very impressed with the caliber and dedication of the CPM graduates. Their love for public service and leadership is evident by their commitment and dedication to their organizations, communities and the citizens they serve. This year, this class faced and rebounded from adversity that no one expected. I will always remember the class of 2020.” 

Callahan will also remember the class for being her last. After 17 years as program director, she retired at the end of the year. Tarik Khatib, former Lawrence police chief and current program manager for the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy at the PMC, will take over as CPM program manager. 

The Kansas CPM program is a professional education opportunity for managers working in government agencies, nonprofits and organizations that contract to provide public services and meet community needs. CPM is a nationally accredited management program and certification in which participants develop and strengthen their management skills through a competency-based curriculum. Close to 1,800 CPM graduates have earned the nationally recognized emblem of management excellence through the Kansas program.

The CPM program can fill a training gap for staff with significant technical expertise who seek to further their knowledge of current management practices. The Kansas program offers a blended learning approach of classroom hours, online learning and outside assignments to meet 300 hours of structured learning. The curriculum addresses personal and organizational integrity, managing work, leading people, developing self, public service and leadership during times of change. Along the way, participants complete a capstone project focused on an opportunity for cost savings, revenue generation, process improvement or innovation in their workplace.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611940823655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from University of KansasLAWRENCE – The University of Kansas Public Management Center has announced the graduates of the Kansas Certified Public Manager (CPM) program. The graduation ceremony was held virtually in December 2020 for COVID-19 safety reasons. Dale Dennis, retired deputy education commissioner and the 2020 Native Sons and Daughters Kansan of the Year, delivered remarks to the graduates. The nearly 70 graduates including Martin Robertson from the Hutchinson Police Department who began their coursework in January 2020, represent local, county, state and federal agencies from across Kansas. Their classes took place online after the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.Of these participants, 20 are graduates of the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) Command School who completed their CPM certification through classroom instruction and online work. They were recognized in mid-November by the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and were also included in the virtual CPM graduation ceremony.“The Kansas CPM program is a dynamic and engaging certification program of 300 contact hours that uses a capstone project as the final exam and course materials that inspire new ways of thinking and innovative approaches to solving problems,” said Terri Callahan, program manager.“I am always very impressed with the caliber and dedication of the CPM graduates. Their love for public service and leadership is evident by their commitment and dedication to their organizations, communities and the citizens they serve. This year, this class faced and rebounded from adversity that no one expected. I will always remember the class of 2020.” Callahan will also remember the class for being her last. After 17 years as program director, she retired at the end of the year. Tarik Khatib, former Lawrence police chief and current program manager for the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy at the PMC, will take over as CPM program manager. The Kansas CPM program is a professional education opportunity for managers working in government agencies, nonprofits and organizations that contract to provide public services and meet community needs. CPM is a nationally accredited management program and certification in which participants develop and strengthen their management skills through a competency-based curriculum. Close to 1,800 CPM graduates have earned the nationally recognized emblem of management excellence through the Kansas program.The CPM program can fill a training gap for staff with significant technical expertise who seek to further their knowledge of current management practices. The Kansas program offers a blended learning approach of classroom hours, online learning and outside assignments to meet 300 hours of structured learning. The curriculum addresses personal and organizational integrity, managing work, leading people, developing self, public service and leadership during times of change. Along the way, participants complete a capstone project focused on an opportunity for cost savings, revenue generation, process improvement or innovation in their workplace.

Hutchinson police officer graduates with Certified Public Manager credential


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Gas prices in Kansas are still increasing slowly.

"Today, we're at $2.19 a gallon in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's up one cent from where we were a week ago, a very modest increase. If we look at a month ago, we were at $2.01, so we're up 18 cents in the last month."

Reno County is in the middle of the pack as far as prices in the state go.

"Reno County is at $2.18 a gallon," Steward said. "Just a touch below the statewide average."

In a normal year, you could expect prices to increase going forward.

"In a typical year, we'll see more traveling for sports or summer vacations or the like," Steward said. "We anticipate as we move out of the winter period, in a typical year, demand for gasoline is going to increase. If crude oil prices remain the same or continue to increase, we can definitely see prices continue to rise."

Prices this week last year were actually slightly higher than they are this year prior to the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic being felt across the globe.

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

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Gas prices in Kansas are still increasing slowly."Today, we're at $2.19 a gallon in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's up one cent from where we were a week ago, a very modest increase. If we look at a month ago, we were at $2.01, so we're up 18 cents in the last month."Reno County is in the middle of the pack as far as prices in the state go."Reno County is at $2.18 a gallon," Steward said. "Just a touch below the statewide average."In a normal year, you could expect prices to increase going forward."In a typical year, we'll see more traveling for sports or summer vacations or the like," Steward said. "We anticipate as we move out of the winter period, in a typical year, demand for gasoline is going to increase. If crude oil prices remain the same or continue to increase, we can definitely see prices continue to rise."Prices this week last year were actually slightly higher than they are this year prior to the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic being felt across the globe.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Steward: Gas prices slowly headed upward


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The annual Point-in-Time count in Hutchinson and Reno County to count the homeless occurred this week.  

"During the Point-in-Time count, we take a count of sheltered and unsheltered people," said Jennifer Sharp with Horizons Mental Health Center. "Sheltered meaning living with friends, couch hopping, staying in our local shelter, in transitional housing with New Beginnings, places like that. What this does is, it helps us get an accurate number for our vulnerable population in Reno County that relates directly to the funding that we receive from the state and federal levels to serve those people."

Horizons is involved because of the role mental illness plays in homelessness.

"Mental illness plays a big part," Sharp said. "It can be from as simple as just depressive symptoms that keep them from having the motivation to get up and change their situation, clear to the other end of the spectrum, where it can go clear back to childhood trauma. Oftentimes, this leads to substance abuse and then they are just in this endless loop that they can't get out of until different providers, myself, New Beginnings, the battered women's shelter, we step in and we help break that cycle and help them to reach out to resources that can help them be successful."

COVID-19 had an impact on this year's count.

"It made it quite a bit difficult," Sharp said. "We were back and forth on whether it was safe to do it or not. We did decide to go ahead and try to get out there and get some supplies to people and get the best count we could this year. We didn't see the numbers we had hoped for, but, thankfully, while trying to coordinate this through a pandemic, I made some valuable connections in the community, one being The Coffee Corner on Adams."

The numbers are still being compiled. Horizons plans to provide Hutch Post with the final count once it is ready for KDHE.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The annual Point-in-Time count in Hutchinson and Reno County to count the homeless occurred this week. "During the Point-in-Time count, we take a count of sheltered and unsheltered people," said Jennifer Sharp with Horizons Mental Health Center. "Sheltered meaning living with friends, couch hopping, staying in our local shelter, in transitional housing with New Beginnings, places like that. What this does is, it helps us get an accurate number for our vulnerable population in Reno County that relates directly to the funding that we receive from the state and federal levels to serve those people."Horizons is involved because of the role mental illness plays in homelessness."Mental illness plays a big part," Sharp said. "It can be from as simple as just depressive symptoms that keep them from having the motivation to get up and change their situation, clear to the other end of the spectrum, where it can go clear back to childhood trauma. Oftentimes, this leads to substance abuse and then they are just in this endless loop that they can't get out of until different providers, myself, New Beginnings, the battered women's shelter, we step in and we help break that cycle and help them to reach out to resources that can help them be successful."COVID-19 had an impact on this year's count."It made it quite a bit difficult," Sharp said. "We were back and forth on whether it was safe to do it or not. We did decide to go ahead and try to get out there and get some supplies to people and get the best count we could this year. We didn't see the numbers we had hoped for, but, thankfully, while trying to coordinate this through a pandemic, I made some valuable connections in the community, one being The Coffee Corner on Adams."The numbers are still being compiled. Horizons plans to provide Hutch Post with the final count once it is ready for KDHE.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Point-in-Time count helps determine homeless funding in Reno County


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though vaccinations have begun in earnest on Friday for those 65 and over in Reno County, Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department simply doesn't know when they'll get more vaccine in.

"We really depend on just emails and then when it shows up," Hammersmith said. "Sometimes that's the day before. Hopefully, that will be improving with KDHE, but that's what we're looking at right now."

Also, the lots of vaccine they are getting are nowhere near the demand they have, with 700 doses given on Friday.

"The process has kind of changed through the weeks and will probably continue to evolve," Hammersmith said. "It might involve pharmacies in the future, as well. Just like you get your flu shot, if you could get that vaccine everywhere. At this point in time, though, all vaccines are being sent to the Reno County Health Department."

The Reno County Medical Collaborative is working together to be sure no high risk older adult gets missed.

"There are high risk people and we wanted to be able to pull them in," Hammersmith said. "The clinics in town here, which would be the Hutch Clinic and Prairie Star, they would have electronic medical records. Those are the type of things that we can use in those groups. What we don't have is people that don't have a primary care provider and we don't want to leave those people out. We're working together to try to stratify those lists."

Stratification means deciding who gets the shot and in what order.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Though vaccinations have begun in earnest on Friday for those 65 and over in Reno County, Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department simply doesn't know when they'll get more vaccine in."We really depend on just emails and then when it shows up," Hammersmith said. "Sometimes that's the day before. Hopefully, that will be improving with KDHE, but that's what we're looking at right now."Also, the lots of vaccine they are getting are nowhere near the demand they have, with 700 doses given on Friday."The process has kind of changed through the weeks and will probably continue to evolve," Hammersmith said. "It might involve pharmacies in the future, as well. Just like you get your flu shot, if you could get that vaccine everywhere. At this point in time, though, all vaccines are being sent to the Reno County Health Department."The Reno County Medical Collaborative is working together to be sure no high risk older adult gets missed."There are high risk people and we wanted to be able to pull them in," Hammersmith said. "The clinics in town here, which would be the Hutch Clinic and Prairie Star, they would have electronic medical records. Those are the type of things that we can use in those groups. What we don't have is people that don't have a primary care provider and we don't want to leave those people out. We're working together to try to stratify those lists."Stratification means deciding who gets the shot and in what order.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hammersmith: Despite large vaccination event Friday, COVID shot availability still unpredictable


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Two people escaped a basement fire Thursday afternoon in Hutchinson.

According to a release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, they were called at 5:21 p.m. Thursday to 400 West 7th. 

The fire was contained to the basement. The cause of the fire was the result of using spray foam insulation in close proximity to a water heater.  

The flammable vapors emitted from the can were ignited by the pilot light on the water heater. No one was hurt. 

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Two people escaped a basement fire Thursday afternoon in Hutchinson.According to a release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, they were called at 5:21 p.m. Thursday to 400 West 7th. The fire was contained to the basement. The cause of the fire was the result of using spray foam insulation in close proximity to a water heater. The flammable vapors emitted from the can were ignited by the pilot light on the water heater. No one was hurt. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Basement fire Thursday likely caused by insulation


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County remains in Phase 2 and is currently vaccinating ages 65 and over. The Reno County Health Department has received over 4,000 pre-registrations for the vaccine as of Thursday morning. 

Over a dozen staff and volunteers have been answering the phones to take pre-registrations and schedule appointments. The first 700 vaccinations have already been scheduled for Friday, January 29th at the Sports Arena. 

Pre-registrants who have not yet been called will be contacted for future vaccination events. Please note the vaccination site on Friday will NOT be accepting walk-ins.

The Health Department continues to work with the Reno County Medical Collaborative to distribute the vaccine expediently and equitably. For information on the vaccine or to pre-register, visit the <a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">Reno County website</a> or call 844-834-3657.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Reno County remains in Phase 2 and is currently vaccinating ages 65 and over. The Reno County Health Department has received over 4,000 pre-registrations for the vaccine as of Thursday morning. Over a dozen staff and volunteers have been answering the phones to take pre-registrations and schedule appointments. The first 700 vaccinations have already been scheduled for Friday, January 29th at the Sports Arena. Pre-registrants who have not yet been called will be contacted for future vaccination events. Please note the vaccination site on Friday will NOT be accepting walk-ins.The Health Department continues to work with the Reno County Medical Collaborative to distribute the vaccine expediently and equitably. For information on the vaccine or to pre-register, visit the <a href="https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">Reno County website</a> or call 844-834-3657.
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Reno County vaccination clinic has filled all 700 appointments for Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 420 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 114.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 27 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 72 active cases. Forty-four people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

Out of 7,455 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 401 cases in the community at large. 6,921 people have recovered thus far.

Thirteen Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred forty-nine total have been hospitalized. One hundred have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized. Intubation numbers are no longer on the county's dashboard.

The community's positive test rate is at 27.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.33%. 36.69% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 420 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 114.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 27 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 72 active cases. Forty-four people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.Out of 7,455 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 401 cases in the community at large. 6,921 people have recovered thus far.Thirteen Reno County residents are in the hospital. According to the dashboard, three hundred forty-nine total have been hospitalized. One hundred have been admitted to the ICU. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized. Intubation numbers are no longer on the county's dashboard.The community's positive test rate is at 27.62%, with the overall positive test rate at 32.33%. 36.69% of the population has been tested.There are still two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Case count at 420, with 401 in community as of Thursday afternoon, deaths at 114


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;

Life isn't easy, particularly in the era of COVID. 

Hutchinson High School now is offering online therapy and mental health support to all district students ages 13 and older through Wellconnect Teens. These services are free, and available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://info.ndbh.com/WellConnect" target="_blank">https://info.ndbh.com/WellConnect</a>. Teens and families can contact the HHS Counseling Center for the access code.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The services are available to students age 13 and older. For more information, a brochure is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://5il.co/p188" target="_blank">https://5il.co/p188</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;

Life isn't easy, particularly in the era of COVID. Hutchinson High School now is offering online therapy and mental health support to all district students ages 13 and older through Wellconnect Teens. These services are free, and available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://info.ndbh.com/WellConnect" target="_blank">https://info.ndbh.com/WellConnect</a>. Teens and families can contact the HHS Counseling Center for the access code.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The services are available to students age 13 and older. For more information, a brochure is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://5il.co/p188" target="_blank">https://5il.co/p188</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Online counseling for USD 308 teens available

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2021 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 28.

The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.

Individual Health Champion: Jared Tremblay, Manhattan

Organizational Health Champion: City of Coffeyville

Individual Honorable Mention: Richard Rosenkranz, Manhattan

Organizational Honorable Mention: Hutchinson Recreation Commission, Hutchinson

“Eligible nominees include volunteers, schools, communities, employers, media organizations and policy makers that put forth exceptional efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Candice McField, GCOF Awards Chair. “The winners were selected from the nominations of several worthy candidates in each category.”

This is the eighth year for these awards.

“Congratulations to these individuals and organizations for being exceptional in their efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.

Jared Tremblay of Manhattan has dedicated his personal life and professional career to promoting safe walking and biking.  Jared in his role at the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization

(FHMPO), works with regional leaders to plan infrastructure projects and promote walking and biking throughout the Flint Hills region, including Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego. Beyond this role, Jared volunteers time and knowledge to advocate for safe cycling and walking. He serves on the City of Manhattan Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee as an ad hoc member. He works with BikeWalkMHK, and before COVID-19 was planning to host a Bicycle Commuter Education class based on a program that he helped develop for USD 383.

Wyatt Thompson, who ­­nominated Tremblay said, “People who live in the communities where Jared has worked, have greater opportunities to safely walk and bike in their community. They owe this to the personal example Jared sets every time he gets on his bike and the enthusiasm he shares with many years dedicated to this work.”

City of Coffeyville is described as the place, “where our history fuels our future”. City leaders  go beyond modeling and promoting health and fitness in several different ways to citizens.  They have passed a tobacco-free parks policy, made walking to school safely possible for one community grade school that houses over a thousand students. They even have received half a dozen grants totaling over 2 million dollars to build sidewalks and walking trails.

Marci Roberts, who nominated the City says, “The City’s efforts have been a tremendous influence on our community pride and inspiration to improve the town, they have worked hard to foster lasting partnerships and shown tremendous foresight in connecting grant monies that complement each other, which has enabled transformational change.” She adds, “these efforts have changed the built environment for the better and for the long run, it is definitely much more than just easier access for walking and biking to school, shopping and recreation, it is improvements that have definitely made the effort to be more physically active more inviting!”

Richard (Ric) Rosenkranz of Manhattan is a model and promotes an active and healthful lifestyle among children, adolescents, and college students in Kansas. As a professor at K-State Ric teaches the next generation of health professionals to address pressing population health problems related to physical inactivity, poor diet, and other lifestyle behaviors and his research supports creating better opportunities for children and adolescents to engage in health-promoting behaviors within the settings where they live, learn, develop, and play. He volunteers and provides expertise and support for community programs and helped to create partnerships that collaboratively improve opportunities for health and fitness in Kansas. “Ric’s commitment will continue as long as his mind and body permit,” said Sara Rosenkranz who nominated Ric. “Because his commitments are fueled by a passion for movement, fitness, health, and lifelong learning.”

Hutchinson Recreation Commission offers programs to meet the needs of their community and tailors their activities to meet the needs of people of all ages, including those living with disparities and limitations, including being innovative in offering courses online due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, they offer a wide variety of activities that promote health and fitness. At Elmdale Senior Center, special efforts were made even amidst the pandemic to continue to provide a healthy lunch to members, feeding almost 100 people three days a week. In addition to offering programs that aim to improve the physical and mental health of seniors.

Diane Swinney, Health Educator for the commission, in her nomination shared, “Hutchinson Rec is very deserving of the Kansas Health Champion Award, they definitely make healthy living a priority for the residents of all ages and abilities in Reno County.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609342968213.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2021 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 28.The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.Individual Health Champion: Jared Tremblay, ManhattanOrganizational Health Champion: City of CoffeyvilleIndividual Honorable Mention: Richard Rosenkranz, ManhattanOrganizational Honorable Mention: Hutchinson Recreation Commission, Hutchinson“Eligible nominees include volunteers, schools, communities, employers, media organizations and policy makers that put forth exceptional efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Candice McField, GCOF Awards Chair. “The winners were selected from the nominations of several worthy candidates in each category.”This is the eighth year for these awards.“Congratulations to these individuals and organizations for being exceptional in their efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.Health ChampionsJared Tremblay of Manhattan has dedicated his personal life and professional career to promoting safe walking and biking. Jared in his role at the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization(FHMPO), works with regional leaders to plan infrastructure projects and promote walking and biking throughout the Flint Hills region, including Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego. Beyond this role, Jared volunteers time and knowledge to advocate for safe cycling and walking. He serves on the City of Manhattan Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee as an ad hoc member. He works with BikeWalkMHK, and before COVID-19 was planning to host a Bicycle Commuter Education class based on a program that he helped develop for USD 383.Wyatt Thompson, who ­­nominated Tremblay said, “People who live in the communities where Jared has worked, have greater opportunities to safely walk and bike in their community. They owe this to the personal example Jared sets every time he gets on his bike and the enthusiasm he shares with many years dedicated to this work.”City of Coffeyville is described as the place, “where our history fuels our future”. City leaders go beyond modeling and promoting health and fitness in several different ways to citizens. They have passed a tobacco-free parks policy, made walking to school safely possible for one community grade school that houses over a thousand students. They even have received half a dozen grants totaling over 2 million dollars to build sidewalks and walking trails.Marci Roberts, who nominated the City says, “The City’s efforts have been a tremendous influence on our community pride and inspiration to improve the town, they have worked hard to foster lasting partnerships and shown tremendous foresight in connecting grant monies that complement each other, which has enabled transformational change.” She adds, “these efforts have changed the built environment for the better and for the long run, it is definitely much more than just easier access for walking and biking to school, shopping and recreation, it is improvements that have definitely made the effort to be more physically active more inviting!”Honorable MentionsRichard (Ric) Rosenkranz of Manhattan is a model and promotes an active and healthful lifestyle among children, adolescents, and college students in Kansas. As a professor at K-State Ric teaches the next generation of health professionals to address pressing population health problems related to physical inactivity, poor diet, and other lifestyle behaviors and his research supports creating better opportunities for children and adolescents to engage in health-promoting behaviors within the settings where they live, learn, develop, and play. He volunteers and provides expertise and support for community programs and helped to create partnerships that collaboratively improve opportunities for health and fitness in Kansas. “Ric’s commitment will continue as long as his mind and body permit,” said Sara Rosenkranz who nominated Ric. “Because his commitments are fueled by a passion for movement, fitness, health, and lifelong learning.”Hutchinson Recreation Commission offers programs to meet the needs of their community and tailors their activities to meet the needs of people of all ages, including those living with disparities and limitations, including being innovative in offering courses online due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, they offer a wide variety of activities that promote health and fitness. At Elmdale Senior Center, special efforts were made even amidst the pandemic to continue to provide a healthy lunch to members, feeding almost 100 people three days a week. In addition to offering programs that aim to improve the physical and mental health of seniors.Diane Swinney, Health Educator for the commission, in her nomination shared, “Hutchinson Rec is very deserving of the Kansas Health Champion Award, they definitely make healthy living a priority for the residents of all ages and abilities in Reno County.”
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Hutch Rec gets Organizational Honorable Mention in Health Champion Awards from KDHE Thursday

MCPHERSON,
Kan. —Eligibility requirements for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA Scholarship include high school seniors or undergraduate students that reside in McPherson County and/or attend a high school in McPherson County, plan to pursue a career in the food and agriculture industry and obtain a four-year degree.

The McPherson Chamber Agriculture Committee established this local scholarship and has awarded 30 full academic and leader development scholarships, and 12 additional leadership conference only scholarships since 2001. The $4,450 full scholarship includes a $3,200 academic scholarship and tuition to the AFA Leaders Conference (worth $1,250).&nbsp;

AFA Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of leadership roles in organizations, community service, internship and work experiences and financial need. Recipients will also be scored on these three personal vision statements. 1.) Explain your educational and ideal career path. 2.) What is one challenge you have had in the last year? How have you persevered through it? 3.) How would you describe the personal brand you hope to have in the food and agriculture community?

Selected scholars must commit to attend the AFA Leaders Conference in the fall semester of the awarded scholarship year, maintain full-time class status and remain in good academic standing with the institution to receive the academic scholarship.

Please share and encourage students to apply for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA scholarship. The application is available at www.agfuture.org/scholarships and the deadline is March 10, 2021. Questions? Contact AFA at <a href="http://scholarship@agfuture.org">scholarship@agfuture.org</a> or Debbie Hawkinson, AFA McPherson County Scholarship Coordinator, at <a href="http://chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org">chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org</a>.

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 </figure>MCPHERSON,
Kan. —Eligibility requirements for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA Scholarship include high school seniors or undergraduate students that reside in McPherson County and/or attend a high school in McPherson County, plan to pursue a career in the food and agriculture industry and obtain a four-year degree.The McPherson Chamber Agriculture Committee established this local scholarship and has awarded 30 full academic and leader development scholarships, and 12 additional leadership conference only scholarships since 2001. The $4,450 full scholarship includes a $3,200 academic scholarship and tuition to the AFA Leaders Conference (worth $1,250).&nbsp;AFA Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of leadership roles in organizations, community service, internship and work experiences and financial need. Recipients will also be scored on these three personal vision statements. 1.) Explain your educational and ideal career path. 2.) What is one challenge you have had in the last year? How have you persevered through it? 3.) How would you describe the personal brand you hope to have in the food and agriculture community?Selected scholars must commit to attend the AFA Leaders Conference in the fall semester of the awarded scholarship year, maintain full-time class status and remain in good academic standing with the institution to receive the academic scholarship.Please share and encourage students to apply for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA scholarship. The application is available at www.agfuture.org/scholarships and the deadline is March 10, 2021. Questions? Contact AFA at <a href="http://scholarship@agfuture.org">scholarship@agfuture.org</a> or Debbie Hawkinson, AFA McPherson County Scholarship Coordinator, at <a href="http://chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org">chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org</a>.
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Applications Open for 2021 McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA Scholarship


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Even in the pandemic, Salthawks have to come home.

Winter Homecoming for Hutchinson High School will be virtual for 2021. King crowning will be prior to the boys’ varsity game against Newton on Feb. 5 in the Salthawk Activity Center with the queen crowned at halftime of the game.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, only parents of the king and queen courts will be on hand Feb. 5 in addition to the teams and their families. The events will be streamed during the regular broadcast of the Salthawk games that evening. The annual pre-coronation skits also will be streamed to HHS students during the week.

Queen candidates for Winter Homecoming are&nbsp;Hailee Brigman-Reed, April Hernandez, Mabel Hirst, Krissa Koerner, Morgan Meier and Kennedy Miller. King candidates are Jalen Barlow, Anthony Blackwell, Wyatt Johnson, Myles Thompson, Giovanni Villaneuza-Romero and Carter Young.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Even in the pandemic, Salthawks have to come home.Winter Homecoming for Hutchinson High School will be virtual for 2021. King crowning will be prior to the boys’ varsity game against Newton on Feb. 5 in the Salthawk Activity Center with the queen crowned at halftime of the game.Because of COVID-19 restrictions, only parents of the king and queen courts will be on hand Feb. 5 in addition to the teams and their families. The events will be streamed during the regular broadcast of the Salthawk games that evening. The annual pre-coronation skits also will be streamed to HHS students during the week.Queen candidates for Winter Homecoming are&nbsp;Hailee Brigman-Reed, April Hernandez, Mabel Hirst, Krissa Koerner, Morgan Meier and Kennedy Miller. King candidates are Jalen Barlow, Anthony Blackwell, Wyatt Johnson, Myles Thompson, Giovanni Villaneuza-Romero and Carter Young.
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HHS Winter Homecoming set

Hutchinson, KS – Mann, Wyatt &amp; Rice Injury Attorneys is transitioning to Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley Injury Attorneys, with long-time associate Jesse Tanksley being promoted to partner of the 20 -year firm.

A Hutchinson native, Tanksley graduated summa cum laude from Washburn University in 2006 and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2009. While working in the field of business and employment litigation, Tanksley met Scott Mann and Mike Wyatt at a local event. The pair were impressed with Tanksley’s drive and passion for the law, and he was asked to join the firm in 2015.

Proving to be a valuable asset, Tanksley now joins Mann and Wyatt as a partner. The firm has two other associates, Mason Lent and Sam Schulte, both practicing out of the Wichita office, and a support staff of 9. Former partner Mitch Rice recently opened his own practice but will continue to collaborate with Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley when applicable.

Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley wishes Mitch Rice the best of luck with his practice and is excited about new opportunities and growth in a new year. Serving Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri, the injury firm believes in treating all clients with respect and compassion, understanding it’s about more than just monetary recovery — it’s about justice, quality of life, respect, and emotional recovery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611934979062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson, KS – Mann, Wyatt &amp; Rice Injury Attorneys is transitioning to Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley Injury Attorneys, with long-time associate Jesse Tanksley being promoted to partner of the 20 -year firm.A Hutchinson native, Tanksley graduated summa cum laude from Washburn University in 2006 and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2009. While working in the field of business and employment litigation, Tanksley met Scott Mann and Mike Wyatt at a local event. The pair were impressed with Tanksley’s drive and passion for the law, and he was asked to join the firm in 2015.Proving to be a valuable asset, Tanksley now joins Mann and Wyatt as a partner. The firm has two other associates, Mason Lent and Sam Schulte, both practicing out of the Wichita office, and a support staff of 9. Former partner Mitch Rice recently opened his own practice but will continue to collaborate with Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley when applicable.Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley wishes Mitch Rice the best of luck with his practice and is excited about new opportunities and growth in a new year. Serving Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri, the injury firm believes in treating all clients with respect and compassion, understanding it’s about more than just monetary recovery — it’s about justice, quality of life, respect, and emotional recovery.
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Mann, Wyatt & Rice Injury Attorneys is now Mann, Wyatt & Tanksley


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Republican Tracey Mann is excited about the committees he's assigned to for this Congress.

"I'll be serving on the House Ag Committee as well as the Veterans Affairs Committee," Mann said. "I am ecstatic with both of those selections. Specific to agriculture, there's a history of the member of Congress from this seat, from our district having a seat on that committee, but it was competitive this year. There were about 20 freshmen vying for 5 or 6 spots."

The revised substantial completion of construction date for the NBAF, which is the point at which the USDA will have full access to the facility and is responsible for its operation, has been moved to October of 2021.

"I tell people the CDC down in Atlanta is to humans what NBAF is to animals," Mann said. "As we have seen diseases that impact humans, like bird flu, like swine flu, coronavirus, a lot of these diseases originate in animals and then mutate and impact humans."

Mann's broad policy goals are connected with helping the country recover both financially and personally from COVID-19.

"Getting Americans back to work, that's less of an issue in Kansas, but still a factor. That's huge. Also, making sure kids around the country are back in school and we've got to make sure that everybody that wants to be vaccinated is, as quickly as possible."

Mann lives in Salina when he's not serving in Washington. He's back in Kansas this week.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Republican Tracey Mann is excited about the committees he's assigned to for this Congress."I'll be serving on the House Ag Committee as well as the Veterans Affairs Committee," Mann said. "I am ecstatic with both of those selections. Specific to agriculture, there's a history of the member of Congress from this seat, from our district having a seat on that committee, but it was competitive this year. There were about 20 freshmen vying for 5 or 6 spots."The revised substantial completion of construction date for the NBAF, which is the point at which the USDA will have full access to the facility and is responsible for its operation, has been moved to October of 2021."I tell people the CDC down in Atlanta is to humans what NBAF is to animals," Mann said. "As we have seen diseases that impact humans, like bird flu, like swine flu, coronavirus, a lot of these diseases originate in animals and then mutate and impact humans."Mann's broad policy goals are connected with helping the country recover both financially and personally from COVID-19."Getting Americans back to work, that's less of an issue in Kansas, but still a factor. That's huge. Also, making sure kids around the country are back in school and we've got to make sure that everybody that wants to be vaccinated is, as quickly as possible."Mann lives in Salina when he's not serving in Washington. He's back in Kansas this week.

Mann excited about committee assignments

ST. LOUIS, MO — The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRSCI) is warning taxpayers in the St. Louis Field Office about a new wave of COVID-19-related scams as the agency delivers the second round of Economic Impact Payments.

For more than half a year, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams and other financial schemes designed to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. 

Criminals are taking advantage of the second round of Economic Impact Payments – as well as the approaching filing season – to trick honest taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.

“IRS-CI, along with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prepared to investigate and bring to justice, those who seek to take advantage of taxpayers who are the intended recipients of these economic impact payments,” said David Talcott, Acting Special Agent in Charge. “We urge taxpayers to continue to protect their personal information.”

• Text messages asking taxpayers to disclose bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payments.

• Phishing schemes using email, letters and social media messages with key words such as “Coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” and “stimulus” in varying ways. These communications are blasted to large numbers of people and aim to access personally identifying information and financial account information (including account numbers and passwords).

• The organized and unofficial sale of fake at-home COVID-19 test kits (as well as offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills, and professional medical advice regarding unproven COVID-19 treatments).

• Fake donation requests for individuals, groups and areas heavily affected by the disease.

• Bogus opportunities to invest in companies developing COVID-19 vaccines while promising that the “company” will dramatically increase in value as a result.

Although criminals are constantly changing their tactics, taxpayers can help protect themselves by acting as the first line of defense. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards.

IRS CI continues investigating hundreds of COVID-19-related cases with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad and educating taxpayers about scams.

COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.

Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Reports can be made online at TIPS.TIGTA.GOV.

Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.

To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes visit IRS.gov.

Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611852698395.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS, MO — The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRSCI) is warning taxpayers in the St. Louis Field Office about a new wave of COVID-19-related scams as the agency delivers the second round of Economic Impact Payments.For more than half a year, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams and other financial schemes designed to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. Criminals are taking advantage of the second round of Economic Impact Payments – as well as the approaching filing season – to trick honest taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.“IRS-CI, along with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prepared to investigate and bring to justice, those who seek to take advantage of taxpayers who are the intended recipients of these economic impact payments,” said David Talcott, Acting Special Agent in Charge. “We urge taxpayers to continue to protect their personal information.”Some common COVID-19 scams include:• Text messages asking taxpayers to disclose bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payments.• Phishing schemes using email, letters and social media messages with key words such as “Coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” and “stimulus” in varying ways. These communications are blasted to large numbers of people and aim to access personally identifying information and financial account information (including account numbers and passwords).• The organized and unofficial sale of fake at-home COVID-19 test kits (as well as offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills, and professional medical advice regarding unproven COVID-19 treatments).• Fake donation requests for individuals, groups and areas heavily affected by the disease.• Bogus opportunities to invest in companies developing COVID-19 vaccines while promising that the “company” will dramatically increase in value as a result.Although criminals are constantly changing their tactics, taxpayers can help protect themselves by acting as the first line of defense. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards.IRS CI continues investigating hundreds of COVID-19-related cases with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad and educating taxpayers about scams.COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Reports can be made online at TIPS.TIGTA.GOV.Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes visit IRS.gov.Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.

IRS Criminal Investigation Division warning of COVID-19 related scams


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Board of Reno County Commissioners Chair Ron Hirst said the commission plans to look again at proposed wind farm regulations next month.

"February 9, after the regular commission meeting, right now we have scheduled a work session to review those," Hirst said. "The commission will discuss those. Public Works will present the version and then we will be working on that after the regular commission meeting on February 9."

The intent is to hammer out something they can agree on and get this moving.

"The time frame is not set in stone," Hirst said. "There could be a possibility to take this up on February 23 and we'd allow some public input, limited public input at that time, should that time frame be able to be met."

The intent would be to allow the public its opportunity to speak before any final vote is taken.

"We will probably set up a specific time frame in the meeting to talk about any wind regulations that the public wants to talk about," Hirst said. 

That would be at whatever meeting any final action would happen in. That could be as soon as later in February, or could be pushed back depending on how much agreement they can get in their study session February 9.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Board of Reno County Commissioners Chair Ron Hirst said the commission plans to look again at proposed wind farm regulations next month."February 9, after the regular commission meeting, right now we have scheduled a work session to review those," Hirst said. "The commission will discuss those. Public Works will present the version and then we will be working on that after the regular commission meeting on February 9."The intent is to hammer out something they can agree on and get this moving."The time frame is not set in stone," Hirst said. "There could be a possibility to take this up on February 23 and we'd allow some public input, limited public input at that time, should that time frame be able to be met."The intent would be to allow the public its opportunity to speak before any final vote is taken."We will probably set up a specific time frame in the meeting to talk about any wind regulations that the public wants to talk about," Hirst said. That would be at whatever meeting any final action would happen in. That could be as soon as later in February, or could be pushed back depending on how much agreement they can get in their study session February 9.
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Hirst: Commission will have another wind farm study session next month


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Total collections for the Hutchinson Battle of the Badges remained strong in spite of the weather this week. 

"Wednesday we collected 76 pints of blood," said Tiffany Davison with the American Red Cross. "Our goal was 88.&nbsp; Not too bad considering the snow!&nbsp; Our total collections are at 359.&nbsp; The balloting is at Fire 150 and Law 138.&nbsp; Still a tight race."

Appointments are almost full for Friday's date at Advance America on East 4th. That is the final day of the Battle for this year. A previous Hutch Post story said there would be a Saturday date. We regret the error.

However, if donors are still looking for an area opportunity to donate there are other drives around:

Friday 1/29 - Buhler Community at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church open Noon to 6 p.m.

Friday 1/29 – Haven Community at St. Paul Lutheran Church open 11 a.m. to&nbsp; 5 p.m.

Tuesday 2/9 – Partridge Community at Center Amish Mennonite Church open Noon to 6 p.m.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Total collections for the Hutchinson Battle of the Badges remained strong in spite of the weather this week. "Wednesday we collected 76 pints of blood," said Tiffany Davison with the American Red Cross. "Our goal was 88.&nbsp; Not too bad considering the snow!&nbsp; Our total collections are at 359.&nbsp; The balloting is at Fire 150 and Law 138.&nbsp; Still a tight race."Appointments are almost full for Friday's date at Advance America on East 4th. That is the final day of the Battle for this year. A previous Hutch Post story said there would be a Saturday date. We regret the error.However, if donors are still looking for an area opportunity to donate there are other drives around:Friday 1/29 - Buhler Community at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church open Noon to 6 p.m.Friday 1/29 – Haven Community at St. Paul Lutheran Church open 11 a.m. to&nbsp; 5 p.m.Tuesday 2/9 – Partridge Community at Center Amish Mennonite Church open Noon to 6 p.m.
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