HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — In a Saturday email, Reno County Commissioner and State Senator-elect Dr. Mark Steffen provided to Hutch Post and community members a site he is calling <a href="https://rccft.godaddysites.com/home">Reno County Citizens for Transparency</a>.

"So much about our nation's and our state's response to the virus has been troubling," Steffen says in the email.&nbsp; "Common sense and time-tested methods have been discarded."

His site includes research on alternative therapies for COVID-19 and studies that he cites in asserting that mask usage is ineffective.

The Board of Reno County Commissioners will meet Tuesday and <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5273f25a-7973-4521-b2a8-a86c4d79ecba">likely review the recently renewed Health Order that continues to promote mask usage and social distancing measures in the county.</a>

That meeting is Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Reno County courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593008647850.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — In a Saturday email, Reno County Commissioner and State Senator-elect Dr. Mark Steffen provided to Hutch Post and community members a site he is calling <a href="https://rccft.godaddysites.com/home">Reno County Citizens for Transparency</a>."So much about our nation's and our state's response to the virus has been troubling," Steffen says in the email.&nbsp; "Common sense and time-tested methods have been discarded." His site includes research on alternative therapies for COVID-19 and studies that he cites in asserting that mask usage is ineffective.The Board of Reno County Commissioners will meet Tuesday and <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5273f25a-7973-4521-b2a8-a86c4d79ecba">likely review the recently renewed Health Order that continues to promote mask usage and social distancing measures in the county.</a>That meeting is Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Reno County courthouse.

Steffen provides alternative website regarding COVID-19

Though COVID-19 has an effect on the nation and world, we know that what's happening here has much more impact. That's why COVID-19: My Story was born.

We'll hear from real people who have had the virus and delve further into their personal experiences.&nbsp; We'll also spend time with experts from here trying to keep you safe.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ee078bde-8c37-494e-9f4b-f9587569c452">There's no place that sanitizes like restaurants already should be doing. In that sense, yeah. We were already pretty well set up to handle that type of thing. Yeah. Restaurants, they're always dealing with bacteria and viruses and stuff like that. That wasn't a new aspect to our business.</a>

Special Episode-Dr. Humayun Ashraf

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/397660aa-7f75-4010-ba09-04abe1ae41f4">It is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's been a very dark tunnel so far. So anything that we can take, we will take.</a>

Episode 15: Two guests-Bob Ratley and Katie Perez

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1cc3a413-41d8-4272-b1d8-99cda40fb4a7">Well, after about the second&nbsp;day, I got real, real sick. And it was to the point, I could barely breathe. And so, I told her, "I need to get to the hospital." And she asked if I want to go to Wichita or Newton. And I told her, "no, I'll just go here to the Hutch." And so she took me there and it's a blur.</a>

Episode 14 is with USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/25b334e7-f5ea-45db-a21e-1d443578f1bb">Thinking back nine months ago, when on ... I think it was Friday, March 13th, when the Governor shut schools down, it has been an absolute whirlwind. The fastest and the most challenging nine months that I can ever remember.</a>

Episode 13 is with Pastor Kent Pedersen

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0d2f9ab9-f305-4b4a-8fa6-f14f6246336b">There's no perfect answers. I just wish more people, during all of this, on the news and places of leadership, I wish more people would just say the words, "I don't know. We're doing the best we can." Let's do the best we can to be respectful of others. I don't know if the mask works or not. I got it. I wore the mask a lot but the reason I wear a mask is to be polite. It's because they're asking us to do it and it doesn't hurt us. It doesn't hurt me to do that.</a>

Episode 12 is with Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b652e27c-dc7a-4fc7-8293-539abb1b6000">Someone could be just fine, and the next thing, they're in the ER and having complications. But you have to remember those that maybe have infections, they're more prone to infections. They just had surgery. They have COPD.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e119410a-e0cc-41f3-b369-6be80c275ed6">I had a sister that had COVID and she was in the hospital for eight days, had the COVID pneumonia. She has since been good. She's still recovering. You don't just get over COVID very quickly. Most people don't.</a>

Episode 10 is with ICU Nurse Jon Miller

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cfff89cd-2ca6-4b87-8e05-47a161413d59">It's no respecter of age or how healthy you were before. The virus has been very opportunistic. And if you have any kind of co-morbidities, either diabetes or high blood pressure, it finds a weakness in some way and can have its effect.</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5977c715-a50f-49de-8cdd-2d5226651a00">Since that time at the end of September to when we are talking now, there's been 600 cases in the community. So we have equaled our amount for six months in one month.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ef2e02c-cfeb-4a69-9846-8d0fc7215ecb">You don't have the energy level. A conversation with your wife or another loved one lasts about one to two minutes, so that takes its toll on you as you are in isolation from everybody for a week.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/11dfda85-80f7-490a-8fe8-beb31907a1cd">I am confident in telling you if we would have even more participation in community testing, we would have less cases in the hospital. We would have less cases in the nursing home. We would catch patient zero earlier and not be dealing with patient 55, 56.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/216ee459-b55d-458b-a14c-eef3f0cda9e1">The cough, the chest pain and of course the fever. The extreme fatigue was what really got me too, I would get up to let's say, make lunch or something. And I felt like I ran a marathon. It felt like the flu times ten.</a>

Episode 5 is with Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87141264-20ce-4239-81b7-fafa56c8bf22">We're taking a bit of a different approach to the podcast this week, as I had the chance to interview Reno County epidemiologist, Elliot Koester. Here is our conversation...</a>

Episode 4 is with Linda and Tony Ojeda

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f4e74580-da1e-43c3-ae97-753adb54ce95">On August 29, I had opened a jar of Vicks for Tony and I couldn't smell it. And I thought, uh-oh...</a>

Episode 3 is with Cathy Kilpatrick

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/681d8c7c-9987-4ddb-a013-375e3c2d5f97">Now, I was there for 11 days and of those 11 days, seven of them, I was in ICU and that was not fun. </a>

Episode 2 is with Hutchinson resident Susan Puls.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/93792258-bf02-427c-823e-968358d705dd">I'm usually very healthy. And the next thing I know, I'm on the floor and the EMT's helped him get me to the testing center. So, it is unlike...everybody thinks it's the flu or a bad cold, or a sinus infection. In my lifetime, I've never experienced anything like this...(Click for full transcript)</a>

Episode 1 is with Dr. Rex Degner from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/914b38af-8fc5-4ac1-b32d-064c31c08e52">I found out mostly through news sources, commercial news sources, before it started coming out in the professional literature. The COVID virus was first recognized back in late 2019 and gets its name COVID for Coronavirus 2019. So that's when it was first truly discovered as a new entity...(Click for full transcript)</a>

Join us here on HutchPost.com for Covid-19: My Story, with new stories every Saturday. Supported by Reno County Health Care Collaborative.

Are you a COVID-19 patient and want to tell your story on this podcast? Email your contact info and a few sentences about your experience to&nbsp;HutchPost@eagleradio.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599141808019.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Though COVID-19 has an effect on the nation and world, we know that what's happening here has much more impact. That's why COVID-19: My Story was born.We'll hear from real people who have had the virus and delve further into their personal experiences.&nbsp; We'll also spend time with experts from here trying to keep you safe.Episode 16: Tyler Davis<div><iframe title="COVID 19: My Story-Episode 16-Tyler Davis" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/twudg-f56b51?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Tyler Davis:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ee078bde-8c37-494e-9f4b-f9587569c452">There's no place that sanitizes like restaurants already should be doing. In that sense, yeah. We were already pretty well set up to handle that type of thing. Yeah. Restaurants, they're always dealing with bacteria and viruses and stuff like that. That wasn't a new aspect to our business.</a>Special Episode-Dr. Humayun Ashraf<div><iframe title="Covid-19: My Story - Special Episode-Dr. Humayun Ashraf" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/gavrz-f53c1b?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Dr. Ashraf: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/397660aa-7f75-4010-ba09-04abe1ae41f4">It is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's been a very dark tunnel so far. So anything that we can take, we will take.</a>Episode 15: Two guests-Bob Ratley and Katie Perez<div><iframe title="COVID 19: My Story-Episode 15-Bob Ratley and Katie Perez" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/n369b-f4cd5f?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Bob Ratley:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1cc3a413-41d8-4272-b1d8-99cda40fb4a7">Well, after about the second&nbsp;day, I got real, real sick. And it was to the point, I could barely breathe. And so, I told her, "I need to get to the hospital." And she asked if I want to go to Wichita or Newton. And I told her, "no, I'll just go here to the Hutch." And so she took me there and it's a blur.</a>Episode 14 is with USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 14-USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pc375-f41c5c?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Mike Folks:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/25b334e7-f5ea-45db-a21e-1d443578f1bb">Thinking back nine months ago, when on ... I think it was Friday, March 13th, when the Governor shut schools down, it has been an absolute whirlwind. The fastest and the most challenging nine months that I can ever remember.</a>Episode 13 is with Pastor Kent Pedersen<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 13-Pastor Kent Pedersen" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ptjks-f379fa?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Kent Pedersen:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0d2f9ab9-f305-4b4a-8fa6-f14f6246336b">There's no perfect answers. I just wish more people, during all of this, on the news and places of leadership, I wish more people would just say the words, "I don't know. We're doing the best we can." Let's do the best we can to be respectful of others. I don't know if the mask works or not. I got it. I wore the mask a lot but the reason I wear a mask is to be polite. It's because they're asking us to do it and it doesn't hurt us. It doesn't hurt me to do that.</a>Episode 12 is with Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 12-Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jkxat-f2d6bc?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Rebeka Jones:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b652e27c-dc7a-4fc7-8293-539abb1b6000">Someone could be just fine, and the next thing, they're in the ER and having complications. But you have to remember those that maybe have infections, they're more prone to infections. They just had surgery. They have COPD.</a>Episode 11 is with Peggy Ramos<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 11-Peggy Ramos" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/n9atr-f2391d?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Peggy Ramos:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e119410a-e0cc-41f3-b369-6be80c275ed6">I had a sister that had COVID and she was in the hospital for eight days, had the COVID pneumonia. She has since been good. She's still recovering. You don't just get over COVID very quickly. Most people don't.</a>Episode 10 is with ICU Nurse Jon Miller<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 10-ICU Nurse Jon Miller" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6m6jr-f19011?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Jon Miller:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cfff89cd-2ca6-4b87-8e05-47a161413d59">It's no respecter of age or how healthy you were before. The virus has been very opportunistic. And if you have any kind of co-morbidities, either diabetes or high blood pressure, it finds a weakness in some way and can have its effect.</a>&nbsp;Episode 9 is with DJ Gering<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 9-DJ Gering" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/297jb-f0e6be?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>DJ Gering:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5977c715-a50f-49de-8cdd-2d5226651a00">Since that time at the end of September to when we are talking now, there's been 600 cases in the community. So we have equaled our amount for six months in one month.</a>Episode 8 is with Cory Griffith's<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 8-Cory Griffith's" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/8uhq5-f03c07?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Cory Griffith's:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ef2e02c-cfeb-4a69-9846-8d0fc7215ecb">You don't have the energy level. A conversation with your wife or another loved one lasts about one to two minutes, so that takes its toll on you as you are in isolation from everybody for a week.</a>Episode 7 is with Dr. Scott Pauly<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 7-Dr. Scott Pauly" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/33i6j-ef95c6?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Dr. Scott Pauly:&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/11dfda85-80f7-490a-8fe8-beb31907a1cd">I am confident in telling you if we would have even more participation in community testing, we would have less cases in the hospital. We would have less cases in the nursing home. We would catch patient zero earlier and not be dealing with patient 55, 56.</a>Episode 6 is with Seth Dewey<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 6-Seth Dewey" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/vp7mb-eee04f?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Seth Dewey: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/216ee459-b55d-458b-a14c-eef3f0cda9e1">The cough, the chest pain and of course the fever. The extreme fatigue was what really got me too, I would get up to let's say, make lunch or something. And I felt like I ran a marathon. It felt like the flu times ten.</a>Episode 5 is with Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 5-Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/i2rze-ee0bc3?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Nick Gosnell: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87141264-20ce-4239-81b7-fafa56c8bf22">We're taking a bit of a different approach to the podcast this week, as I had the chance to interview Reno County epidemiologist, Elliot Koester. Here is our conversation...</a>Episode 4 is with Linda and Tony Ojeda<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 4-Linda and Tony Ojeda" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/bjs5w-ed2bdb?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Linda Ojeda: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f4e74580-da1e-43c3-ae97-753adb54ce95">On August 29, I had opened a jar of Vicks for Tony and I couldn't smell it. And I thought, uh-oh...</a>Episode 3 is with Cathy Kilpatrick<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 3-Cathy Kilpatrick" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/gz5hc-ec1f49?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Cathy Kilpatrick: <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/681d8c7c-9987-4ddb-a013-375e3c2d5f97">Now, I was there for 11 days and of those 11 days, seven of them, I was in ICU and that was not fun. </a>Episode 2 is with Hutchinson resident Susan Puls.<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 2-Susan Puls" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/g2mas-eb2b24?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Susan Puls:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/93792258-bf02-427c-823e-968358d705dd">I'm usually very healthy. And the next thing I know, I'm on the floor and the EMT's helped him get me to the testing center. So, it is unlike...everybody thinks it's the flu or a bad cold, or a sinus infection. In my lifetime, I've never experienced anything like this...(Click for full transcript)</a>Episode 1 is with Dr. Rex Degner from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.<div><iframe title="COVID-19: My Story Episode 1-Dr. Rex Degner" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/g5vzv-ea334e?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>Dr. Rex Degner:<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/914b38af-8fc5-4ac1-b32d-064c31c08e52">I found out mostly through news sources, commercial news sources, before it started coming out in the professional literature. The COVID virus was first recognized back in late 2019 and gets its name COVID for Coronavirus 2019. So that's when it was first truly discovered as a new entity...(Click for full transcript)</a>Join us here on HutchPost.com for Covid-19: My Story, with new stories every Saturday. Supported by Reno County Health Care Collaborative.Are you a COVID-19 patient and want to tell your story on this podcast? Email your contact info and a few sentences about your experience to&nbsp;HutchPost@eagleradio.net.

Covid-19: My Story - Episode 16: Tyler Davis

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 690 as of Friday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 84.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 18 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases. Thirty-one people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

Out of 6,163 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 680 cases in the community at large. 5,389 people have recovered thus far.

Twenty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred seventy-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 29 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 26.15%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.69%. 30.94% of the population has been tested.

There are now two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. Those are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but not on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 690 as of Friday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 84.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 18 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases. Thirty-one people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.Out of 6,163 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 680 cases in the community at large. 5,389 people have recovered thus far.Twenty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred seventy-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 29 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 26.15%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.69%. 30.94% of the population has been tested.There are now two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. Those are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but not on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

Case count at 690, with 680 in community as of Friday afternoon, death toll now 84

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The pandemic has blunted so many Christmas traditions. One is still a go
this year in Hutchinson. The annual Hyde Park Luminaries will take place on
Saturday.

The area of
Hyde Park will be lit up with the usual luminaries. There are some changes that
were necessary. There will be no activities in the central park area this year.
Traffic will still be limited as before to make sure those wanting to see the
park can do so from their vehicle.

Hyde Park
between Adams and Main, Washington between 20th and 22nd and 21st Ave between
Washington and Hyde Park will all be closed. Parking on 22nd and 20th between
Main and Adams will be prohibited during the event. Traffic flow is restricted
to eastbound only on 22nd, and westbound only on 20th in the area.

As always please
watch out for pedestrian traffic as there will still be many visitors out
walking through neighborhood.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608308725969.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The pandemic has blunted so many Christmas traditions. One is still a go
this year in Hutchinson. The annual Hyde Park Luminaries will take place on
Saturday.The area of
Hyde Park will be lit up with the usual luminaries. There are some changes that
were necessary. There will be no activities in the central park area this year.
Traffic will still be limited as before to make sure those wanting to see the
park can do so from their vehicle.Hyde Park
between Adams and Main, Washington between 20th and 22nd and 21st Ave between
Washington and Hyde Park will all be closed. Parking on 22nd and 20th between
Main and Adams will be prohibited during the event. Traffic flow is restricted
to eastbound only on 22nd, and westbound only on 20th in the area.As always please
watch out for pedestrian traffic as there will still be many visitors out
walking through neighborhood.

Hyde Park Luminaries set for Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More good news for Siemens Gamesa in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The company announced that it has signed a milestone wind power agreement with Orsted to supply the 298 MW Haystack wind farm in Nebraska as the two companies embark on a new stage in their onshore partnership following nearly 30 years of offshore projects together.

The Haystack project includes the supply of 51 SG 5.0-145 wind turbines and 18 safe harbor turbines. The first deliveries are expected to begin in the summer of 2021 with commissioning expected in fourth quarter 2021.

The order also includes a 30-year full-scope service and maintenance agreement covering primary activities related to the service and maintenance of the units. This agreement is the longest ever service contract for Siemens Gamesa in North America and evidences trust not only in Siemens Gamesa’s technology but also the company’s strong and flexible service capabilities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607017503991.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More good news for Siemens Gamesa in Hutchinson.&nbsp;The company announced that it has signed a milestone wind power agreement with Orsted to supply the 298 MW Haystack wind farm in Nebraska as the two companies embark on a new stage in their onshore partnership following nearly 30 years of offshore projects together.The Haystack project includes the supply of 51 SG 5.0-145 wind turbines and 18 safe harbor turbines. The first deliveries are expected to begin in the summer of 2021 with commissioning expected in fourth quarter 2021.The order also includes a 30-year full-scope service and maintenance agreement covering primary activities related to the service and maintenance of the units. This agreement is the longest ever service contract for Siemens Gamesa in North America and evidences trust not only in Siemens Gamesa’s technology but also the company’s strong and flexible service capabilities.

Siemens Gamesa wins order for Nebraska wind farm

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After several months of positive trends downward, Reno County’s unemployment rate jumped nearly 1% in November.

The unemployment rate for the county increased 8/10ths of 1% to 5.3%. It’s the first increase since April.&nbsp;

There were 1,672 county residents out of work, an increase of 217 workers. The jobless rate for the city of Hutchinson was also up at 5.8%, an increase of 7/10ths of 1%. There were 1,160 city residents out of work.

The state's jobless rate for November jumped from 4.7% to 5.3%.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571064867681.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After several months of positive trends downward, Reno County’s unemployment rate jumped nearly 1% in November.The unemployment rate for the county increased 8/10ths of 1% to 5.3%. It’s the first increase since April.&nbsp;There were 1,672 county residents out of work, an increase of 217 workers. The jobless rate for the city of Hutchinson was also up at 5.8%, an increase of 7/10ths of 1%. There were 1,160 city residents out of work.The state's jobless rate for November jumped from 4.7% to 5.3%.&nbsp;

County's unemployment rate inches up in November

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith signed Health Order 20-05 Thursday night and it was amended Friday. It will stay in effect until January 18, 2021, unless overriden by the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Board of Health.&nbsp;

The order keeps the same provisions as previous Health Order 20-04, in that it restricts gathering sizes to 10 and continues to advocate for mask wearing in the county.&nbsp; As a practical matter,&nbsp; however, the order has more than a page worth of exceptions. The exceptions effectively allow for most public gatherings in the county, provided social distancing is maintained.

Face coverings are strongly encouraged in the order and language referring to the order by Governor Laura Kelly that originally mandated face coverings this summer is still referred to. The amended order is below...

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith signed Health Order 20-05 Thursday night and it was amended Friday. It will stay in effect until January 18, 2021, unless overriden by the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Board of Health.&nbsp;The order keeps the same provisions as previous Health Order 20-04, in that it restricts gathering sizes to 10 and continues to advocate for mask wearing in the county.&nbsp; As a practical matter,&nbsp; however, the order has more than a page worth of exceptions. The exceptions effectively allow for most public gatherings in the county, provided social distancing is maintained.Face coverings are strongly encouraged in the order and language referring to the order by Governor Laura Kelly that originally mandated face coverings this summer is still referred to. The amended order is below...<figure>
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Health Order 20-05 amended to clarify gathering size, mask restrictions in place for now

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/akitz-f562e0?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

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. — Even <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9a7d44773e4c4a48b3e09e4d8673961b">as the numbers for Reno County COVID-19 infections improve</a>, it's important to note that there are still many more people that could be infected before anything approaching herd immunity could be reached.

"You need about 70% of people who have had the virus and then keep your immune system at a level that it's going to fight off the virus," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We have seen that in some of the other areas that were hit harder."

In Reno County, only just over 30% of people have even been tested for COVID-19 to this point, but <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/68fa3186-eac8-4ca8-a72f-220308226117">two new free testing sites went live on Friday</a>.

"The Governor's plan was to test everybody in Kansas," Hammersmith said. "That helps us eliminate the spread by locating any cases and then having them isolate and quarantine."

The new sites in the parking lots of the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson and Simply Good Overstocks in South Hutchinson will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There will be no testing on December 24, 25 or January 1. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606243325401.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Even <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9a7d44773e4c4a48b3e09e4d8673961b">as the numbers for Reno County COVID-19 infections improve</a>, it's important to note that there are still many more people that could be infected before anything approaching herd immunity could be reached."You need about 70% of people who have had the virus and then keep your immune system at a level that it's going to fight off the virus," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "We have seen that in some of the other areas that were hit harder."In Reno County, only just over 30% of people have even been tested for COVID-19 to this point, but <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/68fa3186-eac8-4ca8-a72f-220308226117">two new free testing sites went live on Friday</a>."The Governor's plan was to test everybody in Kansas," Hammersmith said. "That helps us eliminate the spread by locating any cases and then having them isolate and quarantine."The new sites in the parking lots of the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson and Simply Good Overstocks in South Hutchinson will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There will be no testing on December 24, 25 or January 1.

Hammersmith: Still nowhere near herd immunity, still need testing and mitigating measures

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — &nbsp;Because of these unusual times, Salthawk
Community Support was not be able to do their traditional Angel Tree Project at
Hutchinson High School or Hutchinson Middle School-8.

They came up with a different way to help those in need
this year. 

Salthawk Community Support handed out 150 angel boxes
consisting of food, hygiene items, certificate’s for a Christmas Dinner at
Dillons and a Dillons gift card to HHS and HMS-8 families on Wednesday. 

Salthawk Community Support is a partnership with the school
district and Trinity United Methodist Church. There is always a need for these
students and their families.&nbsp; If you would
like to help you can donate <a href="https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRp8xk6A2ZwMj3DV_RCpNHqOhjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouTlBVS8CbKG1ztRm0iSTz7c=&amp;amp;ver=3">online</a> or by mail:

Salthawk Community Support C/O Trinity United Methodist Church 1602 North Main Street Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608306427545.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — &nbsp;Because of these unusual times, Salthawk
Community Support was not be able to do their traditional Angel Tree Project at
Hutchinson High School or Hutchinson Middle School-8.They came up with a different way to help those in need
this year. Salthawk Community Support handed out 150 angel boxes
consisting of food, hygiene items, certificate’s for a Christmas Dinner at
Dillons and a Dillons gift card to HHS and HMS-8 families on Wednesday. Salthawk Community Support is a partnership with the school
district and Trinity United Methodist Church. There is always a need for these
students and their families.&nbsp; If you would
like to help you can donate <a href="https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRp8xk6A2ZwMj3DV_RCpNHqOhjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4-rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouTlBVS8CbKG1ztRm0iSTz7c=&amp;amp;ver=3">online</a> or by mail: Salthawk Community Support C/O Trinity United Methodist Church 1602 North Main Street Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Salthawk Community Support hands out 150 gift boxes for those in need


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson says they are getting closer to their bell ringing goal.

"We're right about $12,000 with six days left to go of ringing," James said. "That goal is definitely very attainable."

The bell ringing goal of $60,000 is only part of their $230,000 overall goal.

"We have about $114,000 that's come in for our bell appeal so far beyond the kettle," James said. "We're still about $71,000 short of our overall goal."

This is<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/2b8287ac-76c7-49b9-b354-c847fabf0147"> after an $11,000 donation from Midwest Superstore Thursday</a>.

"Please think of us when you're planning your year end donations," James said. "I know, depending on your situation and portfolio, you have to donate some money and so, we are definitely open and willing to do that."

For those who do not make enough to itemize, in 2020,<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1f3227d2-1766-4c8b-aab8-229b2ab554e0"> you can still get a tax deduction for a charitable donation of up to $300.</a>

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson says they are getting closer to their bell ringing goal."We're right about $12,000 with six days left to go of ringing," James said. "That goal is definitely very attainable."The bell ringing goal of $60,000 is only part of their $230,000 overall goal."We have about $114,000 that's come in for our bell appeal so far beyond the kettle," James said. "We're still about $71,000 short of our overall goal."This is<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/2b8287ac-76c7-49b9-b354-c847fabf0147"> after an $11,000 donation from Midwest Superstore Thursday</a>."Please think of us when you're planning your year end donations," James said. "I know, depending on your situation and portfolio, you have to donate some money and so, we are definitely open and willing to do that."For those who do not make enough to itemize, in 2020,<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1f3227d2-1766-4c8b-aab8-229b2ab554e0"> you can still get a tax deduction for a charitable donation of up to $300.</a>

Salvation Army closer to bell ringing goal, still looking for year end donations


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A seven year journey for the Reno County Veterans' Memorial saw a major achievement Thursday, as the granite panels began to be hung on the Memorial site in South Hutchinson.

"Probably the most exciting point was when we ordered the granite," said Kelly Danyluk, board president. "It took us several months to get. Then it took us several more months to get it engraved once it came in. To top it all off, today is absolutely amazing, to finally be here."

The actual hanging of the panels should be done by the end of the day Friday, if the weather stays as nice as it was Thursday. There is still trim work to be done. The cost of the memorial thus far has been about $400,000.

Erwin Leeper was on the South Hutchinson City Council at the time that KDOT redid the highway.

"We negotiated with KDOT for these access roads," Leeper said. "They purchased this much land and what they didn't use for the road, they dedicated to us."

Then the Veterans Memorial was brought up as an idea for the space that the city was originally thinking would be a park and Market South Hutch started working on the idea.

"There's two different companies here," Danyluk said. "Stainless Systems and then LeDuc Memorial out of Concordia."

Approximately 14,000 names of veterans who were either born in Reno County or lived there for at least 10 years are on the original panels for the memorial, but there are additional panels for later veterans or in case there are any omissions or spelling errors.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A seven year journey for the Reno County Veterans' Memorial saw a major achievement Thursday, as the granite panels began to be hung on the Memorial site in South Hutchinson."Probably the most exciting point was when we ordered the granite," said Kelly Danyluk, board president. "It took us several months to get. Then it took us several more months to get it engraved once it came in. To top it all off, today is absolutely amazing, to finally be here."The actual hanging of the panels should be done by the end of the day Friday, if the weather stays as nice as it was Thursday. There is still trim work to be done. The cost of the memorial thus far has been about $400,000.Erwin Leeper was on the South Hutchinson City Council at the time that KDOT redid the highway."We negotiated with KDOT for these access roads," Leeper said. "They purchased this much land and what they didn't use for the road, they dedicated to us."Then the Veterans Memorial was brought up as an idea for the space that the city was originally thinking would be a park and Market South Hutch started working on the idea."There's two different companies here," Danyluk said. "Stainless Systems and then LeDuc Memorial out of Concordia."Approximately 14,000 names of veterans who were either born in Reno County or lived there for at least 10 years are on the original panels for the memorial, but there are additional panels for later veterans or in case there are any omissions or spelling errors.

Panels being hung at Reno County Veterans' Memorial

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 667 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 81. Case count is down slightly from earlier in the week.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 32 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 70 active cases. Twenty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

Out of 6,055 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 643 cases in the community at large. 5,307 people have recovered thus far.

Twenty-six Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred seventy-one total have been hospitalized. Eighty-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 29 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 26.15%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.54%. 30.54% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 667 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 81. Case count is down slightly from earlier in the week.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 32 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 70 active cases. Twenty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.Out of 6,055 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 643 cases in the community at large. 5,307 people have recovered thus far.Twenty-six Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred seventy-one total have been hospitalized. Eighty-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 29 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 26.15%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.54%. 30.54% of the population has been tested.

Case count at 667, with 643 in community as of Thursday afternoon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Last week, a local car dealership announced it would be making a major contribution to The Salvation Army.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Midwest Toyota kept that promise by holding a special check presentation ceremony at The Salvation Army headquarters. The check for $11,000 will be used to provide toys and goods to those in need this Christmas season.

“2020 has been a tough year for everybody,” Curt Butler, general sales manager for Midwest Toyota, said. “We...felt the need to help out a little bit.”

More than 750 families with nearly 1,100 children have signed up for assistance through The Salvation Army this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608238477728.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Last week, a local car dealership announced it would be making a major contribution to The Salvation Army.&nbsp;On Thursday, Midwest Toyota kept that promise by holding a special check presentation ceremony at The Salvation Army headquarters. The check for $11,000 will be used to provide toys and goods to those in need this Christmas season.“2020 has been a tough year for everybody,” Curt Butler, general sales manager for Midwest Toyota, said. “We...felt the need to help out a little bit.”More than 750 families with nearly 1,100 children have signed up for assistance through The Salvation Army this season.

Midwest Toyota donates $11K to Salvation Army

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was another successful Adopt-A-Child campaign for Eagle Radio station Country 102.9. More than 200 children in Reno County and surrounding areas will have a better Christmas thanks to the generosity of area residents and businesses.&nbsp;

"We had 209 kids this year from the names given to us by the Department of Children and Families, who we’ve worked with for at least 30 years," Country 102.9 Program Director Randy McKay said.&nbsp;

The names were taken by residents and companies who then purchased toys. The toys were dropped off at the old Long’s store where they were packaged and made ready for distribution. McKay says help from the community and the work from the Eagle Media Center is a feel-good moment.

"It warms the heart to see the generosity of the community and the outlying area because it's just fantastic," McKay said. "They always come through and we appreciate it."

The event, which has been going on for more than 30 years, has grown significantly since it started.

"We started way back when and we had maybe 16 kids," McKay said. "Those 16 kids were adopted the first day."

Since that time, the number of children adopted in the Christmas program totals between 200 and 300 each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608243220869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Rod ZookHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — It was another successful Adopt-A-Child campaign for Eagle Radio station Country 102.9. More than 200 children in Reno County and surrounding areas will have a better Christmas thanks to the generosity of area residents and businesses.&nbsp;"We had 209 kids this year from the names given to us by the Department of Children and Families, who we’ve worked with for at least 30 years," Country 102.9 Program Director Randy McKay said.&nbsp;The names were taken by residents and companies who then purchased toys. The toys were dropped off at the old Long’s store where they were packaged and made ready for distribution. McKay says help from the community and the work from the Eagle Media Center is a feel-good moment."It warms the heart to see the generosity of the community and the outlying area because it's just fantastic," McKay said. "They always come through and we appreciate it."The event, which has been going on for more than 30 years, has grown significantly since it started."We started way back when and we had maybe 16 kids," McKay said. "Those 16 kids were adopted the first day."Since that time, the number of children adopted in the Christmas program totals between 200 and 300 each year.

Adopt-A-Child another success

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Friday is the last day of school for students
around Reno County as they head into the Christmas break. 

When classes start again varies from district to district. In Hutchinson
USD 308, the break was extended by one week to ease some of the effects of the
pandemic. Classes will start again January 11th. 

Both Fairfield USD 310 and Pretty Prairie USD 311 will
extend their Christmas break through Monday January 4th and kick off
the 2021 portion of the year Tuesday January 5th.

Haven USD 312 and Buhler USD 313 will both resume classes
January 3rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586461733249.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Friday is the last day of school for students
around Reno County as they head into the Christmas break. When classes start again varies from district to district. In Hutchinson
USD 308, the break was extended by one week to ease some of the effects of the
pandemic. Classes will start again January 11th. Both Fairfield USD 310 and Pretty Prairie USD 311 will
extend their Christmas break through Monday January 4th and kick off
the 2021 portion of the year Tuesday January 5th.Haven USD 312 and Buhler USD 313 will both resume classes
January 3rd.

Christmas break for school students begins after Friday's classes

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 says it is working to fully implement its new mobile app that helps students, parents, and community members know what is happening in their schools, right from their phones.

The app is free from the <a href="https://apple.co/34glq32">Apple App Store</a> or <a href="https://bit.ly/2F2lYRv">Google Play</a>.

The app provides three main benefits. First, families, students and the public will know what is going on at school.

Second, families and the public can connect with teachers and administrators. For example, families can learn about parent-teacher conferences, access staff contact information and quickly find out about district news.

Finally, families can stay up-to-date with school information such as receiving updates about events occurring on campus, the daily cafeteria menu, required forms and even emergency notifications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668902902.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 says it is working to fully implement its new mobile app that helps students, parents, and community members know what is happening in their schools, right from their phones.The app is free from the <a href="https://apple.co/34glq32">Apple App Store</a> or <a href="https://bit.ly/2F2lYRv">Google Play</a>.The app provides three main benefits. First, families, students and the public will know what is going on at school.Second, families and the public can connect with teachers and administrators. For example, families can learn about parent-teacher conferences, access staff contact information and quickly find out about district news.Finally, families can stay up-to-date with school information such as receiving updates about events occurring on campus, the daily cafeteria menu, required forms and even emergency notifications.

USD 308 continues roll out of new mobile app


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you're used to going to the Hutchinson Zoo to see Christmas lights, you can still do that.

"We decided to switch our lights this year to do something outside the zoo so people could watch from the safety of their car as opposed to walking through the zoo," said Hannah Grace with the Hutchinson Zoo. "We used almost every single light that we have and just did our front lawn, instead of throughout the entire area. It's a two week process to get that all set up, so we've had kind of a long time to get this ready and we have it set up to go with music, so you can listen to 106.7 FM from your car and you can watch the lights dance along with all of the songs."

There is a preferred way they want traffic to go for the experience.

"We want you to come from Severance street on Blanchard," Grace said. "If you do, you'll get to see all of our non-profit lights, as well. Then, as you come around the corner to the zoo, you can park in the golf course parking lot, as long as you turn your headlights off and you can watch the whole show from right there. Then, when you exit, if you go through the zoo parking lot, we have Santa waiting there to say hello."

There are just a few more days to see the lights.

"Our lights will be going until Saturday, December 19," Grace said. "It will go from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night."

Non-profits that helped this year include: Reno County Museum, TECH, PILR, Boys and Girls Club of Reno County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dillon Nature Center and the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608216030046.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;If you're used to going to the Hutchinson Zoo to see Christmas lights, you can still do that."We decided to switch our lights this year to do something outside the zoo so people could watch from the safety of their car as opposed to walking through the zoo," said Hannah Grace with the Hutchinson Zoo. "We used almost every single light that we have and just did our front lawn, instead of throughout the entire area. It's a two week process to get that all set up, so we've had kind of a long time to get this ready and we have it set up to go with music, so you can listen to 106.7 FM from your car and you can watch the lights dance along with all of the songs."There is a preferred way they want traffic to go for the experience."We want you to come from Severance street on Blanchard," Grace said. "If you do, you'll get to see all of our non-profit lights, as well. Then, as you come around the corner to the zoo, you can park in the golf course parking lot, as long as you turn your headlights off and you can watch the whole show from right there. Then, when you exit, if you go through the zoo parking lot, we have Santa waiting there to say hello."There are just a few more days to see the lights."Our lights will be going until Saturday, December 19," Grace said. "It will go from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every night."Non-profits that helped this year include: Reno County Museum, TECH, PILR, Boys and Girls Club of Reno County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dillon Nature Center and the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

Hutchinson Zoo light display continues through Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 727 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 81. This is roughly steady with earlier in the week.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 35 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 76 active cases. Twenty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 6,032 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 703 cases in the community at large. 5,224 people have recovered thus far.

Twenty-six Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred sixty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 28 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 25.79%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.50%. 30.46% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 727 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 81. This is roughly steady with earlier in the week.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 35 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 76 active cases. Twenty-nine people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 6,032 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 703 cases in the community at large. 5,224 people have recovered thus far.Twenty-six Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred sixty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-six have been admitted to the ICU and 28 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 25.79%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.50%. 30.46% of the population has been tested.

Case count at 727, with 703 in community as of Wednesday afternoon

Hutchinson – The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Reno County on Wednesday, December 16.  

A collaborative effort between Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and the Hutchinson Clinic regarding storage, staging and immunization procedures will result in an efficient dissemination of the vaccine to front line staff.

The first doses will be staged at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and will be administered by a team from the Hutchinson Clinic.

Two hundred fifteen doses of the vaccine were received at HRMC. The first vaccines were administered to; Kristy Sourk, a respiratory therapist in the Intensive Care Unit at Hutch Regional; Dr. Robert Sourk, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic; and Dr. Humayun Ashraf, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic. All three clinicians see COVID-19 patients daily in their practices and at the hospital, and the Sourks are married. 

HRMC and Hutch Clinic employees have been pre-determined to be vaccinated based on the employee risk exposure to patients. The vaccines will be staggered between departments to guard against potential staffing shortages from employees who might be affected by mild side effects. 

The recommendations of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are being followed:

Phase 1: Potentially Limited COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available

Phase 1 of the phased approach for the Kansas COVID-19 Vaccine Plan will include Phase 1A and Phase 1B. While there are many unknown variables about the recommendations for use of initial vaccine in Phase 1, it is likely that vaccine will be available as follows:

• Healthcare personnel paid and unpaid, who are likely to be exposed to or treat people with COVID-19 or infectious materials and are unable to work from home.

• People at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including those with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell disease, smokers or those with a history of smoking, and type 2 diabetes

Initial COVID-19 vaccine provider recruitment and enrollment will be targeted at hospitals, local health departments, federally qualified health centers/safety net clinics, and retail pharmacies across the state, including those that are in rural areas, that are willing and able to provide vaccine to those identified as targets for early vaccine receipt.

HRMC and the Hutch Clinic are very excited to begin this phase of the fight against COVID-19, which hopefully will signal the beginning of the end to the pandemic and its effects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608161023934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson – The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Reno County on Wednesday, December 16. A collaborative effort between Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and the Hutchinson Clinic regarding storage, staging and immunization procedures will result in an efficient dissemination of the vaccine to front line staff.The first doses will be staged at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and will be administered by a team from the Hutchinson Clinic.Two hundred fifteen doses of the vaccine were received at HRMC. The first vaccines were administered to; Kristy Sourk, a respiratory therapist in the Intensive Care Unit at Hutch Regional; Dr. Robert Sourk, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic; and Dr. Humayun Ashraf, a pulmonologist at the Hutchinson Clinic. All three clinicians see COVID-19 patients daily in their practices and at the hospital, and the Sourks are married. HRMC and Hutch Clinic employees have been pre-determined to be vaccinated based on the employee risk exposure to patients. The vaccines will be staggered between departments to guard against potential staffing shortages from employees who might be affected by mild side effects. The recommendations of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are being followed:Phase 1: Potentially Limited COVID-19 Vaccine Doses AvailablePhase 1 of the phased approach for the Kansas COVID-19 Vaccine Plan will include Phase 1A and Phase 1B. While there are many unknown variables about the recommendations for use of initial vaccine in Phase 1, it is likely that vaccine will be available as follows:Phase 1A:• Healthcare personnel paid and unpaid, who are likely to be exposed to or treat people with COVID-19 or infectious materials and are unable to work from home.Phase 1B:• People at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including those with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell disease, smokers or those with a history of smoking, and type 2 diabetes• People 65 years of age and older• Other essential workers• Long-term care residentsInitial COVID-19 vaccine provider recruitment and enrollment will be targeted at hospitals, local health departments, federally qualified health centers/safety net clinics, and retail pharmacies across the state, including those that are in rural areas, that are willing and able to provide vaccine to those identified as targets for early vaccine receipt.HRMC and the Hutch Clinic are very excited to begin this phase of the fight against COVID-19, which hopefully will signal the beginning of the end to the pandemic and its effects.

First doses of COVID-19 vaccine given to front line workers Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— There are some changes to the pandemic testing in Reno County. The Health Department announced that two new free COVID-19 community testing sites are opening in the county this Friday, December 18. 

WellHealth has been chosen to administer the tests as part of the Governor’s statewide testing initiative.

The parking lot south of the Kansas Cosmosphere, 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, will be one site. Those seeking tests are asked to enter from the Plum Street entrance.

The second site will be located at Simply Good Overstocks, 401 N. Main St, South Hutchinson. Both sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There will be no testing on December 24, 25 or January 1.&nbsp;

“We are very excited to have this additional resource for our community members,” Reno County Health Department Assistant Director Megan Hammersmith said. “Testing is still the best way to catch the virus and limit the community spread.” Because of the two new sites, the Reno County Health Department has suspended further testing at the fairgrounds.

WellHealth’s testing is open to all Kansas residents, as well as symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Insurance is not required. The testing itself is saliva based and results can be expected within 48-96 hours after testing with results being sent either through text or email.

Appointments are encouraged, but not required, and can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639401459.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— There are some changes to the pandemic testing in Reno County. The Health Department announced that two new free COVID-19 community testing sites are opening in the county this Friday, December 18. WellHealth has been chosen to administer the tests as part of the Governor’s statewide testing initiative.The parking lot south of the Kansas Cosmosphere, 1100 N Plum St, Hutchinson, will be one site. Those seeking tests are asked to enter from the Plum Street entrance.The second site will be located at Simply Good Overstocks, 401 N. Main St, South Hutchinson. Both sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There will be no testing on December 24, 25 or January 1.&nbsp;“We are very excited to have this additional resource for our community members,” Reno County Health Department Assistant Director Megan Hammersmith said. “Testing is still the best way to catch the virus and limit the community spread.” Because of the two new sites, the Reno County Health Department has suspended further testing at the fairgrounds.WellHealth’s testing is open to all Kansas residents, as well as symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Insurance is not required. The testing itself is saliva based and results can be expected within 48-96 hours after testing with results being sent either through text or email.Appointments are encouraged, but not required, and can be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

State taking over COVID testing

HAVEN, Kan. — The sales tax rate for the community of Haven will be going down soon.&nbsp;

Approval was given by the Haven City Council to sunset the 0.5% sales tax that was used to help pay for the new EMS facility.&nbsp;

The tax was put in place for 10 years and started in 2015, which means the city will pay off the EMS building more than five years ahead of time.

If all goes as planned, the tax will roll off the books April 1. The decrease will drop Haven's sales tax to 7.5%, with 6.5% from the state and 1% from Reno County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The sales tax rate for the community of Haven will be going down soon.&nbsp;Approval was given by the Haven City Council to sunset the 0.5% sales tax that was used to help pay for the new EMS facility.&nbsp;The tax was put in place for 10 years and started in 2015, which means the city will pay off the EMS building more than five years ahead of time.If all goes as planned, the tax will roll off the books April 1. The decrease will drop Haven's sales tax to 7.5%, with 6.5% from the state and 1% from Reno County.

Haven City Council approves sales tax sunset


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As we head toward the holidays, gas prices are still relatively low, though they are heading up.

"We're still, on average, less than $2 a gallon here in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "As of today, we're at $1.98. That's 20 cents cheaper than we were a year ago."

Kansas is currently 10th cheapest in the country.

"In the Reno County area, it's $1.95 a gallon," Steward said. "Hutchinson proper is at $1.94. The territory there is a little less than the state average."

The fundamentals would appear to support low gas prices going forward.

"Since the beginning of November, U.S. gas demand has softened," Steward said. "As of last week, we hit the lowest demand reading since the end of May."

If holiday travel, as is anticipated, proves to be lower as a result of COVID-19, then prices could remain lower than last year in the weeks to come.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — As we head toward the holidays, gas prices are still relatively low, though they are heading up."We're still, on average, less than $2 a gallon here in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "As of today, we're at $1.98. That's 20 cents cheaper than we were a year ago."Kansas is currently 10th cheapest in the country."In the Reno County area, it's $1.95 a gallon," Steward said. "Hutchinson proper is at $1.94. The territory there is a little less than the state average."The fundamentals would appear to support low gas prices going forward."Since the beginning of November, U.S. gas demand has softened," Steward said. "As of last week, we hit the lowest demand reading since the end of May."If holiday travel, as is anticipated, proves to be lower as a result of COVID-19, then prices could remain lower than last year in the weeks to come.

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