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. —&nbsp;If you think you may have COVID-19, you need to get tested. There will be some opportunities for free testing next week.

"Tuesday, we have a date," said Reno County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "We also have WellHealth coming to town and we'll have more information coming out as soon as they are here. I believe, right now, its preliminary set up that they'll be here the 17th, but we will get advertisement out about that and then people can get tested, you know, more of an 8 to 5 schedule."

The Tuesday date at the fairgrounds is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, if you are sick, Hammersmith suggests you call your healthcare provider to be checked out. It isn't taking as long to get tests back as it was at times during the pandemic.

"Community testing has been doing a really good job about getting testing back," Hammersmith said. "I would say that if we took the test on Tuesday, we're usually seeing them Thursday evening into Friday coming back. The clinic has been a little slower, as well as Prairie Star. It depends on what reference lab they are using for the PCRs that are send outs."

It's important to note that you should isolate while you are awaiting a test, so as not to infect others, if you believe you are a close contact of a person who has tested positive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604716965620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;If you think you may have COVID-19, you need to get tested. There will be some opportunities for free testing next week."Tuesday, we have a date," said Reno County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith. "We also have WellHealth coming to town and we'll have more information coming out as soon as they are here. I believe, right now, its preliminary set up that they'll be here the 17th, but we will get advertisement out about that and then people can get tested, you know, more of an 8 to 5 schedule."The Tuesday date at the fairgrounds is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. However, if you are sick, Hammersmith suggests you call your healthcare provider to be checked out. It isn't taking as long to get tests back as it was at times during the pandemic."Community testing has been doing a really good job about getting testing back," Hammersmith said. "I would say that if we took the test on Tuesday, we're usually seeing them Thursday evening into Friday coming back. The clinic has been a little slower, as well as Prairie Star. It depends on what reference lab they are using for the PCRs that are send outs."It's important to note that you should isolate while you are awaiting a test, so as not to infect others, if you believe you are a close contact of a person who has tested positive.

Hammersmith: More testing opportunities next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In what is expected to be met with
some mixed reaction, the Hutchinson City Council will be asked to approve the
next phase of the Carey Park golf course master plan during Tuesday's regular
meeting. 

The course has been undergoing a steady renovation since
2009&nbsp;replacing the irrigation and making improvements to several holes during each phase.

The latest round of improvements will include filling in
the pond at the 6th hole, adding several tee boxes and replacing the
greens on holes 7 and 8 which have been problem areas for the course for
several years.

They will also change the type of grass in the fairways
on several of the holes to make it similar to the improvements already in place.
One of the bigger improvements will be a new practice area next to the driving
range The new area will include practice for sand bunker shots and a pitching and
putting green area.

The low bid for the work is from Houska Inc. and totals
$364,118.

Tuesday's meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be shown on
the city’s YouTube channel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607698980169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In what is expected to be met with
some mixed reaction, the Hutchinson City Council will be asked to approve the
next phase of the Carey Park golf course master plan during Tuesday's regular
meeting. The course has been undergoing a steady renovation since
2009&nbsp;replacing the irrigation and making improvements to several holes during each phase.The latest round of improvements will include filling in
the pond at the 6th hole, adding several tee boxes and replacing the
greens on holes 7 and 8 which have been problem areas for the course for
several years.They will also change the type of grass in the fairways
on several of the holes to make it similar to the improvements already in place.
One of the bigger improvements will be a new practice area next to the driving
range The new area will include practice for sand bunker shots and a pitching and
putting green area.The low bid for the work is from Houska Inc. and totals
$364,118.Tuesday's meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be shown on
the city’s YouTube channel.

Golf course improvements part of Tuesday's council meeting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 920 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 70. Forty-six people have died in the last 30 days. Case count is down 210 from a week ago, but 13 deaths have been reported in that same time frame.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 38 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 92 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 897 cases in the community at large. 4,741 people have recovered thus far.

Forty-two Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.80%. 29.61% of the population has been tested.

The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

<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 920 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 70. Forty-six people have died in the last 30 days. Case count is down 210 from a week ago, but 13 deaths have been reported in that same time frame.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 38 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 92 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 897 cases in the community at large. 4,741 people have recovered thus far.Forty-two Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.80%. 29.61% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County 920, with 897 cases in community as of Thursday afternoon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Sheriff's Office passed along the link to the Kansas Department of Labor's fraud division in a Facebook post on Thursday.

They let readers of their page know that if they are a victim, they can enter their information at <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud">https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud</a> and receive a police case number that can be used to place a fraud alert with credit bureaus or given to financial institutions, if they ask for it.

If the Department is able to pinpoint a suspect, they will pass that along to local agencies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Reno County Sheriff's Office passed along the link to the Kansas Department of Labor's fraud division in a Facebook post on Thursday. They let readers of their page know that if they are a victim, they can enter their information at <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud">https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud</a> and receive a police case number that can be used to place a fraud alert with credit bureaus or given to financial institutions, if they ask for it.If the Department is able to pinpoint a suspect, they will pass that along to local agencies.

Reno County Sheriff's Office passes along KDOL fraud link

Release from Hutchinson Police Department

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Officers of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted an undercover operation into the solicitation of a child for sex on Thursday and a Hutchinson man was arrested.

At approximately 3:16 p.m. Thursday members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations and Investigations Bureau completed an investigation into a Juvenile Sex Offense.  Thirty-year-old Randy J. Wheeler of 309 W. 24th in Hutchinson was arrested for (1) Indecent Solicitation of a child, (2) Sexual Exploitation of a child, (3) Electronic Solicitation, (4) Possession of Methamphetamine, (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and (6) Felony Interference with Law Enforcement.

Wheeler believed he was going to meet a minor for a sexual encounter, but instead met Hutchinson police officers.

The Hutchinson Police Department is asking anyone who is aware of illegal activity to please call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS, the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2824, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607648787076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Hutchinson Police DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Officers of the Hutchinson Police Department conducted an undercover operation into the solicitation of a child for sex on Thursday and a Hutchinson man was arrested.At approximately 3:16 p.m. Thursday members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations and Investigations Bureau completed an investigation into a Juvenile Sex Offense. Thirty-year-old Randy J. Wheeler of 309 W. 24th in Hutchinson was arrested for (1) Indecent Solicitation of a child, (2) Sexual Exploitation of a child, (3) Electronic Solicitation, (4) Possession of Methamphetamine, (5) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and (6) Felony Interference with Law Enforcement.Wheeler believed he was going to meet a minor for a sexual encounter, but instead met Hutchinson police officers.The Hutchinson Police Department is asking anyone who is aware of illegal activity to please call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 1-800-222-TIPS, the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2824, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone.

Hutchinson man arrested on sex offense, drug charges Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Usually the Reno County 4-H youth work on community projects throughout the year, but due to the pandemic they have been unable to do a lot of the projects they normally would work on to help others or help the community. 

So a plan was made to take all the clubs in Reno County and ask them about doing gifts for the residents in the rest homes. Seven clubs participated throughout Reno County. The club was told it would take 1000 gifts to cover the 11 nursing homes in the county. All presents have or will be wrapped with a card and some will have ornaments with the presents also. The homes are coming to the Reno County Extension office and hand-picking items for each of the residents, so it makes it a little more to the residents' liking. 

Donna Phillips with the Extension Service says that along with the residents the youth have had so much taken away from them this year because of the pandemic that it was nice to be able to do this for area citizens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607633322983.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Usually the Reno County 4-H youth work on community projects throughout the year, but due to the pandemic they have been unable to do a lot of the projects they normally would work on to help others or help the community. So a plan was made to take all the clubs in Reno County and ask them about doing gifts for the residents in the rest homes. Seven clubs participated throughout Reno County. The club was told it would take 1000 gifts to cover the 11 nursing homes in the county. All presents have or will be wrapped with a card and some will have ornaments with the presents also. The homes are coming to the Reno County Extension office and hand-picking items for each of the residents, so it makes it a little more to the residents' liking. Donna Phillips with the Extension Service says that along with the residents the youth have had so much taken away from them this year because of the pandemic that it was nice to be able to do this for area citizens.

Reno County 4-H provides some Christmas cheer to area rest homes

SOUTH HUTCHINSON Kan.— The Reno County Extension Service has its new agent.

The position is being filled by Lewis Crow. Crow, who goes by Lewi, is from Arkansas and is currently finishing up his after graduate degree at the University of Wyoming. He replaces Darren Busick who resigned in February.&nbsp;

Not long after Busick left, Kansas State University announced that they were implementing a hiring freeze until June of 2021. Since then, the agency has also lost its Family and Consumer Sciences Director and its 4-H director. Neither of those positions will be replaced before the June 2021 date. But the University did allow the agency to hire a new agent.

Crow will start his new duties January 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587396580203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON Kan.— The Reno County Extension Service has its new agent.The position is being filled by Lewis Crow. Crow, who goes by Lewi, is from Arkansas and is currently finishing up his after graduate degree at the University of Wyoming. He replaces Darren Busick who resigned in February.&nbsp;Not long after Busick left, Kansas State University announced that they were implementing a hiring freeze until June of 2021. Since then, the agency has also lost its Family and Consumer Sciences Director and its 4-H director. Neither of those positions will be replaced before the June 2021 date. But the University did allow the agency to hire a new agent.Crow will start his new duties January 10.

Crow named new Reno County Extension Agent

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation
was selected recently as one of 57 organizations from across the state to
continue with a third year of funding as a partner of the Kansas Leadership
Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant.&nbsp;

In all, the foundation has sent 53 people to KLC
training, representing 31 Reno County nonprofit organizations and businesses.

The leadership team for the community foundation’s grant
includes Kari Mailloux, director of strategic initiatives at Hutchinson
Community Foundation; Lance Patterson, director of operations at Boys &amp;
Girls Clubs of Hutchinson; Denice Gilliland-Burbank, community impact
coordinator at United Way of Reno County; Donna Davis, executive director at
BrightHouse; and Laurie Carr, health education and promotion supervisor at the
Reno County Health Department.&nbsp;

The grants, valued at up to $150,000 each, are divided
among the education, nonprofit, faith, government and business sectors. Twenty
new organizations in Kansas were also chosen for the 2021 cycle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583769773124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community Foundation
was selected recently as one of 57 organizations from across the state to
continue with a third year of funding as a partner of the Kansas Leadership
Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant.&nbsp;In all, the foundation has sent 53 people to KLC
training, representing 31 Reno County nonprofit organizations and businesses.The leadership team for the community foundation’s grant
includes Kari Mailloux, director of strategic initiatives at Hutchinson
Community Foundation; Lance Patterson, director of operations at Boys &amp;
Girls Clubs of Hutchinson; Denice Gilliland-Burbank, community impact
coordinator at United Way of Reno County; Donna Davis, executive director at
BrightHouse; and Laurie Carr, health education and promotion supervisor at the
Reno County Health Department.&nbsp;The grants, valued at up to $150,000 each, are divided
among the education, nonprofit, faith, government and business sectors. Twenty
new organizations in Kansas were also chosen for the 2021 cycle.

HCF is a part of the Kansas Leadership Transformation Grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If needing emergency care for your pets, especially around the holidays, it is important to have a relationship with the veterinarian that you are asking for help. Jon Austin, DVM, talked about a recent conversation he had with his colleague, Randy Smith, DVM here in Hutchinson.

"We've both experienced, through the Thanksgiving holiday, telephone calls, frantic calls, from people who had animals who were injured or sick, who were not clients of ours," Austin said Thursday. "They go to some other place. They drive to another town or they use a box store or something and yet, when the chips are down, they're calling frantically wanting help. They get unhappy with us when they find out we provide emergency service and after hours care and things for our patients."

It's important to note that there is not an emergency veterinary practice in Hutchinson in the way there is in some larger cities.

"Having that local relationship with your veterinarian, being established as a client, having your pet established as a patient gets you some extra benefit and privileges if you will, in terms of being able to utilize your veterinarian for emergency care and for help when the chips are down at night or on a weekend or on a holiday. It isn't like the human world, where even if you don't have a regular physician, you can run to the emergency room. There isn't any kind of facility like that. You have to go to Wichita for a facility like that."

It's also important because the veterinarian who knows your pet will be able to determine if it is truly an emergency or not.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606938110934.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If needing emergency care for your pets, especially around the holidays, it is important to have a relationship with the veterinarian that you are asking for help. Jon Austin, DVM, talked about a recent conversation he had with his colleague, Randy Smith, DVM here in Hutchinson."We've both experienced, through the Thanksgiving holiday, telephone calls, frantic calls, from people who had animals who were injured or sick, who were not clients of ours," Austin said Thursday. "They go to some other place. They drive to another town or they use a box store or something and yet, when the chips are down, they're calling frantically wanting help. They get unhappy with us when they find out we provide emergency service and after hours care and things for our patients."It's important to note that there is not an emergency veterinary practice in Hutchinson in the way there is in some larger cities."Having that local relationship with your veterinarian, being established as a client, having your pet established as a patient gets you some extra benefit and privileges if you will, in terms of being able to utilize your veterinarian for emergency care and for help when the chips are down at night or on a weekend or on a holiday. It isn't like the human world, where even if you don't have a regular physician, you can run to the emergency room. There isn't any kind of facility like that. You have to go to Wichita for a facility like that."It's also important because the veterinarian who knows your pet will be able to determine if it is truly an emergency or not.

Veterinarians: Local relationship needed if you want emergency care for pets

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Treasurer's Office
wanted to remind motorists that the grace period for renewing or receiving new
tags for your vehicles has expired.

All previous extensions granted by the governor except
for purchases in May have now expired.&nbsp; Purchases in May will expire in
December.&nbsp; 

What this means is that everyone with an&nbsp;expired&nbsp;temporary ”Paper” tag must
come in this month. If you just purchased a car in November, the paper tag will
not expire for 60 days, meaning it will not expire until January.

The annex is closed so any title work must be done by
appointment and any payments that need to be made can be dropped off in the secured
ballot box located outside of the annex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584465785322.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Treasurer's Office
wanted to remind motorists that the grace period for renewing or receiving new
tags for your vehicles has expired.All previous extensions granted by the governor except
for purchases in May have now expired.&nbsp; Purchases in May will expire in
December.&nbsp; What this means is that everyone with an&nbsp;expired&nbsp;temporary ”Paper” tag must
come in this month. If you just purchased a car in November, the paper tag will
not expire for 60 days, meaning it will not expire until January.The annex is closed so any title work must be done by
appointment and any payments that need to be made can be dropped off in the secured
ballot box located outside of the annex.

Grace period for vehicle tags has expired

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Even though the fundamentals look like gas prices should be going down, they're actually going up slightly.

"We saw a decrease in demand following the Thanksgiving holiday," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We actually saw crude oil prices hit their highest price point in nine months, going up to $46 a barrel in the past week."

This has to do with decisions made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

"OPEC and their allies agreed to increase crude oil production by 500,000 barrels per day to a total of 7.2 million a day beginning in January," Steward said. "That's a move that just happened."

In light of that, gas prices are still relatively low in Kansas and in Reno County.

"Kansas right now is at $1.94 a gallon," Steward said. "One year ago, we were at $2.29. We're 35 cents cheaper than we were a year ago. Hutchinson and Reno County are at $1.95, just about the state average."

Steward is still watching how COVID-19 impacts Christmas travel numbers to see if gas will go up more between now and the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577112566279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Even though the fundamentals look like gas prices should be going down, they're actually going up slightly."We saw a decrease in demand following the Thanksgiving holiday," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We actually saw crude oil prices hit their highest price point in nine months, going up to $46 a barrel in the past week."This has to do with decisions made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries."OPEC and their allies agreed to increase crude oil production by 500,000 barrels per day to a total of 7.2 million a day beginning in January," Steward said. "That's a move that just happened."In light of that, gas prices are still relatively low in Kansas and in Reno County."Kansas right now is at $1.94 a gallon," Steward said. "One year ago, we were at $2.29. We're 35 cents cheaper than we were a year ago. Hutchinson and Reno County are at $1.95, just about the state average."Steward is still watching how COVID-19 impacts Christmas travel numbers to see if gas will go up more between now and the end of the year.

Gas prices still below $2 a gallon in Kansas on average

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 837 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 65. Forty-one people have died in the last 30 days.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 37 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 91 active cases. Twenty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,595 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 816 cases in the community at large. 4,693 people have recovered thus far.

Thirty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-six total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.

The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.57%. 29.12% 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 837 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 65. Forty-one people have died in the last 30 days.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 37 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 91 active cases. Twenty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,595 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 816 cases in the community at large. 4,693 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-six total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.57%. 29.12% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County 837,  with 816 in community as of Wednesday

&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office released the statistical information for its participation in a DUI enforcement patrol over the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday.

Deputies were looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers.  During this enforcement, deputies made 63 traffic stops. Six drivers were tested for possible impairment with two drivers being arrested for DUI.

The thanksgiving additional enforcement was supported with a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office released the statistical information for its participation in a DUI enforcement patrol over the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday.Deputies were looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers. During this enforcement, deputies made 63 traffic stops. Six drivers were tested for possible impairment with two drivers being arrested for DUI.The thanksgiving additional enforcement was supported with a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Reno County Sheriff's Office releases Thanksgiving DUI enforcement numbers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In order to protect employees and community members from continued COVID-19 cases in the county, the Reno County Annex, 125 W. 1st&nbsp;Ave., will be closing to the public at 5 p.m. today, December 9th, and will remain closed until further notice.

No tag renewals will be made in person. Renewals can be completed online at&nbsp;<a href="http://ikan.ks.gov/" target="_blank">http://ikan.ks.gov</a>, by mail to 125 W. 1st Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501, or by dropping the renewal documents into the secure ballot box in front of the Annex. The box will be checked frequently.

Current real estate and personal property tax payments may also be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/propertytax" target="_blank">www.kansas.gov/propertytax</a>, mailed to the Annex, or dropped off in the ballot box.&nbsp;

A contact number will be needed on any mailed in or dropped off payments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602175085989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In order to protect employees and community members from continued COVID-19 cases in the county, the Reno County Annex, 125 W. 1st&nbsp;Ave., will be closing to the public at 5 p.m. today, December 9th, and will remain closed until further notice.No tag renewals will be made in person. Renewals can be completed online at&nbsp;<a href="http://ikan.ks.gov/" target="_blank">http://ikan.ks.gov</a>, by mail to 125 W. 1st Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501, or by dropping the renewal documents into the secure ballot box in front of the Annex. The box will be checked frequently.Current real estate and personal property tax payments may also be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas.gov/propertytax" target="_blank">www.kansas.gov/propertytax</a>, mailed to the Annex, or dropped off in the ballot box.&nbsp;A contact number will be needed on any mailed in or dropped off payments.

Reno County annex closing to the public

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was charged in federal court on Wednesday with sexually exploiting a 15-year-old victim, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;

Sixty-eight-year-old Loren Olson of Marquette is charged with one count of producing child pornography and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor.

A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Wichita alleges Olson came to the attention of law enforcement after Facebook made a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Facebook captured content in which Olson communicated with a 15-year-old victim. Olson made reference to having had sex with the victim, taking pictures during their sexual acts and paying the victim after sex.

&nbsp;If convicted, Olson could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on the production count, and not less than 10 years on the other count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607547648538.png" alt="Olson photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Olson photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was charged in federal court on Wednesday with sexually exploiting a 15-year-old victim, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;Sixty-eight-year-old Loren Olson of Marquette is charged with one count of producing child pornography and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor.A criminal complaint filed in federal court in Wichita alleges Olson came to the attention of law enforcement after Facebook made a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Facebook captured content in which Olson communicated with a 15-year-old victim. Olson made reference to having had sex with the victim, taking pictures during their sexual acts and paying the victim after sex.&nbsp;If convicted, Olson could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on the production count, and not less than 10 years on the other count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.

Facebook tip leads to Marquette man's child sex crime arrest

BONUS PODCAST: BrightHouse Stuff the Bus in person event successful in 2020

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Traffic is moving along Main Street at the intersection with 5th Avenue once again.&nbsp;

The center two lanes of Main St at the 5th Ave intersection opened for northbound and southbound traffic on Tuesday although the intersection with 5th Avenue remains closed.&nbsp;

According to Hutchinson Public Works, crews will continue construction on the intersection with plans to complete and open the east side of the intersection by December 18 and the west side by the 24th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607546319158.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Traffic is moving along Main Street at the intersection with 5th Avenue once again.&nbsp;The center two lanes of Main St at the 5th Ave intersection opened for northbound and southbound traffic on Tuesday although the intersection with 5th Avenue remains closed.&nbsp;According to Hutchinson Public Works, crews will continue construction on the intersection with plans to complete and open the east side of the intersection by December 18 and the west side by the 24th.

Portions of 5th and Main open again

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Wednesday that starting Thursday, December
10, all traffic signals will be disabled at East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
&amp; North Severance Street.&nbsp; The intersection will be a four way stop while
repairs are being made.&nbsp; 

East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
will be narrowed to two lanes for the duration of the repairs.&nbsp; Work
should be completed by December 16, 2020 if no issues arise and weather does
not become a factor.

&nbsp;If you
have any questions about this project or any other city street project you can
call public works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1568124441665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Wednesday that starting Thursday, December
10, all traffic signals will be disabled at East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
&amp; North Severance Street.&nbsp; The intersection will be a four way stop while
repairs are being made.&nbsp; East 3rd&nbsp;Avenue
will be narrowed to two lanes for the duration of the repairs.&nbsp; Work
should be completed by December 16, 2020 if no issues arise and weather does
not become a factor.&nbsp;If you
have any questions about this project or any other city street project you can
call public works at 620-694-1900.

Traffic signals at 3rd Avenue and Severance to be disabled Thursday  

BUHLER, Kan. – More than $9,000 in competitive grants were awarded in 2020 from Buhler Community Foundation.

Grants ranging from $210 to $2,000 went to nine nonprofit organizations issued from the Fund for Buhler, an unrestricted grantmaking fund that allows the foundation to address the ever-changing needs of the community, and from the Buhler Public Health Endowment Fund.

The foundation also awarded $16,800 in strategic grants to four agencies this year, with some of those dollars supporting immediate needs in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The following nonprofits received competitive grants:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County, ­$800:&nbsp;Funds to continue the work of matching youth with adult mentors.

Buhler Chamber of Commerce, $1,350:&nbsp;Pay for installation of benches downtown in front of multiple businesses.

Buhler Grade School, $347:&nbsp;Purchase of books that broaden the representation of children of all races, which will promote the inclusion of all readers.

Buhler Grade PTO, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with teachers’ classroom supplies and school spirit shirts.

Buhler Public Library, $210:&nbsp;Funds to purchase filament spools for use with the 3D printer.

Buhler Senior Center, $750:&nbsp;Funds to help finish all areas needing to be painted.

Buhler Omega Project, $1,500:&nbsp;Pay for the cost of facility/home improvements, such as exterior paint, tree removal and landscape work.

Reins of Hope Therapeutic Riding Inc., $1,236:&nbsp;Purchase of health and safety supplies to continue therapeutic riding program during COVID.

Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, $2,000:&nbsp;Funding for costs of parking lot resurfacing project to ensure safe entry to the facility.

The following strategic grants were awarded:

City of Buhler, $5,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19.

City of Buhler, $800:&nbsp;Funding to restock fishpond.

City of Buhler, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to assist with pool-admission costs for residents.

Pastors in Partnership, $10,000:&nbsp;Funding to help meet the unmet needs of individuals and families affected by COVID-19.

Established in 2009, Buhler Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, collaboration, and innovative leadership to strengthen the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575567759989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. – More than $9,000 in competitive grants were awarded in 2020 from Buhler Community Foundation.Grants ranging from $210 to $2,000 went to nine nonprofit organizations issued from the Fund for Buhler, an unrestricted grantmaking fund that allows the foundation to address the ever-changing needs of the community, and from the Buhler Public Health Endowment Fund.The foundation also awarded $16,800 in strategic grants to four agencies this year, with some of those dollars supporting immediate needs in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;The following nonprofits received competitive grants:Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County, ­$800:&nbsp;Funds to continue the work of matching youth with adult mentors.Buhler Chamber of Commerce, $1,350:&nbsp;Pay for installation of benches downtown in front of multiple businesses.Buhler Grade School, $347:&nbsp;Purchase of books that broaden the representation of children of all races, which will promote the inclusion of all readers.Buhler Grade PTO, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with teachers’ classroom supplies and school spirit shirts.Buhler Public Library, $210:&nbsp;Funds to purchase filament spools for use with the 3D printer.Buhler Senior Center, $750:&nbsp;Funds to help finish all areas needing to be painted.Buhler Omega Project, $1,500:&nbsp;Pay for the cost of facility/home improvements, such as exterior paint, tree removal and landscape work.Reins of Hope Therapeutic Riding Inc., $1,236:&nbsp;Purchase of health and safety supplies to continue therapeutic riding program during COVID.Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, $2,000:&nbsp;Funding for costs of parking lot resurfacing project to ensure safe entry to the facility.The following strategic grants were awarded:City of Buhler, $5,000:&nbsp;Funding to help with assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19.City of Buhler, $800:&nbsp;Funding to restock fishpond.City of Buhler, $1,000:&nbsp;Funding to assist with pool-admission costs for residents.Pastors in Partnership, $10,000:&nbsp;Funding to help meet the unmet needs of individuals and families affected by COVID-19.Established in 2009, Buhler Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire philanthropy, collaboration, and innovative leadership to strengthen the community.

Buhler Community Foundation announces grant awards

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — One of the great Christmas traditions in Hutchinson is still a go this
year, although it will look different due to the pandemic. Hutch Rec’s
annual Gingerbread House Decorating event will be held Saturday, December 19th
at 10 a.m.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The
public is invited to pick up a free Gingerbread House Decorating kit in a
drive-thru event in the back parking lot of Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st.
Participants will stay in their vehicles and start in the back parking lot,
proceed through the alleyway past the Chester I. Lewis Plaza, and will receive
their kits. Kits include the materials to make a gingerbread house, candy
decorations and frosting, as well as an apron, children’s book, and activity
book. Volunteers will hand out the 1,000 kits until supplies last or until 2
p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Each
year, Hutch Rec presents this free event as a gift to the Hutchinson community.
This year’s partners and sponsors include Rise Up Reno County, the United Way
of Reno County, Hutch Chamber, Peoples Bank &amp; Trust, and Walmart.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604680607031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — One of the great Christmas traditions in Hutchinson is still a go this
year, although it will look different due to the pandemic. Hutch Rec’s
annual Gingerbread House Decorating event will be held Saturday, December 19th
at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The
public is invited to pick up a free Gingerbread House Decorating kit in a
drive-thru event in the back parking lot of Hutch Rec Downtown, 17 E. 1st.
Participants will stay in their vehicles and start in the back parking lot,
proceed through the alleyway past the Chester I. Lewis Plaza, and will receive
their kits. Kits include the materials to make a gingerbread house, candy
decorations and frosting, as well as an apron, children’s book, and activity
book. Volunteers will hand out the 1,000 kits until supplies last or until 2
p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each
year, Hutch Rec presents this free event as a gift to the Hutchinson community.
This year’s partners and sponsors include Rise Up Reno County, the United Way
of Reno County, Hutch Chamber, Peoples Bank &amp; Trust, and Walmart.

Hutch Rec gingerbread house event still on for December 19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Formal charges have been filed against
a Hutchinson woman who was involved in a fatality accident on Saturday.

Thirty-one-year-old Viola Rhodes is charged with
involuntary manslaughter, seven counts of aggravated battery while under the influence,
DUI and illegal transportation of liquor. Her bond remains at $200,000.

Rhodes was driving in the 3400 Block of South Yoder Road
Saturday evening when she lost control of her vehicle and rolled it. Seven
others in the vehicle were injured. One later died at the hospital.

If convicted, Rhodes could face more than five years in
prison on the manslaughter charge due to a previous arrest for DUI that is
currently under diversion. A conviction would add that DUI to her criminal history.
Each count of aggravated battery carries a maximum of two years in prison.

Rhodes again asked for a reduction in her bond which was
denied by the courts. Her next appearance is set for January 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607530198056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Formal charges have been filed against
a Hutchinson woman who was involved in a fatality accident on Saturday.Thirty-one-year-old Viola Rhodes is charged with
involuntary manslaughter, seven counts of aggravated battery while under the influence,
DUI and illegal transportation of liquor. Her bond remains at $200,000.Rhodes was driving in the 3400 Block of South Yoder Road
Saturday evening when she lost control of her vehicle and rolled it. Seven
others in the vehicle were injured. One later died at the hospital.If convicted, Rhodes could face more than five years in
prison on the manslaughter charge due to a previous arrest for DUI that is
currently under diversion. A conviction would add that DUI to her criminal history.
Each count of aggravated battery carries a maximum of two years in prison.Rhodes again asked for a reduction in her bond which was
denied by the courts. Her next appearance is set for January 13.

Formal charges filed in fatality accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the House prepares to vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government open in the short term, maybe as little as a week, Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall admits this isn't the way the process would ideally work.

"The challenge is, how much money are we willing to borrow from our grandchildren and maybe our great-grandchildren as well?" Marshall asked. "It is very frustrating. Basically, trying to figure out, what are the priorities? Where do we spend the money? When you can't figure something out long-term, people just throw their hands up finally and say, okay."

Marshall is pleased, though, that the vaccine progress he'd been hearing about in recent weeks is soon to come.

"I'm just upset it's not out yet, that they're not distributing it," Marshall said. "We've actually had two vaccines for about a month now. We're waiting for the FDA to approve those, expecting this week for the FDA to approve one of them and next week the FDA to approve the other."

Marshall said it's important to talk to your doctor about what they advise regarding vaccines now.

"The FDA has actually taken its time," Marshall said. "They've been looking very closely at this data for over a month now. I believe its a very safe vaccine and encourage those folks who are at high risk, people above the age of 50 to seriously consider taking it. Discuss it with your doctor now and I encourage folks to get it done."

Marshall believes that in the first quarter of the year they should be able to roll out enough vaccine between the two types to take care of the highest risk populations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595001869381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the House prepares to vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government open in the short term, maybe as little as a week, Kansas First District Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall admits this isn't the way the process would ideally work."The challenge is, how much money are we willing to borrow from our grandchildren and maybe our great-grandchildren as well?" Marshall asked. "It is very frustrating. Basically, trying to figure out, what are the priorities? Where do we spend the money? When you can't figure something out long-term, people just throw their hands up finally and say, okay."Marshall is pleased, though, that the vaccine progress he'd been hearing about in recent weeks is soon to come."I'm just upset it's not out yet, that they're not distributing it," Marshall said. "We've actually had two vaccines for about a month now. We're waiting for the FDA to approve those, expecting this week for the FDA to approve one of them and next week the FDA to approve the other."Marshall said it's important to talk to your doctor about what they advise regarding vaccines now."The FDA has actually taken its time," Marshall said. "They've been looking very closely at this data for over a month now. I believe its a very safe vaccine and encourage those folks who are at high risk, people above the age of 50 to seriously consider taking it. Discuss it with your doctor now and I encourage folks to get it done."Marshall believes that in the first quarter of the year they should be able to roll out enough vaccine between the two types to take care of the highest risk populations.