Information from Julia Westfahl with SCKEDD

<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance/">The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program</a> is live.

KERA shall provide financial assistance to eligible households, including the payment of:

• Residential rent and rental arrears from April 1, 2020 to current, up to 12 months or 15 months if necessary to ensure the household’s housing stability.

• Up to three months of prospective rent at a time, even if the household does not have rental arrears.

• Past due residential utility and home energy (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash service) and internet costs incurred since April 1, 2020.

Limitations on Prospective (Future) Rent Payments:

Eligible households may request prospective rental assistance; however, tenants cannot apply for more than three future months in any one application. 

• Subject to availability of remaining funds;

• Contingent upon the household not exceeding the total months of assistance allowed under the program; and

• Approved only after all of the household’s rental arrears have been paid, if applicable.

If future assistance is needed applicant must reapply. 

Tenant households must meet all five of the following criteria to qualify:

1. COVID-19 Hardship. One or more household member(s) has either:

a. Written and signed applicant attestation that they qualified for unemployment, or

b. Written and signed applicant attestation that they experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other direct or indirect financial hardship due to the pandemic.

2. Risk of homelessness or housing instability. One or more household members can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, including at least one of the following documents dated anytime since April 1, 2020:

3. Income Eligibility. The household income may not exceed 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the area in which the household is located as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income eligibility will be determined using one of the following methods:

a. 2020 Federal Income Tax Return. Adjusted gross income as reported on the household’s IRS Form 1040 individual income tax return. This is the preferred method and will result in expedited

b. 2020 Annual Income. If the household hasn’t submitted a 2020 federal income tax return, the household may provide documentation to determine the household’s 2020 adjusted gross income. The following source documents will be required to determine total adjusted gross income, as applicable:

ii. IRS Form 1099 interest statement, unemployment compensation statement, and/or documentation of Social Security, annuities, insurance, retirement, pension, disability, or death benefits;

iii. Documentation of the net income from the operation of a business or profession, including direct payments for services for self-employed individuals;

iv. Documentation of public assistance cash benefits (TANF);

v. Documentation of child support and/or alimony payments.

c. Documentation of at least two consecutive months of income, including, as applicable:

i. Wages: If employed, paystubs for the prior four weeks or two months, if paid monthly. Pay stubs should be the most recent and just prior to the date for which the household is seeking

assistance. If a household has inconsistent income, additional paystubs may be required. If the applicant is unable to provide pay stubs, employer verification will be required.

Verification form or letter should be on the employer’s letterhead and should state the wage, number of hours worked, pay frequency, overtime, commissions, tips, bonuses, and any additional pay;

ii. Periodic payments: Award letters or documentation (such as bank statements) of Social Security, annuities, insurance, retirement, pension, disability, death, or other benefits;

iii. Form 1099 interest statement, unemployment compensation statement, Social Security, annuities, insurance policies, retirement funds, pensions, annuities, capital gain, disability or

death benefits and other similar types of periodic receipts;

iv. Documentation of the net income from the operation of a business or profession, including direct payments for services for self-employed individuals;

v. Bank statements covering at least two consecutive months prior to the submission of the application;

vi. Letter from employer indicating reduced pay;

vii. Documentation of public assistance cash benefits (TANF);

viii. Documentation of child support or alimony payments;

ix. Zero Income: If household is without income, a selfcertification of zero income will be required;

x. If paid in cash or place of employment is now closed, a selfcertification of income will be required.

Note: Households choosing the monthly income method “c”must complete a recertification of income every three months for the duration of assistance.

4. Household is renting. The household must be renting the residence for which they are requesting assistance and must have a written lease agreement or other suitable documentation. The residence must be the household's primary residence and must be in Kansas. The tenant must not have ownership in the property for which they are requesting rental assistance. Documentation could include one of the following (a or b):

a. Current lease or other suitable documentation including:

i. Signature of applicant and landlord or sublessor,

ii. Unit where the applicant resides, and

b. If the household does not have a signed lease, documentation may

i. Documentation of utility payments for the residential unit,

ii. Attestation by a landlord who can be identified as the verified

owner or management agent of the unit, or

iii. Cancelled checks, electronic records of payment services (Venmo, Paypal, etc.) or bank statements showing payments to the landlord.

5. Proof of identification. Applicant must provide one of the following:

a. Current driver’s license or state-issued photo ID,

d. Mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency.

To the extent feasible, KHRC shall ensure that any rental assistance provided to an eligible household pursuant to funds made available under this section is not duplicative of any other federally funded rental assistance provided to such household. Only one application per household is allowed. A household is defined as everyone living in a unit excluding live-in aides and guests.

KHRC must review the household’s income and sources of assistance to confirm that KERA assistance does not duplicate any other assistance, including federal, state, and local assistance provided for the same costs.

If an eligible household receives a monthly federal subsidy (e.g., a Housing Choice Voucher, public housing, or Project-Based Rental Assistance) and the tenant rent is adjusted according to changes in income, the renter household must request an interim recertification to recalculate their tenant rent if there has been a change in income before they are eligible for KERA assistance.

If a household receives rental assistance other than KERA, the KERA assistance may only be used to pay for costs, such as the tenant-paid portion of rent, utility costs, and internet, that are not covered by other rental assistance sources.

Applications will be checked against the LIEAP list of Kansans served. If applicants have received LIEAP benefits in 2021 they will be eligible for utility assistance only after LIEAP benefits have been applied to their bill.

• Payments will be made to the lessor or utility provider on behalf of the eligible household.

• The household will be provided with documentation of any payments made on their behalf.

• Utility payments and internet service will be for past amounts or current amounts due.

• Rental assistance payment will include cumulative arrears and three prospective months of assistance in one lump sum. Should applicants need future assistance, they must reapply in three-month increments. Applicants may reapply as long as assistance is needed up to the 12-month limit, or 15 months if necessary to ensure housing stability.

Applications will be processed based on a prioritization scoring model. The model gives points for:

• Level of income (lower the income tier, higher the priority)

• Number of household members unemployed

o Landlord completes online certification.

o Landlord and tenant are notified when application is processed.

o If approved, landlord and/or utility provider(s) receive funds directly from KHRC.

o Landlord and/or utility provider(s) applies assistance to tenant account.

KHRC has an existing database of landlords and tenants who applied during the previous Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP). Email notifications of program opening will be sent to this list and at the same time KHRC will begin a media outreach campaign.

The application deadline will be August 1, 2021. The August deadline will allow our staff to process as many applications as possible in anticipation of obligating at least 65 percent of the allocated program funds by September 30, 2021.

Notwithstanding the prioritization scoring model, applications will be processed on a first-completed, first served basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604073199111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Information from Julia Westfahl with SCKEDD<a href="https://kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance/">The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program</a> is live.KERA shall provide financial assistance to eligible households, including the payment of:• Residential rent and rental arrears from April 1, 2020 to current, up to 12 months or 15 months if necessary to ensure the household’s housing stability.• Up to three months of prospective rent at a time, even if the household does not have rental arrears.• Past due residential utility and home energy (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash service) and internet costs incurred since April 1, 2020.Limitations on Prospective (Future) Rent Payments:Eligible households may request prospective rental assistance; however, tenants cannot apply for more than three future months in any one application. Rental payments for future months are:• Subject to availability of remaining funds;• Contingent upon the household not exceeding the total months of assistance allowed under the program; and• Approved only after all of the household’s rental arrears have been paid, if applicable.If future assistance is needed applicant must reapply. Eligible Households:Tenant households must meet all five of the following criteria to qualify:1. COVID-19 Hardship. One or more household member(s) has either:a. Written and signed applicant attestation that they qualified for unemployment, orb. Written and signed applicant attestation that they experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other direct or indirect financial hardship due to the pandemic.2. Risk of homelessness or housing instability. One or more household members can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, including at least one of the following documents dated anytime since April 1, 2020:a. A past due utility bill, orb. A past due rent notice, orc. An eviction notice.3. Income Eligibility. The household income may not exceed 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the area in which the household is located as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income eligibility will be determined using one of the following methods:a. 2020 Federal Income Tax Return. Adjusted gross income as reported on the household’s IRS Form 1040 individual income tax return. This is the preferred method and will result in expeditedprocessing time.b. 2020 Annual Income. If the household hasn’t submitted a 2020 federal income tax return, the household may provide documentation to determine the household’s 2020 adjusted gross income. The following source documents will be required to determine total adjusted gross income, as applicable:i. W-2 wage statement;ii. IRS Form 1099 interest statement, unemployment compensation statement, and/or documentation of Social Security, annuities, insurance, retirement, pension, disability, or death benefits;iii. Documentation of the net income from the operation of a business or profession, including direct payments for services for self-employed individuals;iv. Documentation of public assistance cash benefits (TANF);v. Documentation of child support and/or alimony payments.c. Documentation of at least two consecutive months of income, including, as applicable:i. Wages: If employed, paystubs for the prior four weeks or two months, if paid monthly. Pay stubs should be the most recent and just prior to the date for which the household is seekingassistance. If a household has inconsistent income, additional paystubs may be required. If the applicant is unable to provide pay stubs, employer verification will be required.Verification form or letter should be on the employer’s letterhead and should state the wage, number of hours worked, pay frequency, overtime, commissions, tips, bonuses, and any additional pay;ii. Periodic payments: Award letters or documentation (such as bank statements) of Social Security, annuities, insurance, retirement, pension, disability, death, or other benefits;iii. Form 1099 interest statement, unemployment compensation statement, Social Security, annuities, insurance policies, retirement funds, pensions, annuities, capital gain, disability ordeath benefits and other similar types of periodic receipts;iv. Documentation of the net income from the operation of a business or profession, including direct payments for services for self-employed individuals;v. Bank statements covering at least two consecutive months prior to the submission of the application;vi. Letter from employer indicating reduced pay;vii. Documentation of public assistance cash benefits (TANF);viii. Documentation of child support or alimony payments;ix. Zero Income: If household is without income, a selfcertification of zero income will be required;x. If paid in cash or place of employment is now closed, a selfcertification of income will be required.Note: Households choosing the monthly income method “c”must complete a recertification of income every three months for the duration of assistance.4. Household is renting. The household must be renting the residence for which they are requesting assistance and must have a written lease agreement or other suitable documentation. The residence must be the household's primary residence and must be in Kansas. The tenant must not have ownership in the property for which they are requesting rental assistance. Documentation could include one of the following (a or b):a. Current lease or other suitable documentation including:i. Signature of applicant and landlord or sublessor,ii. Unit where the applicant resides, andiii. Rental payment amount.b. If the household does not have a signed lease, documentation mayinclude:i. Documentation of utility payments for the residential unit,ii. Attestation by a landlord who can be identified as the verifiedowner or management agent of the unit, oriii. Cancelled checks, electronic records of payment services (Venmo, Paypal, etc.) or bank statements showing payments to the landlord.5. Proof of identification. Applicant must provide one of the following:a. Current driver’s license or state-issued photo ID,b. Utility or cell phone bill,c. Court filing notice, ord. Mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency.Duplication/ Coordination of Benefits:To the extent feasible, KHRC shall ensure that any rental assistance provided to an eligible household pursuant to funds made available under this section is not duplicative of any other federally funded rental assistance provided to such household. Only one application per household is allowed. A household is defined as everyone living in a unit excluding live-in aides and guests.KHRC must review the household’s income and sources of assistance to confirm that KERA assistance does not duplicate any other assistance, including federal, state, and local assistance provided for the same costs.If an eligible household receives a monthly federal subsidy (e.g., a Housing Choice Voucher, public housing, or Project-Based Rental Assistance) and the tenant rent is adjusted according to changes in income, the renter household must request an interim recertification to recalculate their tenant rent if there has been a change in income before they are eligible for KERA assistance.If a household receives rental assistance other than KERA, the KERA assistance may only be used to pay for costs, such as the tenant-paid portion of rent, utility costs, and internet, that are not covered by other rental assistance sources.Applications will be checked against the LIEAP list of Kansans served. If applicants have received LIEAP benefits in 2021 they will be eligible for utility assistance only after LIEAP benefits have been applied to their bill.Payments:• Payments will be made to the lessor or utility provider on behalf of the eligible household.• The household will be provided with documentation of any payments made on their behalf.• Utility payments and internet service will be for past amounts or current amounts due.• Rental assistance payment will include cumulative arrears and three prospective months of assistance in one lump sum. Should applicants need future assistance, they must reapply in three-month increments. Applicants may reapply as long as assistance is needed up to the 12-month limit, or 15 months if necessary to ensure housing stability.Prioritization of Assistance:Applications will be processed based on a prioritization scoring model. The model gives points for:• Level of income (lower the income tier, higher the priority)• Income to amount requested ratio• Days unemployed• Number of household members unemployed• Number of months delinquent• Eviction status• Disconnect of utilities status• Date application was submittedApplication for Assistance:Application Processo Landlord completes online certification.o Tenant submits online application.o Landlord and tenant are notified when application is processed.o If approved, landlord and/or utility provider(s) receive funds directly from KHRC.o Landlord and/or utility provider(s) applies assistance to tenant account.Delivery Model:KHRC has an existing database of landlords and tenants who applied during the previous Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP). Email notifications of program opening will be sent to this list and at the same time KHRC will begin a media outreach campaign.The application deadline will be August 1, 2021. The August deadline will allow our staff to process as many applications as possible in anticipation of obligating at least 65 percent of the allocated program funds by September 30, 2021.Notwithstanding the prioritization scoring model, applications will be processed on a first-completed, first served basis.

Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance Program is live


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County dashboard now includes weekly updates on vaccination totals. The first update as of March 12 notes that 10,779 doses of vaccine have been given in Reno County, which is 17.29% of the county's population.

As of Tuesday, the case count in the county is down to 63. 

Out of 7,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,531 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. Only the workplace cluster type has any remaining cases and there are just three there.

Two Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19. There have been 366 hospitalizations total and 103 ICU admissions. 137 Reno County residents deaths are attributed to the pandemic.

Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.

The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615549803471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County dashboard now includes weekly updates on vaccination totals. The first update as of March 12 notes that 10,779 doses of vaccine have been given in Reno County, which is 17.29% of the county's population.As of Tuesday, the case count in the county is down to 63. Out of 7,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,531 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. Only the workplace cluster type has any remaining cases and there are just three there.Two Reno County residents are in the hospital with COVID-19. There have been 366 hospitalizations total and 103 ICU admissions. 137 Reno County residents deaths are attributed to the pandemic.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit <a href="https://www.gogettested.com/">www.gogettested.com</a>.
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
download the Hutch Post mobile app. 
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK
HERE</a>&nbsp;to
sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Dashboard will have weekly updates on vaccine numbers, case count down to 63

The city is looking for federal help for the Woodie Seat Freeway again and a man has been arrested after a killing spree in Atlanta, Georgia, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The city is looking for federal help for the Woodie Seat Freeway again and a man has been arrested after a killing spree in Atlanta, Georgia, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="March 17, 2021 Morning News" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/66xfq-fde868?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

March 17, 2021 Morning News

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>.

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

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

Recent obituaries

Midwest Energy announced today it has joined a collaboration group with nine investor-owned utilities, promoting the construction of a multi-state network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Midwestern U.S.

Midwest Energy signed a memorandum of cooperation with the other utilities, pledging that the co-op would pursue the completion of a foundational electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to soon allow EV owners to drive from Detroit to Colorado, or from northern Michigan to Texas, knowing they can charge their vehicles along the route.

“Automakers worldwide are committing huge investments in electric vehicles, with some signaling they’re phasing out fossil fuel engines by 2030,” said Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO. “EVs are coming quickly, and by joining this group, Midwest Energy is better positioned to serve not only our customers once EVs become commonplace here, but also visiting drivers across western Kansas.”

Midwest Energy does not currently own or maintain any EV chargers, but has worked with private companies, including Electrify America and Tesla to install fast chargers in parking lots along Interstate 70. Parke said that joining the collaboration group is well-timed, as electric vehicle strategies are a part of the co-op’s business plans.

“As our oilfield load declines in the future, EV charging will be a critical piece in keeping sales volumes up, and keeping rates competitive for our customers,” Parke said. “One EV charging station can have the equivalent energy use equal to several homes, and when you consider the amount of traffic that passes through our service area, that represents potentially significant growth,” Parke added. “Our customers will not be eager to purchase an EV unless they are confident it can be used for both local commuting and long-distance driving.”

Signatories to the EV Corridor Memorandum of Understanding include Detroit Edison Electric (Michigan); Ameren (Illinois), Amren (Missouri); Consumer Energy (Michigan); Evergy (Kansas and

Missouri); Oklahoma Gas and Electric (Oklahoma and Arkansas); Mid-American Energy (Iowa); Duke Energy (Indiana); Liberty Utilities (Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas); and Midwest Energy (Kansas).

Midwest Energy is a customer-owned electric and natural gas cooperative headquartered in Hays, Kan., serving 92,000 electric and gas customers in 40 central and western Kansas counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615912170985.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy announced today it has joined a collaboration group with nine investor-owned utilities, promoting the construction of a multi-state network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Midwestern U.S.Midwest Energy signed a memorandum of cooperation with the other utilities, pledging that the co-op would pursue the completion of a foundational electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to soon allow EV owners to drive from Detroit to Colorado, or from northern Michigan to Texas, knowing they can charge their vehicles along the route.“Automakers worldwide are committing huge investments in electric vehicles, with some signaling they’re phasing out fossil fuel engines by 2030,” said Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO. “EVs are coming quickly, and by joining this group, Midwest Energy is better positioned to serve not only our customers once EVs become commonplace here, but also visiting drivers across western Kansas.”Midwest Energy does not currently own or maintain any EV chargers, but has worked with private companies, including Electrify America and Tesla to install fast chargers in parking lots along Interstate 70. Parke said that joining the collaboration group is well-timed, as electric vehicle strategies are a part of the co-op’s business plans.“As our oilfield load declines in the future, EV charging will be a critical piece in keeping sales volumes up, and keeping rates competitive for our customers,” Parke said. “One EV charging station can have the equivalent energy use equal to several homes, and when you consider the amount of traffic that passes through our service area, that represents potentially significant growth,” Parke added. “Our customers will not be eager to purchase an EV unless they are confident it can be used for both local commuting and long-distance driving.”Signatories to the EV Corridor Memorandum of Understanding include Detroit Edison Electric (Michigan); Ameren (Illinois), Amren (Missouri); Consumer Energy (Michigan); Evergy (Kansas andMissouri); Oklahoma Gas and Electric (Oklahoma and Arkansas); Mid-American Energy (Iowa); Duke Energy (Indiana); Liberty Utilities (Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas); and Midwest Energy (Kansas).Midwest Energy is a customer-owned electric and natural gas cooperative headquartered in Hays, Kan., serving 92,000 electric and gas customers in 40 central and western Kansas counties.

Midwest Energy joins Electric Vehicle Charging Collaboration

HAVEN, Kan. — The brutal cold snap that hit the area is going to mean more on electric bills for consumers.&nbsp;

The city of Haven which has already taken a financial hit with the cost of the new Evergy substation near Burrton got more bad news from the Kansas Power Pool during Monday's meeting.&nbsp;

Mark Chesney with the Kansas Power Pool told the Council that the cost to the pool from the cold weather was around $18 million. With the city of Haven representing about 13.5% of the pool the city’s cost is around $275,000.

&nbsp;At a special meeting on Friday, the KPP Board of Directors voted not to pass along all those costs to KPP members, but instead to put into place a Storm Surcharge of $.01/kWh to replenish KPP cash reserves, which they say have been completely wiped out. Chesney says it will take about two years for the charge to replenish the cash reserves. The surcharge would mean an additional $112,000 to the budget per year.&nbsp;

The city discussed whether they would be forced to pass that surcharge on to its customers as the city is already dealing with a cut in the electric fund from the previous charges from Evergy and the recent rate change by the city.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613354851961.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The brutal cold snap that hit the area is going to mean more on electric bills for consumers.&nbsp;The city of Haven which has already taken a financial hit with the cost of the new Evergy substation near Burrton got more bad news from the Kansas Power Pool during Monday's meeting.&nbsp;Mark Chesney with the Kansas Power Pool told the Council that the cost to the pool from the cold weather was around $18 million. With the city of Haven representing about 13.5% of the pool the city’s cost is around $275,000.&nbsp;At a special meeting on Friday, the KPP Board of Directors voted not to pass along all those costs to KPP members, but instead to put into place a Storm Surcharge of $.01/kWh to replenish KPP cash reserves, which they say have been completely wiped out. Chesney says it will take about two years for the charge to replenish the cash reserves. The surcharge would mean an additional $112,000 to the budget per year.&nbsp;The city discussed whether they would be forced to pass that surcharge on to its customers as the city is already dealing with a cut in the electric fund from the previous charges from Evergy and the recent rate change by the city.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haven power rates could go up due to cold snap

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council approved an economic development grant for a new business that will open in May.&nbsp;

During Monday’s meeting the Council approved the $10-thousand grant for Java Jenz. The new business will be located at 202 Industrial Drive and will feature all types of coffee beverages as well as health shakes and smoothies.&nbsp;

Owner Jeniffer Brummer also plans to have a breakfast and lunch menu with soups and sandwiches. The business will dine in and drive through.&nbsp;

And the council took time in an executive session to discuss the legal matters with the city pool. The pool has been closed for two summers after repairs did not address the issues with the pool. Last summer, the pool remained closed as the legal matters were not resolved and the pandemic was making its way through Kansas. No action was taken.

The council also agreed to a contract with Nextlink Wireless to place internet equipment on the city water tower at an annual fee of $2,400. The equipment will help provide internet to areas between Haven and Kingman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council approved an economic development grant for a new business that will open in May.&nbsp;During Monday’s meeting the Council approved the $10-thousand grant for Java Jenz. The new business will be located at 202 Industrial Drive and will feature all types of coffee beverages as well as health shakes and smoothies.&nbsp;Owner Jeniffer Brummer also plans to have a breakfast and lunch menu with soups and sandwiches. The business will dine in and drive through.&nbsp;And the council took time in an executive session to discuss the legal matters with the city pool. The pool has been closed for two summers after repairs did not address the issues with the pool. Last summer, the pool remained closed as the legal matters were not resolved and the pandemic was making its way through Kansas. No action was taken.The council also agreed to a contract with Nextlink Wireless to place internet equipment on the city water tower at an annual fee of $2,400. The equipment will help provide internet to areas between Haven and Kingman.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haven City Council approves economic grant for new business

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department announced Tuesday that starting Monday, March 22, anyone in Phase 3 or 4 of the Kansas Vaccination Timeline will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. 

This includes those aged 16 to 64 with medical risks, other critical workers, and all unvaccinated persons prioritized in previous phases.&nbsp;

The Health Department will have a new location for their clinic starting March 22. It will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church,101 E. 1st Avenue. The First United Methodist Clinic will not be open on days that second doses are administered at the Sports Arena. Those dates are April 3, 6 &amp; 16).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 3 and 4 include those aged 16 through 64 with conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:

Appointments can be scheduled online at <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/</a>.&nbsp; If computer access is limited, please call the Health Department at 620-694-2900 and select option 6.

For more information about the vaccines, visit <a href="http://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>. If you need assistance getting to and from the vaccination clinics, call the Reno County Area Transit (RCAT) at 620-694-2913 to schedule a ride.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department announced Tuesday that starting Monday, March 22, anyone in Phase 3 or 4 of the Kansas Vaccination Timeline will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes those aged 16 to 64 with medical risks, other critical workers, and all unvaccinated persons prioritized in previous phases.&nbsp;The Health Department will have a new location for their clinic starting March 22. It will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church,101 E. 1st Avenue. The First United Methodist Clinic will not be open on days that second doses are administered at the Sports Arena. Those dates are April 3, 6 &amp; 16).&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansans eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 3 and 4 include those aged 16 through 64 with conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19.<ul>
 <li>Cancer</li><li>Down Syndrome</li><li>Certain heart conditions</li><li>Type 1 &amp; 2 diabetes</li><li>Pregnancy</li><li>Asthma</li><li>Cystic fibrosis</li><li>Liver disease</li><li>Neurological conditions like dementia</li>
 </ul>And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:<ul>
 <li>Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases</li><li>Workers performing in-person activities indoors</li><li>Utility workers</li><li>Social service and government workers not included in previous phases</li><li>Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers</li><li>Water and wastewater workers</li><li>Shelter, housing, and finance workers</li><li>And information technology and communication workers</li>
 </ul>Appointments can be scheduled online at <a href="https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/">https://forms.renogov.org/rchd/covid19-registration/</a>.&nbsp; If computer access is limited, please call the Health Department at 620-694-2900 and select option 6.For more information about the vaccines, visit <a href="http://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19">www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19</a>. If you need assistance getting to and from the vaccination clinics, call the Reno County Area Transit (RCAT) at 620-694-2913 to schedule a ride.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reno County Health Department starts phase 3 and 4 of vaccinations on Monday

Charlotte, NC –&nbsp;Due&nbsp;to&nbsp;COVID-19 and the current&nbsp;health department&nbsp;restrictions in Hutchinson, KS, the NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Tournament&nbsp;Committee has announced updated ticketing procedures and policies for this year's&nbsp;event that will be held April 19-24, 2021. To align with&nbsp;current&nbsp;local guidelines,&nbsp;capacity in Hutchinson Sports Arena will be capped at 25 percent&nbsp;and seating assignments&nbsp;will be general admission by section&nbsp;to ensure safety is maintained throughout the duration of the tournament.&nbsp;

The 2021&nbsp;tournament will require a separate ticketing process to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;fair opportunities to purchase&nbsp;tickets&nbsp;for all fans. With the current&nbsp;local&nbsp;restrictions,&nbsp;the&nbsp;number of existing all-session ticket holders would exceed the&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;capacity in&nbsp;the arena. Current all-session ticket holders have received correspondence regarding their options to rollover&nbsp;their already purchased tickets to the 2022 tournament and&nbsp;have been provided a&nbsp;presale opportunity to purchase tickets for the&nbsp;upcoming&nbsp;2021 tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following this presale period for current all-session ticket holders, all-session tickets will be&nbsp;made&nbsp;available&nbsp;to the public&nbsp;for purchase starting March 21.&nbsp;If any tickets remain,&nbsp;individual&nbsp;session tickets will be made available two weeks before the start of the 2021 tournament.&nbsp;Participating teams will be provided an opportunity to purchase individual session tickets once their teams qualify.&nbsp;All-session prices remain $65 for each ticket&nbsp;and parking will be sold separate&nbsp;from the online ticketing system.&nbsp;

"We are proud of the rich tradition and first-class experience that exist in Hutchinson for the NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Tournament," stated Ron Chadwick, Tournament Chairman. "The committee has&nbsp;made these adjustments in order to still provide the best tournament possible under local safety restrictions."&nbsp;

Tickets for the 2021 tournament&nbsp;will be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis, and&nbsp;will be general admission by section in the&nbsp;arena.&nbsp;2021 tournament tickets will be sold online&nbsp;at njcaa.org/tickets&nbsp;and will be available to download on a mobile device or&nbsp;print-at-home immediately after purchase.&nbsp;Touchless ticketing and digital scanning of tickets will allow for a safer fan experience when attending the tournament.&nbsp;

"The NJCAA always appreciates the community support in Hutchinson and the work of our local partners but this year, everyone has gone above and beyond in the face of adversity," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Vice President for External Affairs and Development. "While COVID-19 has forced the tournament committee to expedite some of the&nbsp;already planned&nbsp;updates to tournament operations, we look forward to the DI Men's Basketball Championship coming out of the pandemic stronger for the future with these new&nbsp;initiatives."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615903564278.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte, NC –&nbsp;Due&nbsp;to&nbsp;COVID-19 and the current&nbsp;health department&nbsp;restrictions in Hutchinson, KS, the NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Tournament&nbsp;Committee has announced updated ticketing procedures and policies for this year's&nbsp;event that will be held April 19-24, 2021. To align with&nbsp;current&nbsp;local guidelines,&nbsp;capacity in Hutchinson Sports Arena will be capped at 25 percent&nbsp;and seating assignments&nbsp;will be general admission by section&nbsp;to ensure safety is maintained throughout the duration of the tournament.&nbsp;The 2021&nbsp;tournament will require a separate ticketing process to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;fair opportunities to purchase&nbsp;tickets&nbsp;for all fans. With the current&nbsp;local&nbsp;restrictions,&nbsp;the&nbsp;number of existing all-session ticket holders would exceed the&nbsp;allowed&nbsp;capacity in&nbsp;the arena. Current all-session ticket holders have received correspondence regarding their options to rollover&nbsp;their already purchased tickets to the 2022 tournament and&nbsp;have been provided a&nbsp;presale opportunity to purchase tickets for the&nbsp;upcoming&nbsp;2021 tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following this presale period for current all-session ticket holders, all-session tickets will be&nbsp;made&nbsp;available&nbsp;to the public&nbsp;for purchase starting March 21.&nbsp;If any tickets remain,&nbsp;individual&nbsp;session tickets will be made available two weeks before the start of the 2021 tournament.&nbsp;Participating teams will be provided an opportunity to purchase individual session tickets once their teams qualify.&nbsp;All-session prices remain $65 for each ticket&nbsp;and parking will be sold separate&nbsp;from the online ticketing system.&nbsp;"We are proud of the rich tradition and first-class experience that exist in Hutchinson for the NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Tournament," stated Ron Chadwick, Tournament Chairman. "The committee has&nbsp;made these adjustments in order to still provide the best tournament possible under local safety restrictions."&nbsp;Tickets for the 2021 tournament&nbsp;will be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis, and&nbsp;will be general admission by section in the&nbsp;arena.&nbsp;2021 tournament tickets will be sold online&nbsp;at njcaa.org/tickets&nbsp;and will be available to download on a mobile device or&nbsp;print-at-home immediately after purchase.&nbsp;Touchless ticketing and digital scanning of tickets will allow for a safer fan experience when attending the tournament.&nbsp;"The NJCAA always appreciates the community support in Hutchinson and the work of our local partners but this year, everyone has gone above and beyond in the face of adversity," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Vice President for External Affairs and Development. "While COVID-19 has forced the tournament committee to expedite some of the&nbsp;already planned&nbsp;updates to tournament operations, we look forward to the DI Men's Basketball Championship coming out of the pandemic stronger for the future with these new&nbsp;initiatives."&nbsp;

NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Tournament announces updates to ticketing


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — One of the many provisions of H.R. 1, a bill that has passed the U.S. House, but has not yet come to the floor in the U.S. Senate, would require those engaging in political speech to release who gives them money. The Kansas Policy Institute, a free-market organization, believes that is bad policy.

"Silencing the opposition is an absolute must for people who want to change the kind of country that we have," said Dave Trabert with the Kansas Policy Institute. "They cannot allow opposition. The Constitution gets in their way, because people have absolute free speech rights."

There is legal precedent for not allowing the chilling of speech by documenting donor lists.

"The ACLU has even come out and said this is wrong," Trabert said. "There's no question it's unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1958 ruled when the state of Alabama was trying to do this exact thing to members of the NAACP. They didn't want African-Americans talking about rights in Alabama. They said, well, just give us your names of your donors and we'll go scare the hell out of them and that will shut you up. The Supreme Court said you may not do that. That is silencing speech. They know, there is no question, this is unconstitutional."

This is the reason why Kansas Policy Institute pushes back hard against those who assume they know who donates to them.

"It's not just a curiosity," Trabert said. "I get the curiosity. They don't have a constitutional right to know who contributes to what, whether it's Kansas Policy Institute, the NAACP or the Audobon Society. Frankly, some people contribute to organizations like Kansas Policy Institute because we cannot be intimidated."

The concern is that if you can't intimidate organizations, you might be able to intimidate individuals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580147770428.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — One of the many provisions of H.R. 1, a bill that has passed the U.S. House, but has not yet come to the floor in the U.S. Senate, would require those engaging in political speech to release who gives them money. The Kansas Policy Institute, a free-market organization, believes that is bad policy."Silencing the opposition is an absolute must for people who want to change the kind of country that we have," said Dave Trabert with the Kansas Policy Institute. "They cannot allow opposition. The Constitution gets in their way, because people have absolute free speech rights."There is legal precedent for not allowing the chilling of speech by documenting donor lists."The ACLU has even come out and said this is wrong," Trabert said. "There's no question it's unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1958 ruled when the state of Alabama was trying to do this exact thing to members of the NAACP. They didn't want African-Americans talking about rights in Alabama. They said, well, just give us your names of your donors and we'll go scare the hell out of them and that will shut you up. The Supreme Court said you may not do that. That is silencing speech. They know, there is no question, this is unconstitutional."This is the reason why Kansas Policy Institute pushes back hard against those who assume they know who donates to them."It's not just a curiosity," Trabert said. "I get the curiosity. They don't have a constitutional right to know who contributes to what, whether it's Kansas Policy Institute, the NAACP or the Audobon Society. Frankly, some people contribute to organizations like Kansas Policy Institute because we cannot be intimidated."The concern is that if you can't intimidate organizations, you might be able to intimidate individuals.

Trabert: If HR 1 passes, it will chill speech

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect Tuesday morning until 10 a.m. Visibility could be one half mile or less in dense fog.

Hazardous driving conditions are possible due to low visibility. Visibilities will vary greatly over a short distance.

If you are driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615893636202.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect Tuesday morning until 10 a.m. Visibility could be one half mile or less in dense fog.Hazardous driving conditions are possible due to low visibility. Visibilities will vary greatly over a short distance.If you are driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Dense fog could be dangerous Tuesday morning

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 has its new Director of Marketing and Media Relations. The Board of Education Monday hired Sidnei McCarty during a special board meeting. McCarty currently is a communications executive working with Fortune 500 companies.&nbsp;

“She actually lives in Michigan, has a Masters in marketing and an MBA in business,” Superintendent Mike Folks said. “Nationwide she has done TV ads, she's done all kinds of stuff for school districts.”

McCarty will take over for Ray Hemman, public information director, who will retire later this year. Her first official day is March 29. Folks says McCarty’s position will be different than what the district has had in that they want to be able to portray the many things the district has to offer outside of Hutchinson.

“We need to get those outside 308. We also need to do an assessment of our current communication plan with all of our stakeholders,” Folks said. “We’re excited to market 308.”

The district hopes to use the marketing to not only showcase the district but to draw potential students to Hutchinson.

“We want to try to increase our enrollment and to share all of the good things that we provide,” Folks said. “Potentially with our virtual school and our alternative school to be able to bring some other kids into 308.”&nbsp;

The Board hired McCarty as part of the Personnel Report. The decision came after an executive session for non-elected personnel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575668793667.jpeg" alt="USD 308 resized.jp" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 resized.jp</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 has its new Director of Marketing and Media Relations. The Board of Education Monday hired Sidnei McCarty during a special board meeting. McCarty currently is a communications executive working with Fortune 500 companies.&nbsp;“She actually lives in Michigan, has a Masters in marketing and an MBA in business,” Superintendent Mike Folks said. “Nationwide she has done TV ads, she's done all kinds of stuff for school districts.”McCarty will take over for Ray Hemman, public information director, who will retire later this year. Her first official day is March 29. Folks says McCarty’s position will be different than what the district has had in that they want to be able to portray the many things the district has to offer outside of Hutchinson.“We need to get those outside 308. We also need to do an assessment of our current communication plan with all of our stakeholders,” Folks said. “We’re excited to market 308.”The district hopes to use the marketing to not only showcase the district but to draw potential students to Hutchinson.“We want to try to increase our enrollment and to share all of the good things that we provide,” Folks said. “Potentially with our virtual school and our alternative school to be able to bring some other kids into 308.”&nbsp;The Board hired McCarty as part of the Personnel Report. The decision came after an executive session for non-elected personnel.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McCarty new Director of Marketing and Media Relations for USD 308


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The case count in Reno County continues to decrease. There are just 66 cases of COVID-19 in the county, according to Monday information from the county's dashboard.

Out of 7,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,528 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. Only the workplace cluster type has any remaining cases and there are just three there.

One Reno County resident is in the hospital with COVID-19. There have been 365 hospitalizations total and 103 ICU admissions. 137 Reno County residents deaths are attributed to the pandemic.

The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The case count in Reno County continues to decrease. There are just 66 cases of COVID-19 in the county, according to Monday information from the county's dashboard.Out of 7,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7,528 recoveries. There are 8 clusters still being monitored. Only the workplace cluster type has any remaining cases and there are just three there.One Reno County resident is in the hospital with COVID-19. There have been 365 hospitalizations total and 103 ICU admissions. 137 Reno County residents deaths are attributed to the pandemic.Drive-thru testing is currently available at the Kansas Cosmosphere at 1100 N Plum in Hutchinson.The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To make an appointment, please visit www.gogettested.com.

Case count down to 66 as of Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pandemic hurt numerous events and that included the Salt City Half Marathon.&nbsp;

Now Hutch Rec has decided that they will not bring back the 13.1-mile running race in the near future.&nbsp;

“The half marathon is probably not going to come back,” Tony Finlay said. “We’re looking at replacing that with a 5K / 10K run on that first weekend of October. We believe the half marathon just ran its course.”

Finlay says it really came down to numbers as fewer people were taking part versus the number of staff and volunteers it took to hold the event.

“It requires over 90 volunteers to do that event,” Finally said. “And when you’re getting down to 200 participants plus 90 volunteers you really start to get out of balance of what you’re trying to accomplish.”

Finlay says that losing the event last year gave them the opportunity to shift gears a little bit and offer some shorter races. Hutch Rec will still have the Smallville 5K and Super Hero 1 mile events on Third Thursday as well as the Salty Dog and Pup triathlons and the Muddy Hutch 5K in 2021.

The event started out as the Run For the Rocks Half Marathon with around 500 participants. The event was popular for its route which took it through most Hutchinson neighborhoods before ending at Gowans Stadium. The name was later changed to the Salt City Half Marathon which ended along Main Street downtown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615822783548.jpeg" alt="hutch rec.jpg" />
 <figcaption>hutch rec.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pandemic hurt numerous events and that included the Salt City Half Marathon.&nbsp;Now Hutch Rec has decided that they will not bring back the 13.1-mile running race in the near future.&nbsp;“The half marathon is probably not going to come back,” Tony Finlay said. “We’re looking at replacing that with a 5K / 10K run on that first weekend of October. We believe the half marathon just ran its course.”Finlay says it really came down to numbers as fewer people were taking part versus the number of staff and volunteers it took to hold the event.“It requires over 90 volunteers to do that event,” Finally said. “And when you’re getting down to 200 participants plus 90 volunteers you really start to get out of balance of what you’re trying to accomplish.”Finlay says that losing the event last year gave them the opportunity to shift gears a little bit and offer some shorter races. Hutch Rec will still have the Smallville 5K and Super Hero 1 mile events on Third Thursday as well as the Salty Dog and Pup triathlons and the Muddy Hutch 5K in 2021.The event started out as the Run For the Rocks Half Marathon with around 500 participants. The event was popular for its route which took it through most Hutchinson neighborhoods before ending at Gowans Stadium. The name was later changed to the Salt City Half Marathon which ended along Main Street downtown.

Hutch Rec makes changes to running race schedule

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Work on the North Main project continues. Crews closed off the east side of 6th Avenue late last week. Work also continues on the east side of 7th Avenue. Once the curb, sidewalk and intersections are completed, crews will begin repaving Main from 13th South to 5th.&nbsp;

Hutchinson Public Works also announced that because of the weather, Severance between 12th and 13th Avenue will remain closed through this week. Crews are making repairs to a water main and that area of the street. If all goes as planned the street should be open again by Friday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581976958381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Work on the North Main project continues. Crews closed off the east side of 6th Avenue late last week. Work also continues on the east side of 7th Avenue. Once the curb, sidewalk and intersections are completed, crews will begin repaving Main from 13th South to 5th.&nbsp;Hutchinson Public Works also announced that because of the weather, Severance between 12th and 13th Avenue will remain closed through this week. Crews are making repairs to a water main and that area of the street. If all goes as planned the street should be open again by Friday.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news updat&nbsp;&nbsp;

Main Street work closes off east side 6th Avenue intersection 

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson City Council meetings would begin one hour earlier if approval is given by the City Council during tonight’s agenda session.&nbsp;

The matter has been discussed at a previous meeting and tonight the council will take official action to move up the start time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also tonight, the council will discuss and take action on establishing a minimum bill of $500 for the council to review excessively high water bills and will hear an update from Dan Garber regarding the city floodplain situation.&nbsp;

The council will also discuss and review the ATV golf cart ordinance in the city. Currently the city allows all golf carts and ATVs to be tagged and operated on city streets. The issue discussed tonight is whether non city residents should be allowed to tag such vehicles in the city.

Tonight’s South Hutchinson City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615822894019.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson City Council meetings would begin one hour earlier if approval is given by the City Council during tonight’s agenda session.&nbsp;The matter has been discussed at a previous meeting and tonight the council will take official action to move up the start time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also tonight, the council will discuss and take action on establishing a minimum bill of $500 for the council to review excessively high water bills and will hear an update from Dan Garber regarding the city floodplain situation.&nbsp;The council will also discuss and review the ATV golf cart ordinance in the city. Currently the city allows all golf carts and ATVs to be tagged and operated on city streets. The issue discussed tonight is whether non city residents should be allowed to tag such vehicles in the city.Tonight’s South Hutchinson City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news updat&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Hutch City Council meets this evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Medical marijuana is likely to still be debated at the Kansas Legislature this session.

"I support medical marijuana," said Representative Jason Probst. "Kansas is one of the last few states that hasn't legalized it. I feel that we are missing out on a very good revenue stream, a voluntary tax revenue stream. It's going to come one way or another and my question has always been, is Kansas going to regulate it the way it wants to regulate it, or are we going to have to accept somebody else's default regulations."

Representative Paul Waggoner believes the debate will likely get to the floor of the House.

"I sit on House Fed and State, we're the committee that actually has the medical marijuana bill in front of us to work, which supposedly is going to happen," Waggoner said. "The devil is in the details. The notion that there's 40 plus states, I mean, there's a dozen states that basically have full on legalized marijuana. The remaining states that have a medical marijuana program, there's a lot of variation. There's some that are legitimately medical marijuana. The proposal before us in Fed and State, it doesn't actually have smoking a joint. It's all edibles, it's all other methods of delivery, as they would say. The real question is, do you have this go through any sort of regulatory process to where the actual medical aspect of it is verified, or is it just all anecdotal?"

Waggoner believes the bill will be heavily amended and so, he's not sure what the final legislation will be that is voted on. Seiwert believes that is the key.

"It all depends on what's in the bill," Seiwert said. "The question that also rises, if you legalize it for medical, I have no problem for that. The question is, if you're an employer, it's kind of like drinking and driving, if you get stopped and you have an accident and you test positive for marijuana, who is going to be liable for that? That brings up some questions that haven't been answered that I don't think anybody ever talks about."

Governor Laura Kelly initially proposed tying <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0f14e9a6-5290-4ffe-b0b7-73392b98c0d4">medical marijuana to Medicaid expansion to help pay for it</a>. That was prior to the incentives put into the latest federal stimulus package on that issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562336632387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Medical marijuana is likely to still be debated at the Kansas Legislature this session."I support medical marijuana," said Representative Jason Probst. "Kansas is one of the last few states that hasn't legalized it. I feel that we are missing out on a very good revenue stream, a voluntary tax revenue stream. It's going to come one way or another and my question has always been, is Kansas going to regulate it the way it wants to regulate it, or are we going to have to accept somebody else's default regulations."Representative Paul Waggoner believes the debate will likely get to the floor of the House."I sit on House Fed and State, we're the committee that actually has the medical marijuana bill in front of us to work, which supposedly is going to happen," Waggoner said. "The devil is in the details. The notion that there's 40 plus states, I mean, there's a dozen states that basically have full on legalized marijuana. The remaining states that have a medical marijuana program, there's a lot of variation. There's some that are legitimately medical marijuana. The proposal before us in Fed and State, it doesn't actually have smoking a joint. It's all edibles, it's all other methods of delivery, as they would say. The real question is, do you have this go through any sort of regulatory process to where the actual medical aspect of it is verified, or is it just all anecdotal?"Waggoner believes the bill will be heavily amended and so, he's not sure what the final legislation will be that is voted on. Seiwert believes that is the key."It all depends on what's in the bill," Seiwert said. "The question that also rises, if you legalize it for medical, I have no problem for that. The question is, if you're an employer, it's kind of like drinking and driving, if you get stopped and you have an accident and you test positive for marijuana, who is going to be liable for that? That brings up some questions that haven't been answered that I don't think anybody ever talks about."Governor Laura Kelly initially proposed tying <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0f14e9a6-5290-4ffe-b0b7-73392b98c0d4">medical marijuana to Medicaid expansion to help pay for it</a>. That was prior to the incentives put into the latest federal stimulus package on that issue.

Medical marijuana likely to come up later this legislative session

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am going on a rant, and yes this is a warning. This past weekend was the fateful day that we spring our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Let me be clear and not mince any words here, I really dislike the time change and, I have yet to find anyone who really likes it. Over and over, I hear it is those of us in agricultural who benefit from the time change. I find that to be a categorical myth and untruth. To say that we benefit from moving the clock up one hour is ludicrous. This time change is for the birds, and I am coming out against it. Only someone not connected to agriculture could think moving the clock forward an hour and making sunset an hour later that it would increase our time in the field. We all know the reality is that we work until the job is done whether it is daylight or dark. Farmers and ranchers do not work by the clock. What it does mean is we will be heading out into the dark in the morning to do the chores we did in the daylight just a day earlier. I often wonder how confused our animals must be when we show up an hour earlier suddenly for no apparent reason. I guess they probably like it better in the fall when breakfast arrives an hour later. I hate to tell the person or probably the committee that dreamed Daylight Saving Time up, but there are only so many hours of daylight and it does not matter what a clock says. I will admit that I dislike the springtime change because it means I lose an hour of sleep, but I find the fall time change nearly as disruptive to my internal clock. I suspect most of us are up way before daylight either before or after the change, and the clock means little to us. In fact, I’d argue moving the clock forward and hour makes life more difficult. It suddenly means that instead of it getting dark at 6 p.m. it is now dark at 7 p.m., and it is awfully hard to shut down and go to a meeting when it is still light outside. I would also propose we missed the perfect opportunity to get rid of the time change this past year. With the pandemic and all its disruptions to our lives, what would one more matter. We could have done away with the time changes and no one would have noticed because none of us had anywhere to go. At least something positive would have come out of the pandemic. So never mind me, I will be the one out in the dark stumbling my way through chores.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am going on a rant, and yes this is a warning. This past weekend was the fateful day that we spring our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time. Let me be clear and not mince any words here, I really dislike the time change and, I have yet to find anyone who really likes it. Over and over, I hear it is those of us in agricultural who benefit from the time change. I find that to be a categorical myth and untruth. To say that we benefit from moving the clock up one hour is ludicrous. This time change is for the birds, and I am coming out against it. Only someone not connected to agriculture could think moving the clock forward an hour and making sunset an hour later that it would increase our time in the field. We all know the reality is that we work until the job is done whether it is daylight or dark. Farmers and ranchers do not work by the clock. What it does mean is we will be heading out into the dark in the morning to do the chores we did in the daylight just a day earlier. I often wonder how confused our animals must be when we show up an hour earlier suddenly for no apparent reason. I guess they probably like it better in the fall when breakfast arrives an hour later. I hate to tell the person or probably the committee that dreamed Daylight Saving Time up, but there are only so many hours of daylight and it does not matter what a clock says. I will admit that I dislike the springtime change because it means I lose an hour of sleep, but I find the fall time change nearly as disruptive to my internal clock. I suspect most of us are up way before daylight either before or after the change, and the clock means little to us. In fact, I’d argue moving the clock forward and hour makes life more difficult. It suddenly means that instead of it getting dark at 6 p.m. it is now dark at 7 p.m., and it is awfully hard to shut down and go to a meeting when it is still light outside. I would also propose we missed the perfect opportunity to get rid of the time change this past year. With the pandemic and all its disruptions to our lives, what would one more matter. We could have done away with the time changes and no one would have noticed because none of us had anywhere to go. At least something positive would have come out of the pandemic. So never mind me, I will be the one out in the dark stumbling my way through chores."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Stuck on Time

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Stage 9 in Hutchinson is getting the work done to present The Sound of Music online this month.

"We've been filming the last week, which is not something I normally say," said Lynsey Becher with Stage 9. "Our production week looked very different than it normally does, but we're having a blast over there."

Becher said The Sound of Music is something they are only able to do because of the pandemic.

"We have an extremely small 85-person seat theater," Becher said. "Normally, we would not be able to do a production of this size in our theater. That's something that has been interesting. Basically, we are camped out throughout the entirety of the theater. Normally, we'd have to worry about audiences and the lobby and now everybody's just kind of strewn everywhere and we have an organized chaos situation going on and it's been thrilling and it hasn't been nearly as stressful as I thought it could potentially be."

Given the nature of the ticketing, it may be difficult to know exactly how many people watched, but the hope is that families will get together and enjoy watching local talent in a familiar story.

"Because it's for an entire household, numbers might not look all that great," Becher said. "The amount of people watching it may be much more than the numbers we're able to generate. It is going to be a little difficult to judge whether this has been a fruitful production for us or not, but, no matter what, us staying active and us giving the actors that creative outlet right now, I think is really, really important."

Tickets are $25 for an unlimited amount of people in one household. Performances are March 19th-21st &amp; 26th-28th. Friday and Saturday shows will premiere at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Stage 9 in Hutchinson is getting the work done to present The Sound of Music online this month."We've been filming the last week, which is not something I normally say," said Lynsey Becher with Stage 9. "Our production week looked very different than it normally does, but we're having a blast over there."Becher said The Sound of Music is something they are only able to do because of the pandemic."We have an extremely small 85-person seat theater," Becher said. "Normally, we would not be able to do a production of this size in our theater. That's something that has been interesting. Basically, we are camped out throughout the entirety of the theater. Normally, we'd have to worry about audiences and the lobby and now everybody's just kind of strewn everywhere and we have an organized chaos situation going on and it's been thrilling and it hasn't been nearly as stressful as I thought it could potentially be."Given the nature of the ticketing, it may be difficult to know exactly how many people watched, but the hope is that families will get together and enjoy watching local talent in a familiar story."Because it's for an entire household, numbers might not look all that great," Becher said. "The amount of people watching it may be much more than the numbers we're able to generate. It is going to be a little difficult to judge whether this has been a fruitful production for us or not, but, no matter what, us staying active and us giving the actors that creative outlet right now, I think is really, really important."Tickets are $25 for an unlimited amount of people in one household. Performances are March 19th-21st &amp; 26th-28th. Friday and Saturday shows will premiere at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

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