HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A traffic accident has knocked out the traffic signals at E. 4th Avenue and Severance.

Hutchinson Public Works says while the poles that hold up the signals were undamaged, the signal controls themselves were knocked out. 

Public Works says it will likely be at least several days before the signals are operational again and maybe longer if a part needs to be ordered.

Traffic at 4th and Severance is now a four-way stop until further notice. If you have any questions about this or any other city street matter contact Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608563559985.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A traffic accident has knocked out the traffic signals at E. 4th Avenue and Severance.Hutchinson Public Works says while the poles that hold up the signals were undamaged, the signal controls themselves were knocked out. Public Works says it will likely be at least several days before the signals are operational again and maybe longer if a part needs to be ordered.Traffic at 4th and Severance is now a four-way stop until further notice. If you have any questions about this or any other city street matter contact Public Works at 620-694-1900.

Traffic signals out at 4th and Severance

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
This past year has been a hard one. Though we are close to the renewed hopes of a new year, we still face what could be the hardest days of 2020 for some.

No matter what you are celebrating this season — Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Festivus – most plans have likely been altered. Some people have been lucky to experience only minor inconveniences or shifts, while others are facing a total breakdown of holiday celebrations and family traditions.

My heart goes out to people who are struggling with this change. I was once just like you.

When I was 12 years old, my oldest brother enlisted in the Navy and left for basic training near Chicago just before Thanksgiving. Since the base was only a five-hour drive from home, our family was able to participate in a Christmas Adopt-a-Sailor program to spend the day with him.  

Looking back, I had a lot of pre-teen anxiety about the effects this had on our holiday celebration and family traditions. It was the first time we ever changed our family routine, and I was convinced the changes were going to ruin Christmas. We had to shorten our visits with extended family on Christmas Eve so we could get a few hours of sleep before our 3 a.m. departure. We would not be opening presents around the tree on Christmas morning. It all just felt wrong.

Our Christmas in downtown Chicago ended up being a great adventure. The city was like a ghost town. The only restaurant open was a two-story McDonald’s, and my siblings and I were so proud to rack up a $30 total, which makes me laugh now as it would be a bargain for a family of six today. We visited an equally deserted Navy Pier where our entertainment became exploring a water gunboat and chatting with the on-duty firefighters staffing it. We ended the day watching the latest James Bond movie at the theater since it was the only thing we could find open.  

This odd and presumably ruined holiday ended up being one of our most memorable Christmases. The highlights of the day were not presents, which I cannot even remember if we exchanged, or cool experiences. The greatness of the day came from the spoiled plans, laughter and shared experience of making memories together.

We didn’t know it at the time, but this was the last Christmas we spent together as a family. Ten months later, my middle bother died in a car accident; my oldest brother was away from home for six years in the Navy; and my sister and I became adults with our own careers and families to work around for the holidays.

I will not pretend that my family’s Chicago Christmas was magical, tradition worthy or even worth repeating. However, I am grateful for the time it gave us together and the way it mentally prepared me for the hard lesson of life’s changes.

If you are anxious about how the holidays will turn out for your family and friends, I can share from experience that a break from tradition isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Even if you are sad, mad or disappointed about the circumstances, you can still make memories and celebrate with loved ones. It will give you something to talk about in future years when you are enjoying your holiday celebrations and family traditions.

"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. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
This past year has been a hard one. Though we are close to the renewed hopes of a new year, we still face what could be the hardest days of 2020 for some.No matter what you are celebrating this season — Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Festivus – most plans have likely been altered. Some people have been lucky to experience only minor inconveniences or shifts, while others are facing a total breakdown of holiday celebrations and family traditions.My heart goes out to people who are struggling with this change. I was once just like you.When I was 12 years old, my oldest brother enlisted in the Navy and left for basic training near Chicago just before Thanksgiving. Since the base was only a five-hour drive from home, our family was able to participate in a Christmas Adopt-a-Sailor program to spend the day with him. Looking back, I had a lot of pre-teen anxiety about the effects this had on our holiday celebration and family traditions. It was the first time we ever changed our family routine, and I was convinced the changes were going to ruin Christmas. We had to shorten our visits with extended family on Christmas Eve so we could get a few hours of sleep before our 3 a.m. departure. We would not be opening presents around the tree on Christmas morning. It all just felt wrong.Our Christmas in downtown Chicago ended up being a great adventure. The city was like a ghost town. The only restaurant open was a two-story McDonald’s, and my siblings and I were so proud to rack up a $30 total, which makes me laugh now as it would be a bargain for a family of six today. We visited an equally deserted Navy Pier where our entertainment became exploring a water gunboat and chatting with the on-duty firefighters staffing it. We ended the day watching the latest James Bond movie at the theater since it was the only thing we could find open. This odd and presumably ruined holiday ended up being one of our most memorable Christmases. The highlights of the day were not presents, which I cannot even remember if we exchanged, or cool experiences. The greatness of the day came from the spoiled plans, laughter and shared experience of making memories together.We didn’t know it at the time, but this was the last Christmas we spent together as a family. Ten months later, my middle bother died in a car accident; my oldest brother was away from home for six years in the Navy; and my sister and I became adults with our own careers and families to work around for the holidays.I will not pretend that my family’s Chicago Christmas was magical, tradition worthy or even worth repeating. However, I am grateful for the time it gave us together and the way it mentally prepared me for the hard lesson of life’s changes.If you are anxious about how the holidays will turn out for your family and friends, I can share from experience that a break from tradition isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Even if you are sad, mad or disappointed about the circumstances, you can still make memories and celebrate with loved ones. It will give you something to talk about in future years when you are enjoying your holiday celebrations and family traditions."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. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Breaking Tradition

Hutchinson, KS — Whether you’re looking for holiday activities close to home or want to keep your student engaged in history and science, the Cosmosphere has options for you.

For movie goers, the holiday favorite, The Polar Express is back at Cosmosphere’s Carey Digital Dome Theater with showtimes everyday between now and January 3. There will not be showings on December 25, as the Cosmosphere will be closed.

Add a bit of snow to your holiday season! Two of Cosmosphere’s current documentaries bring you both snow and science! The new documentary Mountain Quest explores the relationship of humanity’s quest to scale some of the world’s highest places, while also revealing the scientific and technological advances that have enabled these peaks to be conquered. Also showing is Out of Bounds: Mountain Adventure, which follows Australian Olympic snowboarder Torah Bright as she rides the untamed peaks while examining the ecosystems and science of the mountain environments.

Learn more about the Christmas Star at Cosmosphere’s Justice Planetarium. The Mystery of the Christmas Star, which retells the Christmas story as it pursues the scientific explanation of the star the wise men followed to find the infant Jesus, is shown daily.

It is best to call the Cosmosphere Box Office at 800-397-0330 ext. 312 to get up-to-date information on showtime availability as seats for theater venues at the Cosmosphere are limited to ensure social distancing compliance.

Through January 3, 2021, Cosmosphere is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, except for December 25, when the Cosmosphere will close for Christmas. All patrons must wear a mask at all times while in the Cosmosphere and any of its venues. Masks are available at the ticket desk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583784421934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from CosmosphereHutchinson, KS — Whether you’re looking for holiday activities close to home or want to keep your student engaged in history and science, the Cosmosphere has options for you.For movie goers, the holiday favorite, The Polar Express is back at Cosmosphere’s Carey Digital Dome Theater with showtimes everyday between now and January 3. There will not be showings on December 25, as the Cosmosphere will be closed.Add a bit of snow to your holiday season! Two of Cosmosphere’s current documentaries bring you both snow and science! The new documentary Mountain Quest explores the relationship of humanity’s quest to scale some of the world’s highest places, while also revealing the scientific and technological advances that have enabled these peaks to be conquered. Also showing is Out of Bounds: Mountain Adventure, which follows Australian Olympic snowboarder Torah Bright as she rides the untamed peaks while examining the ecosystems and science of the mountain environments.Learn more about the Christmas Star at Cosmosphere’s Justice Planetarium. The Mystery of the Christmas Star, which retells the Christmas story as it pursues the scientific explanation of the star the wise men followed to find the infant Jesus, is shown daily.It is best to call the Cosmosphere Box Office at 800-397-0330 ext. 312 to get up-to-date information on showtime availability as seats for theater venues at the Cosmosphere are limited to ensure social distancing compliance.Through January 3, 2021, Cosmosphere is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, except for December 25, when the Cosmosphere will close for Christmas. All patrons must wear a mask at all times while in the Cosmosphere and any of its venues. Masks are available at the ticket desk.

Cosmosphere open daily except for Christmas day through holiday season

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 680 as of Sunday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 87.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 22 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases. Thirty-two people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.

Out of 6,250 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 668 cases in the community at large. 5,483 people have recovered thus far.

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

The community's positive test rate is at 26.15%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.91%. 31.16% of the population has been tested.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 680 as of Sunday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 87.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 22 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 68 active cases. Thirty-two people within those clusters have died. There are 40 active clusters in the county.Out of 6,250 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 668 cases in the community at large. 5,483 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-two Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred seventy-eight total have been hospitalized. Eighty-seven have been admitted to the ICU and 29 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 26.15%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.91%. 31.16% of the population has been tested.There are now two free public testing sites, one in the Cosmosphere parking lot in Hutchinson and one at Simply Good Overstocks parking lot in South Hutchinson. Those are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but not on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day.

Case count at 680, with 668 in community as of Sunday afternoon, 87 dead

LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) has selected 20 new organizations and 57 returning organizations across Kansas as 2021 Leadership Transformation Grant partners. One new recipient is Bethany College in Lindsborg. 

KLC partners with different organizations each year and guides them through a three-step leadership program. Dr. Adam Pryor, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs applied for the grant on behalf of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Bethany. Members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will act as the Bethany College Core team. The members of the committee are: Dr. Adam Pryor, Dr. Mark McDonald, Jessica Esquivel, Laura Jackson-Stenlund, and Brittany Torres.

This program was highly recommended by other organizations who have participated. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee recognizes that fostering a true spirit of inclusion on campus is not as easy as fixing a technical problem. It requires examining our capacity for self-evaluation, adopting common language for articulating the challenges we face, and finding ways to celebrate the successes of slow, gradual change in our community. KLC helps organizations develop the adaptive leadership skills to address large-scale, seemingly intractable, challenges and measure progress toward goals that can be difficult to quantify like promoting inclusion. In the coming weeks, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will be soliciting additional employees to participate in the KLC program.

In the past six years of awarding these grants, KLC has given 257 grants, trained over 8,700 people and invested $7 million in Kansas organizations and communities. Applications for Leadership Transformation Grants are accepted between June and August each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573957650285.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) has selected 20 new organizations and 57 returning organizations across Kansas as 2021 Leadership Transformation Grant partners. One new recipient is Bethany College in Lindsborg. KLC partners with different organizations each year and guides them through a three-step leadership program. Dr. Adam Pryor, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs applied for the grant on behalf of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Bethany. Members of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will act as the Bethany College Core team. The members of the committee are: Dr. Adam Pryor, Dr. Mark McDonald, Jessica Esquivel, Laura Jackson-Stenlund, and Brittany Torres.This program was highly recommended by other organizations who have participated. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee recognizes that fostering a true spirit of inclusion on campus is not as easy as fixing a technical problem. It requires examining our capacity for self-evaluation, adopting common language for articulating the challenges we face, and finding ways to celebrate the successes of slow, gradual change in our community. KLC helps organizations develop the adaptive leadership skills to address large-scale, seemingly intractable, challenges and measure progress toward goals that can be difficult to quantify like promoting inclusion. In the coming weeks, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will be soliciting additional employees to participate in the KLC program.In the past six years of awarding these grants, KLC has given 257 grants, trained over 8,700 people and invested $7 million in Kansas organizations and communities. Applications for Leadership Transformation Grants are accepted between June and August each year.

Bethany College recipient of 2021 KLC Leadership Transformation Grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch will host its networking event called "The Hot Seat" on Tuesday, Jan. 5, via Zoom. The Hot Seat is designed to encourage dialogue and foster a network of support around local entrepreneurs.

The featured entrepreneur for this edition of The Hot Seat will be Joe Young with Scuttlebutts Coffee. Young will be given 5 to 10 minutes to explain his business and talk about any challenges he is facing. After his remarks, the conversation will be open for feedback, questions and discussion. Any aspiring or experienced entrepreneur or start-up business proprietor in the Reno County area is invited to attend this free event.

“We have seen engaging conversations at these Hot Seat events,” Jackson Swearer, StartUp Hutch entrepreneur navigator and director, said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting on The Hot Seat or not, there will be takeaways that could benefit a number of businesses as a result of their participation.”

StartUp Hutch, formerly known as The Quest Center, fosters an entrepreneur community through online and in-person activities, and helps entrepreneurs navigate the business start-up process.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608238692954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch will host its networking event called "The Hot Seat" on Tuesday, Jan. 5, via Zoom. The Hot Seat is designed to encourage dialogue and foster a network of support around local entrepreneurs.The featured entrepreneur for this edition of The Hot Seat will be Joe Young with Scuttlebutts Coffee. Young will be given 5 to 10 minutes to explain his business and talk about any challenges he is facing. After his remarks, the conversation will be open for feedback, questions and discussion. Any aspiring or experienced entrepreneur or start-up business proprietor in the Reno County area is invited to attend this free event.“We have seen engaging conversations at these Hot Seat events,” Jackson Swearer, StartUp Hutch entrepreneur navigator and director, said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting on The Hot Seat or not, there will be takeaways that could benefit a number of businesses as a result of their participation.”StartUp Hutch, formerly known as The Quest Center, fosters an entrepreneur community through online and in-person activities, and helps entrepreneurs navigate the business start-up process.&nbsp;

StartUp Hutch to hold another Hot Seat event


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; As Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System reflects on what COVID-19 has meant to them in 2020, they realize that medicine in Reno County working together has saved lives.

"What an absolutely amazing medical community we have," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "If we hadn't had our four pulmonologists, if we hadn't had our hospitalists. If we hadn't had the capabilities and then the camaraderie of everybody in the community, I don't know that we would have made it by with 100 deaths. It could have been much, much worse."

It's not been about who makes the most money, it's been about keeping this virus at bay by all means necessary.

"Watching competitors in this community put that aside and do what's best for the community," Welch said. "All of that has just been tremendous and I really will strive to make sure that we continue to do that as a community moving into 2021."

Hospital CEO Ken Johnson notes that the community as a whole has come to help how they can, too.

"The support that we have received, as a medical community, from everyone else that's not necessarily a part of the medical delivery, has been significant. We had a prayer vigil out here in April. I know that they've supported our organization and other organizations as a community with food, with gift cards, with flowers, with cards. We just continue, almost daily, to have some members, some group from the community provide some support in some way."

Even though the vaccine has begun being delivered to the health care workers locally, the battle is not over. The medical community still needs each other and the rest of the area to remain vigilant as the fight continues into 2021.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; As Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System reflects on what COVID-19 has meant to them in 2020, they realize that medicine in Reno County working together has saved lives."What an absolutely amazing medical community we have," said Chuck Welch with the hospital. "If we hadn't had our four pulmonologists, if we hadn't had our hospitalists. If we hadn't had the capabilities and then the camaraderie of everybody in the community, I don't know that we would have made it by with 100 deaths. It could have been much, much worse."It's not been about who makes the most money, it's been about keeping this virus at bay by all means necessary."Watching competitors in this community put that aside and do what's best for the community," Welch said. "All of that has just been tremendous and I really will strive to make sure that we continue to do that as a community moving into 2021."Hospital CEO Ken Johnson notes that the community as a whole has come to help how they can, too."The support that we have received, as a medical community, from everyone else that's not necessarily a part of the medical delivery, has been significant. We had a prayer vigil out here in April. I know that they've supported our organization and other organizations as a community with food, with gift cards, with flowers, with cards. We just continue, almost daily, to have some members, some group from the community provide some support in some way."Even though the vaccine has begun being delivered to the health care workers locally, the battle is not over. The medical community still needs each other and the rest of the area to remain vigilant as the fight continues into 2021.

Hutchinson Regional praises community for coming together in 2020


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Grief is a difficult subject in any holiday season. It  may be even more difficult when being alone may be the right decision. When you are able to communicate, by phone or Zoom or some other means, do so.

"Name the hurt," said chaplain Cindy Dubovich with Hospice and Homecare of Reno County. "It's okay to name it. Don't let it be the elephant in the room of not mentioning your loved one's name. Name them and be able to have those memories and share those memories of all the relationship, all those different things you've been able to do."

The time looking toward the holiday may actually be harder.

"These days, these weeks, leading up to Christmas, may be as hard or harder than the actual day," Dubovich said. "People are anticipating and knowing its coming. They are already becoming anxious and more aware of the hurt."

For those who have lost someone to COVID, or simply lost the traditions by which they remember the ones who have gone before, this year could be particularly hard.

"COVID has additional grief stressors, because of the inability for families to be with their loved ones in many cases," Dubovich said. "The inability to have time with them. If they're in nursing home situations, they may be allowed in most, late into the patient's life, as they are much closer to death. That's additional angst and hurt and anger."

If you know someone who has lost someone, reach out and give them a chance to remember that they are not alone and that you remember their loved one, too.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596115930896.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Grief is a difficult subject in any holiday season. It may be even more difficult when being alone may be the right decision. When you are able to communicate, by phone or Zoom or some other means, do so."Name the hurt," said chaplain Cindy Dubovich with Hospice and Homecare of Reno County. "It's okay to name it. Don't let it be the elephant in the room of not mentioning your loved one's name. Name them and be able to have those memories and share those memories of all the relationship, all those different things you've been able to do."The time looking toward the holiday may actually be harder."These days, these weeks, leading up to Christmas, may be as hard or harder than the actual day," Dubovich said. "People are anticipating and knowing its coming. They are already becoming anxious and more aware of the hurt."For those who have lost someone to COVID, or simply lost the traditions by which they remember the ones who have gone before, this year could be particularly hard."COVID has additional grief stressors, because of the inability for families to be with their loved ones in many cases," Dubovich said. "The inability to have time with them. If they're in nursing home situations, they may be allowed in most, late into the patient's life, as they are much closer to death. That's additional angst and hurt and anger."If you know someone who has lost someone, reach out and give them a chance to remember that they are not alone and that you remember their loved one, too.

Communicate to help with holiday grief

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County commission has a light agenda next Tuesday.&nbsp;

The board will go over a renewal for property, liability and automobile insurance coverage for the year. The cost from Fee Insurance Group totals $458,753 — which is $4,253 higher than last year. The difference will be made up in other line items.

Also Tuesday, the board will seek approval of selling off tax credits that were applied for and granted for the county last year. The $40,224 in tax credits were used to help make repairs to the courthouse elevator. The tax credits were granted through the Kansas State Historical Society.

One thing that is not on the agenda, as of yet, is action the commission might take on the county health order that was extended Friday for another month. During last week's meeting, both Commissioner Ron Hirst and Interim Commissioner Mark Steffen indicated they wanted to see either a portion or all of the health order removed. The matter can be added to the agenda at the start of the meeting.&nbsp;

The board will be honoring Bill Hermes at the sart of the meeting. Hermes has been with the county for 31 years and has served as the youth services director for 28 years. Hermes has also served in several interim capacities, including interim county administrator before Randy Partington’s arrival.

Finally, Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar will update the board on the pandemic.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605646859037.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County commission has a light agenda next Tuesday.&nbsp;The board will go over a renewal for property, liability and automobile insurance coverage for the year. The cost from Fee Insurance Group totals $458,753 — which is $4,253 higher than last year. The difference will be made up in other line items.Also Tuesday, the board will seek approval of selling off tax credits that were applied for and granted for the county last year. The $40,224 in tax credits were used to help make repairs to the courthouse elevator. The tax credits were granted through the Kansas State Historical Society.One thing that is not on the agenda, as of yet, is action the commission might take on the county health order that was extended Friday for another month. During last week's meeting, both Commissioner Ron Hirst and Interim Commissioner Mark Steffen indicated they wanted to see either a portion or all of the health order removed. The matter can be added to the agenda at the start of the meeting.&nbsp;The board will be honoring Bill Hermes at the sart of the meeting. Hermes has been with the county for 31 years and has served as the youth services director for 28 years. Hermes has also served in several interim capacities, including interim county administrator before Randy Partington’s arrival.Finally, Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith and Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar will update the board on the pandemic.&nbsp;Tuesday’s meeting of the Reno County commission begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

County Commission has light agenda Tuesday

TOPEKA–&nbsp;A Hutchinson Correctional Facility resident who died Friday, Dec. 18 had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the third COVID-19 related resident death at HCF, and the twelfth resident death related to COVID-19 for the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from KDOC.

The resident tested positive for the virus on Oct. 23 and was transferred to the hospital on Nov. 23.&nbsp; He was a 62-year old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition.

The resident was serving a 154-month sentence for convictions of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since March 2013.

The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses 1,884 men.&nbsp;

TOPEKA–&nbsp;A Hutchinson Correctional Facility resident who died Friday, Dec. 18 had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the third COVID-19 related resident death at HCF, and the twelfth resident death related to COVID-19 for the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to a media release from KDOC.The resident tested positive for the virus on Oct. 23 and was transferred to the hospital on Nov. 23.&nbsp; He was a 62-year old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition.The resident was serving a 154-month sentence for convictions of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since March 2013.The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses 1,884 men.&nbsp;

Another HCF inmate dies after positive COVID-19 test

Release from Hutchinson Fire Department

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters responded just before 8 a.m. Saturday to 729 East 1st Avenue for a structure fire. 

First arriving crews found smoke coming from the eaves of a single-story residence. Fire was found in the kitchen and the attic above the kitchen. Crews performed salvage operations to protect personal property and overhauled the attic area to extinguish hot spots.

Damage was contained to the kitchen area of the home and in the attic directly above the kitchen. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. 

Fire investigators determined the cause to be electrical. No one was hurt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608401422851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters responded just before 8 a.m. Saturday to 729 East 1st Avenue for a structure fire. First arriving crews found smoke coming from the eaves of a single-story residence. Fire was found in the kitchen and the attic above the kitchen. Crews performed salvage operations to protect personal property and overhauled the attic area to extinguish hot spots.Damage was contained to the kitchen area of the home and in the attic directly above the kitchen. The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Fire investigators determined the cause to be electrical. No one was hurt.

Saturday fire damages Hutchinson home

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steffen provides alternative website regarding COVID-19

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

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

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

Special Episode-Dr. Humayun Ashraf

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

Episode 15: Two guests-Bob Ratley and Katie Perez

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

Episode 14 is with USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks

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

Episode 13 is with Pastor Kent Pedersen

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

Episode 12 is with Nursing Home Administrator Rebeka Jones

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

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

Episode 10 is with ICU Nurse Jon Miller

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

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

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

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

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

Episode 5 is with Reno County Epidemiologist Elliot Koester

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

Episode 4 is with Linda and Tony Ojeda

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

Episode 3 is with Cathy Kilpatrick

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

Episode 2 is with Hutchinson resident Susan Puls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hyde Park Luminaries set for Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

Siemens Gamesa wins order for Nebraska wind farm

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

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

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

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

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

County's unemployment rate inches up in November

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

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

Recent obituaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson says they are getting closer to their bell ringing goal."We're right about $12,000 with six days left to go of ringing," James said. "That goal is definitely very attainable."The bell ringing goal of $60,000 is only part of their $230,000 overall goal."We have about $114,000 that's come in for our bell appeal so far beyond the kettle," James said. "We're still about $71,000 short of our overall goal."This is<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/2b8287ac-76c7-49b9-b354-c847fabf0147"> after an $11,000 donation from Midwest Superstore Thursday</a>."Please think of us when you're planning your year end donations," James said. "I know, depending on your situation and portfolio, you have to donate some money and so, we are definitely open and willing to do that."For those who do not make enough to itemize, in 2020,<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/1f3227d2-1766-4c8b-aab8-229b2ab554e0"> you can still get a tax deduction for a charitable donation of up to $300.</a>

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608236292608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A seven year journey for the Reno County Veterans' Memorial saw a major achievement Thursday, as the granite panels began to be hung on the Memorial site in South Hutchinson."Probably the most exciting point was when we ordered the granite," said Kelly Danyluk, board president. "It took us several months to get. Then it took us several more months to get it engraved once it came in. To top it all off, today is absolutely amazing, to finally be here."The actual hanging of the panels should be done by the end of the day Friday, if the weather stays as nice as it was Thursday. There is still trim work to be done. The cost of the memorial thus far has been about $400,000.Erwin Leeper was on the South Hutchinson City Council at the time that KDOT redid the highway."We negotiated with KDOT for these access roads," Leeper said. "They purchased this much land and what they didn't use for the road, they dedicated to us."Then the Veterans Memorial was brought up as an idea for the space that the city was originally thinking would be a park and Market South Hutch started working on the idea."There's two different companies here," Danyluk said. "Stainless Systems and then LeDuc Memorial out of Concordia."Approximately 14,000 names of veterans who were either born in Reno County or lived there for at least 10 years are on the original panels for the memorial, but there are additional panels for later veterans or in case there are any omissions or spelling errors.

Panels being hung at Reno County Veterans' Memorial

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

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

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