HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters were able to keep a Sunday night fire down to a single room.

According to a release from the department, crews were called at 9:30 p.m. Sunday to 218 East Avenue B in Hutchinson for a fire located at the back of a small, single story home near the rear exit. 

The fire was limited to one small utility room. No one was home at the time of the fire. Light smoke damage was present throughout the home. The initial investigation appears to show that the fire is electrical in nature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607940001085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters were able to keep a Sunday night fire down to a single room.According to a release from the department, crews were called at 9:30 p.m. Sunday to 218 East Avenue B in Hutchinson for a fire located at the back of a small, single story home near the rear exit. The fire was limited to one small utility room. No one was home at the time of the fire. Light smoke damage was present throughout the home. The initial investigation appears to show that the fire is electrical in nature.

No one hurt in Sunday night Hutchinson fire

Release from Jason Levy,&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Twenty-nine new law enforcement officers, including three from Hutchinson, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on December 11th at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. 

Katie Russell, an officer of the Andover Police Department, was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 271st Basic Training Class.

Officer Rachel Grisham from the Salina Police Department was the recipient of both the Director’s Honor Roll and the Welch Academic Award. 

Officer Tristan LaRocque from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”. Officer Antione Powell from Leavenworth Police Department walked, ran, or biked more than 215 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Officer Powell was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in August 2020, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Area graduates whose names were released include:

• Blane Janssen - McPherson Police Department

• Tristan La Rocque - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Christopher Orton - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Trenton Smith - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

• Logan Corley - Hutchinson Police Department

• Benjamin Smalling - Hutchinson Police Department

• Trevor Stoll - Hutchinson Police Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602690467753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Jason Levy,&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training CenterTwenty-nine new law enforcement officers, including three from Hutchinson, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on December 11th at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium. Katie Russell, an officer of the Andover Police Department, was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 271st Basic Training Class.Officer Rachel Grisham from the Salina Police Department was the recipient of both the Director’s Honor Roll and the Welch Academic Award. Officer Tristan LaRocque from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”. Officer Antione Powell from Leavenworth Police Department walked, ran, or biked more than 215 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Officer Powell was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in August 2020, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Area graduates whose names were released include:McPherson• Blane Janssen - McPherson Police DepartmentPratt• Tristan La Rocque - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism• Christopher Orton - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism• Trenton Smith - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; TourismReno• Logan Corley - Hutchinson Police Department• Benjamin Smalling - Hutchinson Police Department• Trevor Stoll - Hutchinson Police Department

Latest KLETC class includes three Hutchinson officers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 968 as of Saturday afternoon, just about steady from a week ago. The death count among Reno County residents is at 75. Forty-seven people have died in the last 30 days. Seventeen have been listed since this time last week.

The Correctional Facility cluster type has 36 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 90 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.

Out of 5,847 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 942 cases in the community at large. 4,804 people have recovered thus far.

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

The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.06%. 29.95% of the population has been tested.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 968 as of Saturday afternoon, just about steady from a week ago. The death count among Reno County residents is at 75. Forty-seven people have died in the last 30 days. Seventeen have been listed since this time last week.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 36 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 90 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,847 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 942 cases in the community at large. 4,804 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-five Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-seven total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 31.06%. 29.95% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

Case count in Reno County 968,  with 942 in community as of Saturday afternoon


HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County
Commissioners will be back to work on Tuesday after canceling last
week's meeting due to a lack of a quorum.

The
Board will go over several transfer of funds to various departments
and pay the bills as part of the consent agenda. The Board will also
go over a rezoning request to make 14 acres of land north of the city
to agriculture. The land would then tie into a parcel of land already
zoned.

There
will also be discussion regarding a financial analysis for several
building and public works projects and the Board will get an update
from Ken Johnson of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Emergency
Management Director Adam Weishaar and Health Department Officer Karen
Hammersmith Regarding the pandemic. 


Tuesdays
meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606245605566.jpeg" alt="" />
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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County
Commissioners will be back to work on Tuesday after canceling last
week's meeting due to a lack of a quorum.The
Board will go over several transfer of funds to various departments
and pay the bills as part of the consent agenda. The Board will also
go over a rezoning request to make 14 acres of land north of the city
to agriculture. The land would then tie into a parcel of land already
zoned.There
will also be discussion regarding a financial analysis for several
building and public works projects and the Board will get an update
from Ken Johnson of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Emergency
Management Director Adam Weishaar and Health Department Officer Karen
Hammersmith Regarding the pandemic. 
Tuesdays
meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Reno County Courthouse.

Co. Comm. back to work Tuesday after one week break


HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson
USD 308 School Board will take action on a proposal to conduct an
overall assessment of the district during Monday’s agenda session.



The
assessment would be done by RSP at a cost of $64,000. According to
district Spokesperson Ray Hemman, the study will cover enrollment
trends, finances, and how the district can best utilize thier facilities. 


Hemman
said the results of the study will be shared with the community and will
take on patrons input on the study’s findings. 


Such
studies have been conducted in the past. One lead to an $85-million
bond issue that made major improvements to the districts facilities.
Another more recent one lead to an overhaul of the districts
elementary school boundaries.

Mondays
meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson CTEA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson
USD 308 School Board will take action on a proposal to conduct an
overall assessment of the district during Monday’s agenda session.

The
assessment would be done by RSP at a cost of $64,000. According to
district Spokesperson Ray Hemman, the study will cover enrollment
trends, finances, and how the district can best utilize thier facilities. 
Hemman
said the results of the study will be shared with the community and will
take on patrons input on the study’s findings. 
Such
studies have been conducted in the past. One lead to an $85-million
bond issue that made major improvements to the districts facilities.
Another more recent one lead to an overhaul of the districts
elementary school boundaries.Mondays
meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson CTEA.

USD 308 Board to go over master plan study

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – At the December meeting, the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees wrapped up its calendar year with a brief meeting.

Board chair Bob Snyder recognized the faculty, staff and students for their work in maintaining in-person classes for the duration of the fall semester.&nbsp;

For fiscal year 2020-2021 the Board approved the Master Agreement with the Hutchinson National Faculty Association which includes a 1.5% increase on base salary and $30 per month increase for Board Benefits. A salary increase for classified and administrative staff based on performance, market value and scope of responsibility, with the average increase not to exceed 1.5%, and a $30 per month increase in the Board Benefit was also approved for classified and administrative staff. In addition, the Board approved the president’s contract with the same base salary and Board Benefit adjustments as staff and administration.

The next meeting will be Thursday, January 14.&nbsp; The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577741375097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. – At the December meeting, the Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees wrapped up its calendar year with a brief meeting.Board chair Bob Snyder recognized the faculty, staff and students for their work in maintaining in-person classes for the duration of the fall semester.&nbsp;For fiscal year 2020-2021 the Board approved the Master Agreement with the Hutchinson National Faculty Association which includes a 1.5% increase on base salary and $30 per month increase for Board Benefits. A salary increase for classified and administrative staff based on performance, market value and scope of responsibility, with the average increase not to exceed 1.5%, and a $30 per month increase in the Board Benefit was also approved for classified and administrative staff. In addition, the Board approved the president’s contract with the same base salary and Board Benefit adjustments as staff and administration.The next meeting will be Thursday, January 14.&nbsp; The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater. The public is invited to attend.

HutchCC BOT approves contracts

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The need for help this Christmas is greater than it has been before, according to Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson.

"This year we're serving 780 families with food," James said. "This is up from last year. Really, there's a lot of larger families and first time request families that are coming to us this year. That also means we're serving 1098 children with toys. This is up from last year when we were serving just under 600 families."

The Salvation Army is running behind in its kettle drive, as well.

"Last year, we were about $30,000 ahead of where we are right now," James said. "It's a little nerve wracking. I think we can still make it."

Eagle Radio employees will be out in front of the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery ringing for the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, with members of the morning Kiwanis club out in front of the Toy Depot. You can go to either of those locations to donate, or donate in the Salvation Army virtual kettle <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdonate.salarmymokan.org%2Fcampaign%2Frescue-christmas-in-hutchinson%2Fc307596%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TDSk5FRxyxFaXltzL1S5ieMVWrgL75Ur1x1DCTK9Th-4Xr25XoeKtYBE&amp;h=AT1Yjd8SVPPrjrUhuylBehWxUAUmOrwqm6s-uMP5jKmEl8PxQlVOwzYiOiKooBZUmRsu4Wa1pdcJ7zGZio2Ci9d7-JkrdWY9SdQtvT4EnIF0qfNvqVWFAko0pmCTJl7ATQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XHsPl1GY2bKm9HSH3xb6_XmMKAl_o1x1iZNsAov3DPWreBMH-7gSQDBkNk-Y9GWQuOi5S_2Q0zdg_vEjV3VvlSDN5xOY-8pthoek89ICivlUQRWYucelyy9jOi9RkEouy78PJVqn07LQ2PekROTQP58OEvzlBlAYzrKVfYEcfCnwShZ_LJSA7wlhcLICu4riI3JhnGJg4QJw">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The need for help this Christmas is greater than it has been before, according to Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson."This year we're serving 780 families with food," James said. "This is up from last year. Really, there's a lot of larger families and first time request families that are coming to us this year. That also means we're serving 1098 children with toys. This is up from last year when we were serving just under 600 families."The Salvation Army is running behind in its kettle drive, as well."Last year, we were about $30,000 ahead of where we are right now," James said. "It's a little nerve wracking. I think we can still make it."Eagle Radio employees will be out in front of the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery ringing for the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, with members of the morning Kiwanis club out in front of the Toy Depot. You can go to either of those locations to donate, or donate in the Salvation Army virtual kettle <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdonate.salarmymokan.org%2Fcampaign%2Frescue-christmas-in-hutchinson%2Fc307596%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TDSk5FRxyxFaXltzL1S5ieMVWrgL75Ur1x1DCTK9Th-4Xr25XoeKtYBE&amp;h=AT1Yjd8SVPPrjrUhuylBehWxUAUmOrwqm6s-uMP5jKmEl8PxQlVOwzYiOiKooBZUmRsu4Wa1pdcJ7zGZio2Ci9d7-JkrdWY9SdQtvT4EnIF0qfNvqVWFAko0pmCTJl7ATQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1XHsPl1GY2bKm9HSH3xb6_XmMKAl_o1x1iZNsAov3DPWreBMH-7gSQDBkNk-Y9GWQuOi5S_2Q0zdg_vEjV3VvlSDN5xOY-8pthoek89ICivlUQRWYucelyy9jOi9RkEouy78PJVqn07LQ2PekROTQP58OEvzlBlAYzrKVfYEcfCnwShZ_LJSA7wlhcLICu4riI3JhnGJg4QJw">here</a>.

Salvation Army needs kettles filled to meet greater need; Eagle Radio employees to help

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The drive through event for Toys for Tots hosted by the Reno County District Attorney's office is today.

"Because of COVID and limited access to getting into buildings and such, we will have boxes set up," said Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton. "Our staff will be out in front of the courthouse on First Avenue, and as people come by, they can drop off a toy and we'll give them a little something to thank them for that."

The event is from 10 a.m. to noon today, or you can drop toys by the courthouse during regular business hours next week through the 18th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607768904216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The drive through event for Toys for Tots hosted by the Reno County District Attorney's office is today."Because of COVID and limited access to getting into buildings and such, we will have boxes set up," said Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton. "Our staff will be out in front of the courthouse on First Avenue, and as people come by, they can drop off a toy and we'll give them a little something to thank them for that."The event is from 10 a.m. to noon today, or you can drop toys by the courthouse during regular business hours next week through the 18th.

Saturday drive through event to help Toys for Tots at courthouse

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After being shut down two weeks ago, Union Valley Elementary School will be back open again for full time, in-person learning on Monday.&nbsp;

The building was closed and students went to remote learning after six cases of COVID-19. The building has been closed since November 30.

Buhler USD 313 reports that all buildings are open with older students still learning in the hybrid mode and all elementary schools in full learning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After being shut down two weeks ago, Union Valley Elementary School will be back open again for full time, in-person learning on Monday.&nbsp;The building was closed and students went to remote learning after six cases of COVID-19. The building has been closed since November 30.Buhler USD 313 reports that all buildings are open with older students still learning in the hybrid mode and all elementary schools in full learning.

Union Valley will reopen as planned on Monday


HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another School in USD 308 has been approved for
the states redesign program.

After a lengthy
presentation to the Kansas State Department of Education, the Magnet
School at Allen was given the go-ahead to implement the program. The
approval comes after a year of planning, which included
working with students, parents and the community to design the
program.

Hutchinson Magnet
School at Allen began as a traditional magnet school in what was
formally the old Roosevelt Elementary School. It became a STEM magnet
school in 2012. 


The school joins Wiley as the first two schools in the district to get final approval
for the Apollo Redesign program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607723338975.jpeg" alt="Allen staff.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Allen staff.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another School in USD 308 has been approved for
the states redesign program.After a lengthy
presentation to the Kansas State Department of Education, the Magnet
School at Allen was given the go-ahead to implement the program. The
approval comes after a year of planning, which included
working with students, parents and the community to design the
program.Hutchinson Magnet
School at Allen began as a traditional magnet school in what was
formally the old Roosevelt Elementary School. It became a STEM magnet
school in 2012. 
The school joins Wiley as the first two schools in the district to get final approval
for the Apollo Redesign program.

Magnet School at Allen approved for Apollo Program

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Mennonite Friendship Communities Board of Directors announced Friday that Dawn Veh has been named the new Executive Director&nbsp; at Mennonite Friendship Communities. She will join MFC in January.&nbsp;

Veh comes to MFC after serving as CEO at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro since June&nbsp; 2018. She was the Interim Director of Sunporch of Smith Center from 2017 to 2018, Executive&nbsp; Director of Wichita Presbyterian Manor from 2014 to 2017, and was the Vice President for&nbsp; Health Services at Wesley Towers from 1991 to 2014.&nbsp;

A native of Phillips County, near the small town of Agra, Kan., Veh has her Bachelors of&nbsp; Science in Administration, with an emphasis in Gerontology, from Kansas State University. She&nbsp; also received her MBA from Wichita State University in 2001.&nbsp;

Dawn has been married to Darron, a physical therapist, for almost 33 years. They have two&nbsp; children: Dr. Taylor Johnson of St. Louis and Gannon Veh, Greenville, SC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lowell J. Peachey has graciously agreed to emerge from his recent retirement to fill the role of Interim Executive Director from Dec. 16, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607723410687.jpeg" alt="Dawn-Veh.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Dawn-Veh.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Mennonite Friendship Communities Board of Directors announced Friday that Dawn Veh has been named the new Executive Director&nbsp; at Mennonite Friendship Communities. She will join MFC in January.&nbsp;Veh comes to MFC after serving as CEO at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro since June&nbsp; 2018. She was the Interim Director of Sunporch of Smith Center from 2017 to 2018, Executive&nbsp; Director of Wichita Presbyterian Manor from 2014 to 2017, and was the Vice President for&nbsp; Health Services at Wesley Towers from 1991 to 2014.&nbsp;A native of Phillips County, near the small town of Agra, Kan., Veh has her Bachelors of&nbsp; Science in Administration, with an emphasis in Gerontology, from Kansas State University. She&nbsp; also received her MBA from Wichita State University in 2001.&nbsp;Dawn has been married to Darron, a physical therapist, for almost 33 years. They have two&nbsp; children: Dr. Taylor Johnson of St. Louis and Gannon Veh, Greenville, SC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lowell J. Peachey has graciously agreed to emerge from his recent retirement to fill the role of Interim Executive Director from Dec. 16, 2020 to Jan. 10, 2021.&nbsp;

Veh named to lead Mennonite Friendship Communities

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

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

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

Recent obituaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammersmith: More testing opportunities next week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf course improvements part of Tuesday's council meeting

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 920 as of Thursday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 70. Forty-six people have died in the last 30 days. Case count is down 210 from a week ago, but 13 deaths have been reported in that same time frame.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 38 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 92 active cases. Twenty-seven people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,731 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 897 cases in the community at large. 4,741 people have recovered thus far.Forty-two Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred fifty-three total have been hospitalized. Eighty-four have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.80%. 29.61% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.

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

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

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

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

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

Reno County Sheriff's Office passes along KDOL fraud link

Release from Hutchinson Police Department

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

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

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

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

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

Hutchinson man arrested on sex offense, drug charges Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crow will start his new duties January 10.

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

Crow named new Reno County Extension Agent

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

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

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

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

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

HCF is a part of the Kansas Leadership Transformation Grant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace period for vehicle tags has expired

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.57%. 29.12% of the population has been tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595202434504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County overall case count is at 837 as of Wednesday afternoon. The death count among Reno County residents is at 65. Forty-one people have died in the last 30 days.The Correctional Facility cluster type has 37 active cases measured by the county's COVID-19 dashboard. The Long Term Care Facility cluster type has 91 active cases. Twenty-five people within those clusters have died. There are 41 active clusters in the county.Out of 5,595 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic, there are 816 cases in the community at large. 4,693 people have recovered thus far.Thirty-nine Reno County residents are in the hospital. Two hundred forty-six total have been hospitalized. Eighty-three have been admitted to the ICU and 27 have been intubated. These are Reno County resident numbers regardless of where they are hospitalized.The community's positive test rate is at 24.84%, with the overall positive test rate at 30.57%. 29.12% of the population has been tested.The next community testing date is Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dairy Tie Barn on the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To schedule your appointment, call 1-844-834-3657.